Psychopomp & Circumstance
Psychopomp & Circumstance by Eden Royce is a Southern Gothic historical fantasy published by Tor Publishing Group on October 21, 2025. This 176-page book is written in English and follows Phee St. Margaret, a daughter of the Reconstruction, as she navigates the complexities of family and societal expectations in New Charleston. When Phee learns of her estranged Aunt Cleo’s passing, she defies her mother’s wishes to take on the honored duty of planning the funeral, leading her to confront unsettling truths about her family and herself.
In this narrative, readers will find a blend of loss and hope as Phee’s journey unfolds in the town of Horizon. The story explores themes of personal agency and the interplay between the living and the dead, as Phee encounters visions and shadows that reveal deep-seated family secrets. With its rich historical context and elements of fantasy, this edition invites readers to delve into a world where the past and present intertwine, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of life and death.
Official synopsis Publisher
Shirley Jackson Award-winning author Eden Royce pens a Southern Gothic historical fantasy story of a contentious funeral.
“A tale of loss and hope and how the present can give way to new futures.”—Kirkus Reviews
Phee St. Margaret is a daughter of the Reconstruction, born to a family of free Black business owners in New Charleston. Coddled to within an inch of her life by a mother who refuses to let her daughter live a life other than the one she dictates, Phee yearns to demonstrate she’s capable of more than simply marrying well.
When word arrives that her Aunt Cleo, long estranged from the family, has passed away, Phee risks her mother’s wrath to step up and accept the role of pomp—the highly honored duty of planning the funeral service. Traveling alone to the town of Horizon and her aunt’s unsettling home, Phee soon discovers that visions and shadows beckon from every reflective surface, and that some secrets transcend the borders of life and death.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Psychopomp & Circumstance” about?
Who is the author of “Psychopomp & Circumstance”?
When was “Psychopomp & Circumstance” published?
What is the ISBN for “Psychopomp & Circumstance”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
