Olympia Knife - by Alysia Constantine (Paperback)

About the Book

Olympia Knife is raised by members of a traveling circus when her parents vanish midair during their act. The mysterious fate befalls another, but she falls in love, and, together, the two women resolve to stand the test of time, even as the world around them falls apart.

Book Synopsis

A vibrant historical fantasy where love and identity take center stage amidst a disappearing circus.

Olympia Knife, born into a family of trapeze artists, has a peculiar secret: she becomes invisible when her emotions run high. Life in the traveling circus is idyllic until her parents vanish mid-air. As more acts disappear, Olympia and Diamond, a daring danger eater, find solace in each other, forging a bond that defies societal norms.

Set in the postbellum South, this mesmerizing novel explores themes of survival, acceptance, and the power of love in a world that seeks to erase those on the margins. Perfect for readers seeking a unique blend of historical fantasy and LGBTQ+ romance, Olympia Knife is a testament to the enduring strength of identity and the magic of finding your place, even as the world crumbles around you.

Review Quotes

"[STARRED REVIEW]... Americans don't have fairy tales: we have legends. Tall tales. Olympia Knife is a fabulous, luscious story that invokes a magical, yesteryear world. Filled with larger-than-life characters, this mesmerizing novel is a must... Their world is vibrant, dangerous, and a smart commentary on social prejudices against outsiders. Queer, differently-abled, fat, and nonwhite characters pack the pages. Set in the postbellum South, Olympia Knife is, at its core, a story about a culture that is no longer able to ignore its own diversity or the itch for change. Author Alysia Constantine is a superb writer whose distinctive, rich style makes Olympia Knife a pleasure from beginning to end."--Foreword Reviews

"FOUR STARS... The world of Olympia Knife is one that goes beyond genre definitions and expectations. It's a deft historical fantasy romance that addresses issues of queerness and marginalization through the lens of a tight-knit traveling circus. Constantine's writing is evocative; it reads like a tale being told over a crackling campfire... [Olympia Knife is] a gentle historical fantasy with a hint of magic, perfect for readers who love queer romances and books such as Tipping the Velvet or Water For Elephants."--RT Book Reviews

About the Author

Alysia Constantine lives in Lower Hudson Valley, NY with her wife, their two dogs and a cat. When she is not writing, she is a professor at an art college. Before that, she was a baker and cook for a caterer and before that, she was a poet. Her debut novel Sweet is a Publishers Weekly starred review recipient and the 2016 Foreword indies Award Honorable Mention for LGBT Literature.