The Beatriceid
A short story. Cover art by Julie Dillon.
A stunning new short story, written in verse, set in Kate Elliott’s Spiritwalker Universe
Before Andevai, the waking of dreaming dragons, the war for Europa, and the cruel treachery of the Wild Hunt, cousins Catherine and Beatrice Hassi Barahal were novice students at the Academy. Here, Cat and Bee learned of mathematics and politics, history and storytelling. But not all stories are told or remembered in the same way – particularly where the tale of Dido and Aeneas, and the fate of Carthage and Rome are concerned.
To the victors go the spoils – only this time, it is the gilded-tongued Bee and the quick-footed Cat who will collect the winnings.
Set before the start of Cold Magic, The Beatriceid is a brand new, standalone short story written in Iambic Pentameter that reimagines The Aeneid in a feminist, Phonecian light.
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Kate Elliott
Few fantasy authors conjure worlds as vast, as lived-in, or as emotionally resonant as Kate Elliott. Her stories don't just transport readersâthey immerse them, body and soul, into realms shaped by history, culture, and the complexities of power. With a career spanning decades and genres, Elliott has carved a unique space in speculative fiction by weaving epic narratives that are as intellectually rich as they are emotionally gripping.
What sets her apart is not only her sweeping world-building, but the way she grounds it in human experience. Whether sheâs charting dynastic struggles in the Crown of Stars series, redefining epic fantasy with the Spiritwalker Trilogy, or exploring the intersections of gender, colonialism, and resistance in Unconquerable Sun, Elliott brings a rare depth to every page. Her charactersâespecially her fiercely determined womenâpush against the boundaries of their worlds with strength, vulnerability, and defiance.
The Spiritwalker Trilogy
The Spiritwalker Trilogy consists of three primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
