FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victoria B.C.s Author's Debut Novel "Thread Traveller" Receives Kirkus Reviews Praise for Environmental Themes and Compelling Characters
Literary Speculative Fiction Exploring Midlife Transformation Set for October 14th Launch
VICTORIA, BC – September 25, 2024 – Kirkus Reviews has praised "Thread Traveller," the debut literary speculative fiction novel by Victoria author Annabel Youens, calling it "a strong debut with compelling characters that passionately advocates for community, nature, and found family." The novel launches October 14, 2024, from Salt Line Press.
The 210-page work follows August Monk, a meticulous tech professional whose carefully controlled life unravels during a family holiday in Kent, England. After tasting beer at Britain's oldest brewery, August is transported to a parallel medieval-inspired world where mushrooms form the economic foundation and women communicate through a sentient fungal network called "the Mother."
"Kirkus Reviews' recognition validates what I hoped to achieve—creating literary fiction that gives women permission to reimagine their lives," said Youens, who transitioned from 25 years in tech entrepreneurship to pursue her literary calling. "The review highlighted the themes of community, nature, and found family, which are at the heart of my heroine’s journey."
The novel explores multiple interconnected themes that resonate with contemporary readers:
Midlife Identity and Transformation: August's journey mirrors the experience of many women questioning established roles and seeking authentic change. The story validates the desire to choose yourself over others' expectations, even when it seems impossible.
Women's Historical and Contemporary Power: Inspired by Youens' discovery that women were the original brewers in medieval England, the story examines how feminine wisdom and practices have been systematically undermined by patriarchal systems.
The Heroine's Journey: Unlike traditional hero narratives focused on isolated triumph, "Thread Traveller" follows the heroine's journey framework where success means everyone succeeds. August's transformation comes not through solitary battle, but through asking for help, collaborating with others, and supporting her community. Youens deliberately chose this narrative structure to challenge stories that glorify individual achievement over collective wellbeing.
"I discovered Gail Carriger's work on the Heroine's Journey and was completely hooked," explains Youens. "Heroines—regardless of gender—focus on asking for help, collaborating with others, and supporting their communities. They believe success means everyone succeeds. Most hero stories follow an isolated person who battles alone and risks everything for personal glory. It’s time for a different take.."
August's journey exemplifies this collaborative approach: rather than conquering the alternate world she discovers, she learns to work within its systems, building relationships with the Thread Carers and understanding how the fungal network connects all life. Her transformation comes not through defeating enemies, but through embracing interdependence and community support.
The author's unique background brings authenticity to the novel's themes. After studying creative writing at the University of Victoria, Youens spent 25 years building tech companies, including roles as employee #11 at Abebooks.com and co-founding ventures in New Zealand and Los Angeles. Her return to literature represents the same kind of midlife transformation she explores in her fiction.
Literary critics have noted the book's sophisticated approach to speculative fiction. Beyond the Kirkus praise, early readers have drawn comparisons to Margaret Atwood and Ursula K. Le Guin — “Masterful worldbuilding… tragic and harrowing, yet undeniably hopeful.” says CanReads editorial review, further positioning Thread Traveller within the growing literary speculative fiction genre.
The novel's alternate reality features innovative world-building elements: a fungal-based economy where mushrooms serve as building materials, clothing, and jewelry; the "Herding" where animals periodically mass together and take over the lands; and the Church of the Divine Sphere, a patriarchal religious organization that commercializes mushrooms while suppressing women's natural connection to the fungal network.
"Thread Traveller speaks to anyone struggling to remember who they are at midlife," Youens notes. "You knew who you were as a kid, then got sucked into careers, children, being constantly busy—all while feeling like you're failing at everything. Our heroine is failing and struggling until she takes a sip of beer and discovers a world where her authentic self not only belongs but is needed."
"Thread Traveller" launches October 14, 2024, and will be available through all major book retailers and directly from Salt Line Press. Review copies are available upon request.
Media Contact:
Annabel Youens
publicity@annabelyouens.com
250 532 0855
About the Author: Annabel Youens is a Victoria, BC-based author and founder of Salt Line Press. After 25 years as a tech entrepreneur, she returned to her creative writing roots with "Thread Traveller." She holds a degree from the University of Victoria and builds literary community through her monthly author newsletter at www.annabelyouens.com.
About Salt Line Press: Salt Line Press is an independent publishing house dedicated to speculative fiction that explores environmental and social themes with literary depth.
---
When August Monk sips a historic brew, she’s transported into an alternate world — one where women connected to nature resist a patriarchal religious order determined to burn them out. As August searches for a way home, she discovers bonds of rage, resilience, and chosen family stronger than blood.
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In the vein of Margaret Atwood and Ursula K. Le Guin.”
“A strong debut with compelling characters that passionately advocates for community, nature, and found family.”
“Masterful worldbuilding… tragic and harrowing, yet undeniably hopeful.”