Kirkus Book Review of Corsair says “a diverting SF romp with touchpoints of Victorian/Edwardian history!”

November 17, 2025Leave a comment

I got a couple of early Christmas gifts this week. First, the government shutdown ended so I am back to work in my regular full time job (yeah!) although I did take that time to really focus on my writing (more to come on that later). Second, Kirkus Reviews provided a top level book review of my steampunk historical fiction Corsair and the Sky Pirates. Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. The magazine’s publisher, Kirkus Media, is headquartered in New York City. Kirkus Reviews confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers’ literature.

I appreciate honest reviews that focuses on the story, not every little technical aspect that some reviewers nitpick at. It means they really took the time to read my book and understand what I was trying to convey in my story.

“The author envisions an epochal meeting in the late 19th century between visionary author Jules Verne and young inventor Nikola Tesla to pool their ideas and create mechanistic miracles made possible by an alien element (“Uriel”) found in fragments shed by a passing comet that provides a seemingly inexhaustible power source. Now, in 1907, a transformed Earth’s skies are crisscrossed by airships, and there are steam-power-armored warriors, cybernetic limbs, punch-card “Thinking Machines,” and other steam- and battery-based technological wonders. The ruthless and amoral Thomas Edison leads a cabal of industrial elites who want to rule the world absolutely—and possibly incite a global Great War between Germany, Britain, and France to bring this about. Opposing them are Tesla’s “Vernians,” among them a flying fleet of rogues tagged as “pirates” (though a Robin Hood comparison is more apt).”
Kirkus Review of Corsair and the Sky Pirates, Published November 17, 2026

You can read the entire book review online at Kirkus Reviews. Corsair and the Sky Pirates is available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and at Curious Corvid Publishing online shop. Remember, give the gift of steampunk this holiday season!

Corsair soars to new heights thanks to new readers and a Literary Titan

October 1, 2025October 1, 2025Leave a comment

I regularly talk about soaring to the skies with my steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, but it’s different when it happens on its own. I met so many people at events in 2025, and Corsair was one of my best sellers. People were enthralled by the swashbuckling adventures of Corsair and his crew of sky pirates as they fight for Nikola Tesla’s dream against the corporate tyranny of Thomas Edison’s ERP Corporation.

The most significant boost came from Literary Titan, which published a phenomenal review of Corsair online. They dove into the depths of my steampunk novel and brought incredible fanfare that I was not expecting. I can honestly tell you, this was one of the most humbling book reviews I have ever received.

From the first page, Corsair and the Sky Pirates drops you straight into a swirl of history, imagination, and high-flying adventure. It starts with Jules Verne and Nikola Tesla in a café in France, dreaming up impossible machines and strange new power sources. That meeting sparks a chain of events that explodes into a world of airships, sky pirates, secret plots, and the dangerous lure of comet fragments with world-changing energy. At the center of it all is Corsair, a rogue pirate who’s as much a freedom fighter as he is a thief, and his diverse crew of outcasts who take on empires, corporations, and tyrants in an age where science blurs into fantasy.

I found myself grinning at how much fun the writing is. The prose is quick, like a stage play mixed with pulp adventure, and it leans hard into spectacle. The characters are bold and colorful, each with their quirks, backstories, and weapons that are almost as wild as their personalities. There were moments where I rolled my eyes at how dramatic some scenes were, but I also loved it. It felt like the book knew it was larger than life and leaned all the way into that spirit. I kept turning pages because I wanted to see what trick or twist would come next.

At the same time, the ideas underneath the adventure stuck with me. There’s a real push and pull between invention for progress and invention for profit. The way the story frames Edison, Tesla, and ERP as forces shaping the world gave me something to chew on between the swashbuckling fights. I felt frustrated at the greed and cruelty shown by the corporate powers, and I rooted for Corsair even when his choices were brutal. The story isn’t subtle, but sometimes that’s the point. It makes its villains nasty, its heroes daring, and its stakes almost absurdly high, and that gave me the freedom to just sink into the ride.

When I closed the book, I thought about who would enjoy it most. If you like steampunk worlds, if you enjoy a good pirate tale with a twist of history and a lot of flair, or if you just want to escape into something that’s fun, fast, and fearless, this book will be right up your alley. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants adventure with heart and a lot of imagination.

