konstance author
Tar Atore writes queer fantasy and sci-fi, featuring subtle romances and unique plot twists. Tar’s stories focus on character-driven narratives that enhance the plot without overshadowing it. Make sure to subscribe to her newsletter for updates and publications!
https://konstancek.substack.com/
Stories
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In a galaxy that set her up to fail, Etria’s journey to capture stars redefines acceptance. Etria, a determined stella, defies expectations and becomes a Star Catcher despite her disfigurement. Teaming up with Maron, her own personal Star Keeper, they set off on a mission to catch stars. Through their partnership, Etria’s self-perception changes and echoes into her cluster, challenging the stella culture’s narrow ideals. Join these mesmerizing space mermaids in this short and tear-jerking sci-fi adventure as they defy conventions and ignite the spirit of acceptance, inspiring others to embrace their differences. |
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Soultaming the Serpent by Tar Atore Jun was barely ten years old when the last dragon died. Half a century later and Jun still dreams of the rain that hasn’t fallen since. Her mundane life takes a turn when she encounters Aurel, who she suspects may be the one that holds the key to restoring balance and is destined to find the elusive serpent from the prophecy. Joined by Casey, Jun’s closest friend and the village brewer, the three embark on a journey to unravel the prophecy's intricacies, figure out what the serpent's role truly is, and why the dragon has to die, not knowing they are being watched. Follow our trio as Jun discovers a love of adventure, Casey’s devotion takes an unexpected turn, Aurel spills his secrets like dust in the sand, and the three of them discover the true power of their bond. |
Reviews
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Jack of Thorns (Inheritance, 1) by AK Faulkner
Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story Content Warnings: alcoholism, drug use, gaslighting Combine the creepiness from The Magicians with nature-magic, a flower shop, the pain of addictions, and you get the beginning of a good series. |
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Not Your Bargain (Not Your Adventures Book 2) by AJ Alexanders
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well A cozy-esque adventure with D&D vibes, but make it a jaded old man waiting for the end of the world. But even shorter: two old guys on their last adventure. |
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The Astray Chosen (The Thedre Trilogy Book 2) by Laura Huie
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well The second book amps up the tension with Fia's struggles in Thedre, deepens Winston’s and Martin’s stories, introduces new dynamics, and expands on the world. |
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The Light Must Hold by Kriss Gallom
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well An intense read, from the first page until the last, with just enough calming moments to make the terrific ones stand out even more. |
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Protector Dragon: MM Shifter Romance (Lewiston Dragons Book 1) by Liv Rider
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well A shifter romance with good pacing and open communication, and a good lead into the second though a bit lacking compared to the third (series of standalones). |
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The Truth for the Lies by O. H. Phukdischidt
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well An intense read with complex characters, conspiracy breadcrumbs, and unconventional meet-cutes. Even though it has a rushed ending, the set up is on point! |
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Evil Omega (Darkstar Pack Book 1) by S. Rodman
Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Mostly clear Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well I went into reading Evil Omega with the thought I would be reading an urban fantasy with romance, and ended up being surprised that it was more of an erotica. Even so, it was an enjoyable read even if not very substantial. |
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A Betrayal of Storms: Realm of Fey by Ben Alderson
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well While not my cup of tea, this story was engaging enough for me to finish it and the ending definitely hooks you into wanting to continue the series. |
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Beast's Mercy (MM Fairytale Retelling) (Iranora Tales) by Rebecca Massey
Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Unrelated to the story Do not let the cover detract you from reading this fairy tale retelling that combines the game Clue, with the Bachelor, and a gay prince with a curse that tries to make him... not. Quick pacing, engaging story line, and likeable characters! |
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Built on Ruins by Kate S. Toll
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well When I first started reading Built on Ruins by Kate S. Toll, I was looking for a slightly more light-hearted post-apocalyptic story. No, to be honest, I had no idea what I was looking for but this is what this story delivered and it is exactly what I needed. |
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Of Knights and Books and Falling In Love by Rita A. Rubin
Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well The book, while enjoyable, deviates from cozy fantasy expectations at the beginning and some pacing issues for me, but everything got cleaned up and started working better for me as the story progressed. |
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The Last Lunar Witch by S.F. Henne
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well Got me back into reading the urban fantasy genre! Can't wait for the rest of the series :) |
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Bringer of the Scourge by M. Daniel McDowell
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well This is for fans of old-school fantasy like the Black Company novels and characters like Grey Mouser, but still want something that plays with those common narratives and twists things around for you. Read about epic worlds of magic, demons, armours, and war princesses. |
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Not Your Mountain by Greg Yates / AJ Alexanders
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well This is a comfort read. This book was such a fast and enjoyable read with likeable characters that you can easily connect with and an adventure that an that anyone can easily put themselves in (with an extra helping of magic). I loved curling up with this book! |
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The Sunset Sovereign: A Dragon's Memoir by Laura Huie
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well This story makes you question quite a few things and understandings, while wrapping it all up in a pretty bow with a dragon main character. I loved the growth and Huie's writing style and personal experiences only made the story stronger and easier to connect with. |