The Color of Time by Millie Abecassis

Description

Paperback. ISBN: 1970458070

Fairy tale mythology, interstellar politics, rebellion, and sapphic self-discovery intertwine in The Color of Time, a lush science-fantasy novel by Millie Abecassis inspired by Charles Perrault’s classic tale Peau d’Âne.

Princess Cyrelle has spent her life devoted to duty.

Faithful to her kingdom, loyal to her family, and obedient to the will of the Goddess, she has always believed sacrifice was the price of peace. But when her brother, King Elias of Cicia, commands her to marry him in order to preserve royal bloodlines and political stability, Cyrelle’s world fractures completely.

Horrified and desperate to escape the forced union, Cyrelle attempts to delay the inevitable through increasingly impossible demands and fervent prayers for divine intervention. Yet her brother remains relentless, unmoved by morality, tradition, or her growing desperation.

With no one left willing to protect her, Cyrelle makes the unthinkable choice: she runs.

Disguised beneath a new identity as “Green Scales,” Cyrelle flees across the galaxy to the distant world of Phau, hoping anonymity will grant her freedom. Instead, she finds herself trapped within another volatile political landscape shaped by unrest, rebellion, and looming conflict.

When a charismatic rebel leader discovers her true identity, Cyrelle is pulled into a dangerous struggle that threatens not only her future, but the fate of entire kingdoms. As alliances shift and war edges closer, Cyrelle must confront impossible questions about duty, survival, faith, and the life she truly wants for herself.

Alongside the sweeping political intrigue and richly imagined science-fantasy worldbuilding, The Color of Time unfolds as a deeply emotional sapphic coming-of-age story about reclaiming agency after control and expectation have defined every aspect of one’s life.

Combining fairy tale atmosphere with queer romance, galactic politics, rebellion, and spiritual introspection, Millie Abecassis creates a story that feels both timeless and boldly original.

Perfect for readers who enjoy queer science fantasy, feminist retellings, runaway princess narratives, slow-burn sapphic romance, and epic stories about choosing freedom over obedience.

Some fairy tales begin with escape.
Others begin the moment a princess refuses to obey.