Thanks to Literary Titan for recognizing the heart and soul of Corsair and the Sky Pirates. Suppose you’re interested in obtaining a signed copy of my award-winning steampunk historical fiction. In that case, I will be at Barnes & Noble, located at One Loudoun in Ashburn, VA, on Saturday, October 12, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Additionally, don’t forget 2nd Sundays Williamsburg on Sunday, October 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on N. Boundary Street in historic Williamsburg, VA.

Reviews for The Prometheus Engine continue to pour in, and a Firebird Book Award too

February 18, 2025March 11, 2025Leave a comment

Congratulations to The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series on two FIVE STAR reviews and 2ND PLACE in the Firebird Book Awards! I am highly honored by these peer reviews of my epic fantasy novel and the recognition for my publisher and the artists invested in my book.

The Firebird Book Awards are unique in their approach and contribution to indie authors. You are not just an entry but a new friend, and they treat your book submission with the care and attention it deserves. Secondly, every award submission supports the Enchanted Makeovers 501(c)(3) and other shelters for women and children. The awards support the authors who, in turn, support these charities. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series won 2nd Place for Fantasy, 4th Quarter of 2024.

First up is a review from preeminent book reviewer Jennie Rosenblum, who also happens to be a classmate from my hometown of Phillipsburg, NJ. She has supported my work as an indie author by giving honest reviews of my books since I first started writing. Please follow her website and social media, as her reviews cover various genres.

From the very first page, the story grabs hold and doesn’t let go, immersing readers in a world of action, intrigue, and magic. Hunter continues to grow into his leadership role, becoming not just a warrior but a realistic and personable leader who commands respect and loyalty. His development adds depth to the story, making his victories and struggles all the more compelling. Meanwhile, Mordred’s machinations reach new heights as he takes his scheming to another level against the resistance, raising the stakes like never before. Piggott masterfully weaves together tension, drama, and well-crafted characters, keeping readers engaged until the very last page. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this installment delivers an unforgettable ride full of twists and surprises.

Finally, the Literary Titan Book Awards are a mark of distinction, recognizing excellence in innovative and impactful writing. The opportunity to be reviewed under their prestige is a pinnacle in my writing career. You can read the entire review at Literary Titan, but here is an excerpt.

Mark Piggott’s The Prometheus Engine is an epic fantasy filled with magic, war, and alchemical mystery, all wrapped in Arthurian legend. The novel is set in Avalon, where Mordred, the immortal son of King Arthur, rules with an iron fist. At the heart of the story is the Prometheus Engine, a legendary machine capable of harnessing magical elements to create an all-powerful substance called Promethium. The rebellion against Mordred is led by the children of the late Gil-Gamesh, Lord Bryan MoonDrake, as they struggle to prevent the tyrant from using the engine’s destructive power. With high-stakes action, deep lore, and a blend of myth and steampunk-esque technology, the novel spins a fast-paced and immersive tale.

One of the strongest aspects of The Prometheus Engine is its world-building. Piggott paints a rich, layered Avalon filled with history, political intrigue, and magic-infused technology. The descriptions of places like New Camelot and Alfheimer evoke a grand, war-torn kingdom, and the concept of Promethium as a magical element adds an interesting twist to the traditional fantasy setting. The attention to detail in the engineering of the Prometheus Engine itself is fascinating, it’s not just a MacGuffin but an actual machine with lore tied to ancient alchemists and the fall of Atlantis. That depth makes the stakes feel real, not just another cliché “magical artifact” plot device.

The book masterfully weaves together battle sequences, political intrigue, and moments of introspection, creating a dynamic and multifaceted narrative. The final act, when the Prometheus Engine reaches critical mass, is absolutely gripping, delivering an intense and satisfying payoff. Along the way, the story takes time to explore various subplots, enriching the world and adding depth to the lore. The character development shines brightest with figures like Mordred and the rebellion’s leaders, who bring complexity and emotional weight to the tale. Meanwhile, the supporting characters serve as vital threads in the grand tapestry, helping to drive the action forward and keep the momentum strong.

You can pick up a copy of The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series through any online bookseller or Curious Corvid Publishing. Otherwise, come to one of my many book signing Events and get yourself a personalized copy.

*Check out **Buy My Books** to pick out your next binge read!*

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and the epic fantasy The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series from Curious Corvid Publishing. A Dance of Darklings and Demons is coming in 2025 from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Two peer reviews of Corsair and The Last Magus

February 6, 2024Leave a comment

***Corsair and the Sky Pirates*** and **The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel** available from **Curious Corvid Publishing.**

I genuinely feel appreciated for the work I put into a book when I get peer reviews. These are people in my craft who understand what it means to be a writer and provides the necessary feedback that I want and need. Any independent author worth their salt will tell you how important it is to hear from both readers and peers.

