Escape Artist: A story about overcoming a quarter-life crisis and finding love in a world she didn't mean to create

by Katie Harden

Even paradise has cracks.

When twenty-four-year-old Giselle receives a magical paintbrush that lets her step through her canvas and into whatever she paints, she thinks she’s found the answer to her quarter-life crisis.

Instead of adventure, Giselle craves control. So she paints a sleepy seaside village where everything is exactly to her liking. A place where she can rewrite reality with the swipe of a brush. Soon, she’s living a secret double life, splitting her time between the real world and the one she created.

But everything isn’t sunshine and citrus fruit.

The villagers behave in unsettling, uncanny ways. Strange deaths ripple through the town. And when Giselle meets Ezra, a magnetic, mysterious man who feels far too real to belong inside her painting, her attachment to the world deepens into something dangerous. The longer she stays, the harder it becomes to leave.

As the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur, Giselle must decide whether clinging to an illusion of control is worth losing the life waiting for her outside the canvas.


This speculative women's fiction novel will appeal to fans of magical realism and forbiden romance.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2026

Reviews

[Kay’s Library]

I’m sorry to say this was a DNF for me at 25%. There was a lot of drinking throughout the chapters I read - going to bars, meeting friends to gossip, and similar scenes. It’s possible the story addresses or redeems those elements later on, but I didn’t read far enough to find out.

It ultimately just wasn’t the right fit for me, though I know it may be a good fit for other readers. ❤️

*I received a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review! Thank you Katie!! I’m sorry this just wasn’t the story for me and I wish you the best of luck ❤️

[Paige Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! I feel very lucky I got to be an arc reader! Will definitely be getting a physical copy for my collection!

[Jennifer Shipman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! I read it in 24 hours I couldn’t put it down. The authors was kind enough to let me be an arc reader for her and I am absolutely thrilled to have been able to read her amazing story. The storyline was fantastic and kept me wanting more. You guys definitely have to read this book.

[JKA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The premise immediately caught my attention, and it turned out to be such an original take on magical realism. Watching Giselle step into a world she created herself was both fascinating and heartbreaking, especially as the line between fantasy and reality began to blur.

I also liked that this wasn’t just a fantasy story. At its heart, it’s about grief, happiness, and the temptation to escape when real life isn’t what you hoped it would be. The mystery kept me engaged, and the romance added just the right amount of emotion without taking over the story.

The painted world was imaginative, but it was the emotional journey that stayed with me most. If you enjoy books that blend magical realism with mystery and a touch of romance, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Joel Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I would definitely recommend it.
The book is centered around Giselle, a woman in her 20's who is undergoing a quarter-life crisis. She inherits a paintbrush that she quickly finds out she can use to paint worlds that she enters. She uses that ability to paint her perfect, idyllic world, and finds herself escaping to it more and more often and leaving the real world behind for the fake, too-perfect version she created. It reminded me a lot of modern-day virtual and social media addition, creating fake, virtual worlds to hide in because the real one is too difficult. I especially liked how the book managed to create a vibe that made you want to step into the book the same way Giselle could step into her paintings.

[Alexandria Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story, is magical, emotional, and cozy. Dealing with family loss, grief, and the feeling of going nowhere, Escape Artist touches on the feelings we can all relate to at some point in our lives.

I saw myself in Giselle, from her feelings of being lost, uncertainty of how to handle her family, the loneliness, and especially the hobby. The need to find an escape can often be so real and in this story Giselle found it.

The choices and perspectives in this story are an awakening wrapped in a warm embrace. I Think it’s one an everyone can resonate with.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a different take on a story.. I loved the whole magical paintbrush that she inherited from her grandmother. Giselle creating a different world for herself while still actively being present in the real world felt like she was making a place that was keeping her sane while her world felt like is was falling apart. Until she realizes what she created doesn't necessarily hold up under pressure and you really aren't as real to people as you think. I loved that this book allowed you to escape for a bit and find happiness somewhere for a short while.

[Jayde Puente · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Copy*

Experiencing grief is something we all can relate to. It comes in waves and leaves a devastating impact on our lives. In this book Giselle navigates having to choose to live in a reality where life stops for no one, or living out her dreams through her art where everything is "perfect" and she can be with those she loves.

It was a good book and I love the life quotes that everyone measures success differently. It sort of had me deep in thought about what success means to me.

[Crys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the magic, the dream destination, and the love interest.
I was able to picture myself in fuga! I want to retire there!! 😩😆
I also liked that there was a little bit of a “villain” type of character. So it had me on edge for a bit.
I personally felt like the story should have ended at chapter 27. I found myself skimming the remaining chapters as I felt it just made the story drag.
But overall, this was such a good read!!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an ARC from the author. This book showed how life doesn’t always go perfect and you need to choose your happiness in what you have. There are a few different storylines with the character that are relatable to the reader in what she goes through.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader! I loved this book. It was so easy to follow along and fall in love with the characters. The story line kept you on your toes guessing what the outcome would ultimately be.

[Lakesha Croaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Review of Advanced Copy received by the Author*

Wonderfully written! It kind of reminded me of the video game Clair Obscur only due to the life in a painting and not wanting to leave! Otherwise wonderful book! Very magical story, made me wish I could live in the book!