Tea and the Transcendent: A Novel in Stories

by Genevieve Clovis

Nova‑Marie is a medium with a big heart and questionable work ethics. If she had it her way, she and her best friend, Elliot, would just drink tea, hang out, and let the supernatural beasties go about their business. But, as much as she wishes otherwise, Nova‑Marie doesn’t always get her way.
Supernatural activity is on the rise.
They have no idea what’s causing it, and Nova‑Marie doesn’t care to find out. Not even when a ghost, a demon, and a púca move in with her. But when some aggressive demon hunters come to town and mess with her neighbourhood, ignoring things may no longer be an option. If Nova‑Marie wants to keep the peace and keep her friends alive (or dead, as the case may be), she may actually have to get off her butt and do something about it.

300 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2022

About the author

A stranger once called Genevieve Clovis “Empress of the Written Word” and she aspires to live up to that title. Genevieve is building her book-based empire in Toronto, Ontario, where she reads, writes, edits, and sells books. She also dabbles in bookbinding and other book related creative projects.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

(All right, so a tiny part of it is because I know the author, and I got to copy-edit it.)

BUT, the main reason I love this book is because of Genevieve's characters. They feel so real and flawed and like friends that I just want to drink copious amounts of tea and go on bike rides and deal with the occasional ghost. Seriously, this book is simultaneously super-cozy fantasy and heartwrenchingly suspenseful. You NEED to read it. Now. (Please.)

Also, it's set in TORONTO!! Name five fantasy books set in Toronto by five different authors. Yeah, as an Ontarian, this makes me incredibly happy. 😊

[Sian Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the novel I did not know I needed, but I needed it. It was the antidote to a lot of the current poisons in the world. How can a novel in stories be: (1) so sweetly about the domestic comforts of tea and baking and genuine friendship, (2) so assured and light-handed in its world-building, (3) simultaneously decolonizing the standard violent approach to horror, (4) giving toxic masculinity the side eye it deserves, and (5) building a narrative arc seemingly in the background until it cumulates into seriously raised stakes and resolves with satisfying hopefulness? I mean! I'm just grateful for it.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Toronto that I know, the norm seems to be to hustle and grind. This book was an invitation to slow down and immerse yourself in a softer world where the main characters just hang out, ride bikes, craft, and make tea. But also kick serious butt. And have an incredibly charming sense of humor.

The kind of escapism best paired with a London fog and a cozy blanket. Just everything I could possibly ask for in a fictional novel.

[Sarina Langer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book, so obviously I love it. Best read wrapped in a cozy blanket with your favourite cup of tea... though, most books are probably best read this way.

[James Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My nickname for Tea and the Transcendent is T 'n T, because this book is a certified banger!

Granted, I may be slightly biased as I was one of the beta readers, but seeing this story go from a smattering of tales to a full length novel has been a pleasure in itself, to say nothing of the final product.

This book is funny. Like, really funny. I had to fight to not laugh out loud while reading it on the subway. The humor alone recommends this book.

On a deeper level, there's a profound sense of satisfaction every time Nova-Marie and Elliot solve a problem. Other fantasy books usually involve a lot of violence to resolve their conflicts. There's refreshingly little of that here; usually the demons and ghosts are dispatched with words instead of weapons. The tales that end peacefully feel like true wins.

I would recommend this to anyone age 12 and over, and I'm looking forward to what Genevieve writes next.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fun read with dialogue ranging from serious & heartfelt to whimsically hilarious. The relatable characters and unpredictable supernatural situations made this book hard to put down - Highly recommend!

[Joanne Doughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a cup of tea in hand, enjoy the resonating, and quite charming characters within these pages. Don't be surprised if you find it hard to put it down, so I recommend some shortbread or other yummy snack to pass the hours with. Cheers to you Genevieve Clovis!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is written in an unfamiliar format which is part of the charm. I read this slowly to appreciate and enjoy the excellent composition of each story. I highly recommend it.

[Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the best book I have read in my life.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy and quirky fantasy that beautifully centres friendship. This is a charming read that will have you craving and drinking a lot of tea.