The first one comes from bookexcellence.com for Corsair and the Sky Pirates. I submitted my steampunk novel to them last year and finally got some feedback from them.

“In the wake of an encounter between Tesla and Verne, meteor fragments from the celestial wanderer, Uriel, become the catalyst for a revolutionary energy source, replacing conventional combustion engines with the mesmerizing power of steam. Thus, a steampunk revolution is born, an industrial evolution propelled by the genius of these two visionaries. Yet, not all is utopian in this new age of progress. Thomas Edison’s ERP Corporation, fueled by ambition and influence, sought to capitalize on these advancements, ensuring that every marvel of modernity came at a price. While Tesla’s inventions were intended to alleviate the burdens of everyday life, Edison’s corporate juggernaut sought to exploit them for profit. Amidst this clash of ideals, one man emerged to represent the common folk. He took up the mantle of Tesla’s dream, dedicating his life to bringing the wonders of invention to the masses. His name echoed through the corridors of legend, his crew became synonymous with daring exploits, and his airship a breathtaking glimpse into the future.

“This is the tale of Corsair and the Sky Pirates, a gripping saga of adventure, rebellion, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. As the skies above echo with the whirring gears and billowing steam of magnificent airships, Corsair leads a daring crew against the oppressive forces of Edison’s corporate tyranny.

“Piggott’s spellbinding tale offers an action-packed plotline woven through with moral dilemmas that add interest and emotion to the book. At its heart, this is a story of good vs. evil with intricate world-building that features a diverse cast of characters sure to resonate with a wide range of readers. In addition, the book is packed with tension right from the start. Piggott’s concise writing creates powerful scenes, leading to an immersive reader experience. His creative use of real-world characters (Verne, Tesla, Edison, etc.) enhances the overall storyline to craft a compelling world readers won’t want to leave.

“A masterful book of steampunk fantasy perfect for any collector’s bookshelf, Corsair and the Sky Pirates explores the true meaning of how far one hero can go with the right friends at his side.”
From bookexcellence.com

* * * *

The next review comes from a “brutally honest” book reviewer, Jennie Rosenblum. Jennie and I are from the same hometown of Phillipsburg, NJ, and have a mutual love for books—hers reading and mine writing. Jennie has always been honest in her reviews of my books and I always appreciate her support for the indie author community. She took the time over the Christmas holiday to read the next book in The Last Magus series, The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel.

“I could not wait to return to Gideon’s captivating world. It was pure delight as the familiar blend of adventure, magic, and vibrant characters filled the pages once more. In this installment of the series, Gideon starts by embarking on a compelling journey to the isolated city of Plodoro to fulfill his late master’s final wishes. And that’s just the beginning. He has to make it to the Helios competition and not only compete but win. Despite facing relentless moral dilemmas and external pressures, Gideon’s unwavering commitment to doing what’s right shines through.

“This series excels not only in its fantastical elements but also in its exploration of universal themes like duty, love, and the complexities of human (and sometimes non-human) nature. While each book stands on its own, offering a complete and immersive experience, the overarching narrative adds depth for returning readers. With its evocative storytelling and timeless moral resonance, Gideon’s saga continues to offer a captivating escape into a world of wonder and integrity.

“As always – the incredibly beautiful covers are the first draw!”
From Jennie Rosenblum, Jenniereads.com

As always, I hope you will take the opportunity to dive into my fantastic imagination and read my carefully woven stories of fantasy and steampunk adventures. Head over to Buy My Books if you want to read more or visit my Events page to meet me at an upcoming festival or convention!

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, and the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series along with his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, are coming soon from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Here’s a critics review of Corsair and the Sky Pirates from Publisher’s Weekly BookLife

June 8, 20231 Comment

BookLife taps the experience, integrity, and authority of Publishers Weekly to help indie authors achieve their goals. BookLife is a website from Publishers Weekly dedicated to indie authors. The site provides a free and easy way to submit self-published books to Publishers Weekly for review, and offers editorial content—success stories, interviews, author profiles, how-to pieces, news, and features—geared toward helping indie authors achieve their goals. Whether an author is focused on writing and editing, art and design, or marketing and distribution, BookLife has valuable resources that can help along the way.

This is my second book to be reviewed by BookLife and I appreciate the support they give to independent authors like me. To have a powerhouse like Publisher’s Weekly behind this effort gives credence to struggling authors desperate to get their books some peer recognition.

So, here is the critics report from BookLife on my steampunk historical fiction Corsair and the Sky Pirates:

Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10

Originality: 7 out of 10

Prose: 9 out of 10

Character/Execution: 7 out of 10

Overall: 7.75 out of 10

Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Filled with harrowing airborne fights and classic steampunk action scenes, the plot of Corsair and the Sky Pirates at times takes a back seat to the physical fights and descriptions of the machines.

Prose: Crisp and engaging, the prose strikes a great balance between descriptions of the creative inventions that fill the pages and more action-packed scenes that move the plot forward.

Originality: This novel includes many staples of the sci-fi and steampunk genres while remaining innovative.

Character/Execution: The crew of the Galeru are a lovable, vibrant, rag-tag bunch that the reader will eagerly cheer for (and their notable diversity is an especially strong point). The novel may benefit from delving more deeply into their personal backstories and perspectives. More moments that allow readers to slip into the consciousness of characters would be appreciated.

Blurb: Piggott’s Corsair and the Sky Pirates is an action-packed, page-turning steampunk adventure that will appeal to fans of sci-fi and historical fiction.
BookLife Critics Report

I appreciate the sincerity and the honest criticism of their report. An honest review, whether good or bad, helps an author grow as a writer. I know it has certainly helped me. I highly recommend any independent or self-published author to check out BookLife for an independent and peer-driven review.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel and The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series, are coming soon. Stay tuned for more new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Golden Healer: The Curse of Time Book 2 Book Review

May 28, 20232 Comments

Just a quick update, I am back home and recovering from my back surgery. Luckily, I had a fun fantasy book to pass the time with. I received a copy of author M.J. Mallon’s Golden Healer: The Curse of Time Book 2, and it was a great read. I didn’t read the first book in this series, but it didn’t matter as Book 2 kept me abreast of the story.

It was surprising to find that each chapter was titled as a “Puzzle” piece. As I got into the story, I understood why as everything fell into place with each chapter. Shadows, demons, and spirits fill this strange world as the main conflict between the forces of good and evil (something I always love to see in my fantasy stories) are met in a variety of situations. The author’s world-building is breathtaking, but that’s not always a good thing. Occasionally, I lost track of where I was in the story with the beautiful visuals. However, the steady pace of the story kept me on track. I also love the mixture of poetry, music, and story as it flowed together seamlessly.

From the disappearance of her Bloodstone to her first dream travel, Amenlina is a heroine you can get behind. Her story is told from her POV, as well as from her family and friends around her. There is humor mixed in with elements of danger throughout the story, making a good mix for the reader. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing and the ending is definitely not your normal “Happily Ever After” one comes to expect from a fantasy story. Still, reading Book Two of the series makes me want to go back to the first book, Bloodstone.

I also appreciate the author’s sensitivity to suicide and self-harm, even addressing it with self-help at the end of her book. That shows her dedication and responsibility as an author by addressing this delicate issue.

I give this book FIVE STARS and highly recommend M.J. Mallon to any young fantasy reader.

As a reminder, I’ll be at the Moravian Book Shop on Saturday, June 3, for my next book signing. Be sure to check out my Events page to see where I’ll be in the coming months. My schedule is changing and updating on a regular basis, so STAY TUNED!

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—is available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Check out a great new sci-fi novel “The Dark Without” from fellow indie author T.K. Toppin

March 7, 2023Leave a comment

I have to give a big shout-out to my friend and fellow author T.K. Toppin! I count T.K. as one of my many independent author friends in the online community. She is one of new generation of science fiction authors and her latest release is no exception.

THE DARK WITHOUT is her new release, available TODAY on Amazon, and she continues to amaze me with her attention to detail, world-building, and creative science fiction writing.

“Humankind is always doomed to fail. It has fallen many times before, and many times we have intervened to ensure it stays on the correct course. Earth is salvageable, but if you had continued along the path you were on, it would not have been. You have billions of years more to exist before your planet’s final destruction. We are only making certain it survives that long, and ensuring your survival until the ultimate end. At times you progress too fast, but such is humankind’s way. So we had to accelerate this current failure sooner in order to restart. As we have done before, a guide with a better objective and understanding of how to protect your world, will be inserted…”

But why did they care what humans did with their lives? They were aliens—beings from another dimension! Earth wasn’t their home.

Esme Serrano’s predestined encounter with the trans-dimensional anthropomorphic Aakehollats sends her on a multi-pathed journey spanning ten thousand years. A journey riddled with lies, manipulations and untold layers of deception. She guides Earth as the Sibyl, a powerful and mystical leader, and brings the dying world back from the brink of death. She helps the Aakehollats, and ensures that Earth survives until its ultimate destruction in the cosmos.

But her one true goal is, and always will be, to kill the Aakehollats.

I had the privilege to be one of T.K.’s ARC readers so I got an advanced copy of her sci-fi novel. Here is my review:

Science Fiction prophecy has been a part of our culture for decades. Science Fiction writers find a way to take what is happening in our world today and figure out what is coming next. This book is another great example of that heritage. After reading the first few chapters of THE DARK WITHOUT, I saw our world today–political upheaval, climate change, skyrocketing food prices, rolling blackouts–all of these things are affecting us today. T.K. blends the reality of our world with the possibility that life exists out there, watching over us. It’s a powerful story of a world controlled by a single doctrine, forged from the story of one person setting humanity on its destined course, but what if they got the story wrong? Can humanity survive knowing the truth? These questions boggle the mind but it keeps you enthralled with every page. T.K. belongs with the science fiction prophets of the past, giving us ample warning about our future.

Do yourself a favor and check out T.K.’s other offerings, including Jax Marlin and RAQ. They are just what you need for a great sci-fi read, and it supports a fellow indie author!

Support your indie author by leaving a book review

January 6, 2023January 6, 2023Leave a comment

**The River of Souls**, **Forever Avalon**, and **The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart** by award-winning author Mark Piggott.

Book reviews are the “bread and butter” for any independent or self-published author. Good or bad, book reviews are great feedback for an author to work on their craft and make them a better author. I can remember the first “honest” review I received on Forever Avalon shortly after it was published in 2009. It’s my one and only 2 STAR review.

“Nice try, but the book seems to be the effort of someone truly not gifted in the art of writing. Skip this one and save your money.”
Carl W. Alvers (Verified Purchase)

Ouch! I can honestly say this one hurt, but it also made me take a closer look at my writing and editing. The “vanity” publisher I worked with pushed my book out with no real edit or comments. I think they just wanted to get my money (lesson learned) and I just wanted to be able to call myself published. When they went out of business and I republished Forever Avalon on Amazon, I did a good edit on my manuscript. In the time between my first publication and this one, I took the criticism to heart and worked to improve my writing style, grammar, point-of-view, tense, etc.

That’s what I like about book reviews. Most reviewers love my storytelling, its the mechanics of my writing that they criticize, and I understand that completely. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started working with professional editors to clean up my work. Their insight has made me a better writer.

Book reviews also help with promoting your book with Amazon. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it in searches. Book reviews are important for all books, but especially for self-published books, because most of their sales are online. When it comes to selling books online, Amazon customer reviews can make or break a shoppers interest in a book.

“Authors rely on reviews to build credibility and word of mouth marketing, while readers rely on them to decide whether or not to purchase a book. The more positive reviews an author has, the more books he or she is likely to sell.”
Author Learning Center

The problem is that people are not very reliable in leaving reviews. That leads to other problems, as in how to get reviews. I will admit that I have paid for some of my book reviews, but I no longer do that. It leads to spam email and unwanted followers offering reviews for cash. I prefer working with my fellow indie authors. We swap books and provide reviews for each other. Feedback from my peers is priceless.

I get a lot of my reviews that way, but also from people I meet at book fairs and festivals I attend. I like the honest reviews I get from them. They’re not always frequent and not always positive, but it helps me grow. By reading these reviews, I know what my faults are and what I need to work on as I continue in my career as an author.

So, my one piece of advice to everyone out there . . . Help and Author and LEAVE A REVIEW! We can take the criticism and we need the attention, so please help out. It may sound like I’m begging (well, maybe just a little) but its a few minutes out of your day and it helps more than you know.

Cross over The River of Souls in my first fantasy novella from Curious Corvid Publishing. Coming in 2023 from Curious Corvid—the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel. Stay tuned for more new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

The River of Souls nominated for two Next Generation Indie Books Awards

November 29, 2022Leave a comment

This is turning out to be a great Christmas, and it’s not even December! My latest book, The River of Souls, was nominated for two Next Generation Indie Book Awards, for best novella and fantasy. The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the largest International awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. In its sixteenth year of operation, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards was established to recognize and honor the most exceptional independently published books in 80+ different categories, for the year, and is presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group in cooperation with Marilyn Allen of Allen Literary Agency.

First off, a big thank you to my poet, Ashley Valitutto, for adding her wonderful poetry to my story. Second, none of this would have been possible without the love and support from my publisher, Curious Corvid Publishing. Ravven White and her team made my dream of publishing with an actual publisher a reality, and The River of Souls is my first step into a new journey as a published author with plenty more to come.

As a bonus, The River of Souls picked up another FIVE STAR Amazon book review! And you can listen to an excerpt of my fantasy novella as read by voiceover artist Teri Schnaubelt on my new YouTube channel.

“This is not my usual genre…but maybe it should be! I absolutely loved this. Now I have a new author to follow and keep up with. I am a sucker for an authentic and genuine love story, and this delivered. I can tell I’m going to be thinking about this story for years to come. The morals and messages are timeless. A treasure.”
Aimee N Curran, Verified Amazon Review

If you want to get your hands on a signed copy of The River of Souls, hop over to the Curious Corvid shop for my novella and check out the other great books and merchandise from CCP. Or, if you’re in the Virginia area, I’ll be attending the last 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Art and Music Festival on Sunday, December 11, on North Boundary Street in historic Williamsburg, Va. So many great things happened at the end of 2022. I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings me!

# # #

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—is available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Cross over The River of Souls in my first fantasy novella from Curious Corvid Publishing. Coming in 2023 from Curious Corvid—the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel. Stay tuned for more new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

First reviews for The River of Souls are in, plus my review of sci-fi novel Raq by T.K. Toppin

September 2, 2022Leave a comment

*The River of Souls fantasy novella from award-winning author Mark Piggott featuring poetry by Ashley Valitutto from* Curious Corvid Publishing

The first book reviews for my new fantasy novella The River of Souls are in and it’s a great start for me under the wing of Curious Corvid Publishing. The first comes from author T.K. Toppin, and its always good to get feedback from your peers. We often support each other with ARC reads to give insight into each other’s work. T.K. has a new book out, which I’ll talk about in a minute.

“This was a delightful and heart-warming novella about the power of love, and how it can stretch and endure through different worlds – even death. A cleverly woven tale mixing fantasy and steampunk, and reflecting on topics that are all too current, from hatred to bigotry and life after war. I thoroughly enjoyed this moving, fast-paced book. Magic, swords, crossing different realms and mystical beings – what more do you need for an engaging read.”
Author T.K. Toppin review of The River of Souls

The next review came from Instagram bibliophile scifiladygj, Geo VanJar. She has previously read my books and reads a multitude of genres. I love when readers who come out to my events continue to support me as an independent author.

“@foreveravalon.author is quite the love storyteller. This novella is packed with memories of war and war. But what makes it encouraging is the author’s way of bringing to fore a future out of strife, pain and love. The story tells of the love of human and Dragonkin, which is taboo for most of those filled with prejudice after a 300 year war. But in the end, as it should, love conquers all. The author brought our own world into the fantasy world of Drogon vs human through the River of Souls, which brings home our own reactions to some. This novella is insightful, a bit of steampunk along with a healthy dose of true love. Well worth the read.”
Geo VanJar (scifiladygj) review of The River of Souls

Lastly, I want to give a shout out in my review of T.K. Toppin‘s latest sci-fi novel, Raq, available now in paperback and releasing September 16, 2022, on Amazon Kindle. I was captured after the first chapter. This book reads like an episode of original “Star Trek” written by Gene Roddenberry himself. It had the feel of classic science fiction but still modern to today. I loved the way it switched between the alien to the human perspective throughout. You understood both sides of the story, even though you may disagree with one or the other. It presented all the challenges of a first encounter with a world ending reality. T.K. is one of the great new voices in science fiction writing today. She has an array of novels from sci-fi crime noir to aliens and outer space. T.K. has got you covered. Stop by her Amazon Authors Page and check out all the great books she has to offer!

That’s the thing you have to understand about authors and readers. We look out for each other, we support each other, because we love our stories and what they represent. I know what it means to struggle with writing, editing, publishing, and marketing as an independent author. It’s not an easy path for any of us. Luckily, there’s a great support system out there to encourage our efforts every step of the way. Bonus, readers and bibliophiles LOVE to read and want to dive into your stories. To me, as a writer, that’s a “win/win” situation.

The River of Souls from Curious Corvid Publishing is available at Amazon and other online booksellers. Pick up your copy or download the ebook today! Or, come by my booth at the next 2nd Sundays Williamsburg – Art and Music Festival on Sunday, September 11, in Williamsburg, VA, and pick up a signed copy!