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The Queen of Cups
A mysterious woman known only as The Oracle resides on the seashore, blessing ships and telling fortunes for those who can pay her price. For new-made ship captain Theo Marinos, the price is higher than it first seems.
If Theo has any hope of surviving their ship's first voyage, they must trust not just in The Oracle, but in themself--for the journey is long, and the ocean's tests are many.
If Theo has any hope of surviving their ship's first voyage, they must trust not just in The Oracle, but in themself--for the journey is long, and the ocean's tests are many.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2019
About the author
Ren Basel
1 book25 followersRen Basel (they/them/their) is an independent author, artist, and performer from Florida who is proud to create media that is just as queer and disabled as they are. They may be reached through their website at renbasel.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 16, 2020
*3.5/5
Longer review to come!
Longer review to come!
March 2, 2019
Rep: Gay, lesbian, trans, nonbinary, autistic, and asexual; MC with synthesia
Theo's family has long set sail on the ocean, all with the blessing of the Oracle. What will they find when they make their own trip to visit the woman in the dunes?
One of the first things I noticed and loved about Ren's story was the attention to detail they paid to setting.
From the Oracle's shack to the world around Theo, there were beautiful descriptions that brought to mind these images with ease as the characters moved through Basel's world. It was almost like the world popped up around me and renewed my love of the sea.
Aside from setting were the characters. I was sad that this was a short story because I could easily have read a full length story about Theo, their crew, and/or their family. Theo, an autistic asexual non-binary ship captain with synthesia, was interesting in and of themselves as they prepared to take to the sea with their own ship. With a family, two fathers and multiple siblings, who all have histories on the ocean, there's a lot of possibility for tales beyond The Queen of Cups.
Without going into many details and thus potential spoiler territory, I'll say that Theo learns a lot in their interactions with the Oracle, such as how there are many aspects to a story. The Oracle may have heard many tales and many adventures from across the seas, told to her by those that seek their fortunes, but the color of an individual's perspective can mean so much more.
Ren Basel's writing was engaging and made me look forward to more from their repertoire.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Quotes included are from an advanced reader copy and may not reflect the finalized copy.
Theo's family has long set sail on the ocean, all with the blessing of the Oracle. What will they find when they make their own trip to visit the woman in the dunes?
One of the first things I noticed and loved about Ren's story was the attention to detail they paid to setting.
The shack was small but not uninviting. Garlands of shells dangling from braided grasses adorned the whitewashed walls. There were shelves lined with gnarled bits of driftwood, wave-polished stones, tiny bits of colorful glass scoured by the sea, and other little treasures turned up by the tides. A scrubbed wooden table and matching chairs rested in front of a modest hearth, and there was a small bed tucked away in a corner.
From the Oracle's shack to the world around Theo, there were beautiful descriptions that brought to mind these images with ease as the characters moved through Basel's world. It was almost like the world popped up around me and renewed my love of the sea.
Aside from setting were the characters. I was sad that this was a short story because I could easily have read a full length story about Theo, their crew, and/or their family. Theo, an autistic asexual non-binary ship captain with synthesia, was interesting in and of themselves as they prepared to take to the sea with their own ship. With a family, two fathers and multiple siblings, who all have histories on the ocean, there's a lot of possibility for tales beyond The Queen of Cups.
Without going into many details and thus potential spoiler territory, I'll say that Theo learns a lot in their interactions with the Oracle, such as how there are many aspects to a story. The Oracle may have heard many tales and many adventures from across the seas, told to her by those that seek their fortunes, but the color of an individual's perspective can mean so much more.
Ren Basel's writing was engaging and made me look forward to more from their repertoire.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Quotes included are from an advanced reader copy and may not reflect the finalized copy.
March 31, 2022
This Book takes us on a voyage with a haunting Oracle. The story was gentle. There was love and caring. Captain Theo trusted the Oracle and they received a gift. They captained the ship well. Their assistant Alexis is a good sailor's assistant and a cuddle companion. I would give this book 3.5 stars. The reason for only 3.5 is I would have liked to know more detail about the cast of characters.
March 1, 2019
I loved how the story was about queer characters going about their lives and having great adventures and being accepted for who they are
February 5, 2021
This was a fine story, though it never really grabbed me. The plot and characters remained very...steady and unchanged over the course of the story, I felt. And, I'm not going to lie, I really wish the underwater part had been extended just a little more.
With that said, I did love the amount of casual queerness and representation this had. The protagonist is non-binary and aspec, and there are many side characters who span the rainbow as well. I'm excited to see what the author writes next!
With that said, I did love the amount of casual queerness and representation this had. The protagonist is non-binary and aspec, and there are many side characters who span the rainbow as well. I'm excited to see what the author writes next!
March 4, 2023
I think I would have enjoyed this more if it were part of a longer story, it was cute but it didn't really feel like a completed story.
June 11, 2021
Absolutely love this story! I curled up with it after taking meds for a migraine and this was the perfect distraction, if only the meds were as powerful 😅
Shelved as 'featured'
April 24, 2020
August 24, 2019
Cute little story! And I do mean little. I think it would have benefitted from lengthening up to even a novella length, so you could get some deeper character backgrounds.
But that’s my only qualm with it! Diverse LGBTQIA+ cast without that being the focus at all. Is nice.
But that’s my only qualm with it! Diverse LGBTQIA+ cast without that being the focus at all. Is nice.
August 30, 2020
I liked this story a lot. The writing was great too. I just wish this would have been longer to give the characters and story even more depth.
However for being only 26 pages long it was pretty awesome.
However for being only 26 pages long it was pretty awesome.
February 13, 2019
** This review is not spoiler free! **
I really loved this short story.
It's incredibly rare to find a piece of media that handles an intersectional identity as well as Ren portrays Theo in this story. I've also got a pretty hefty knowledge of the science fiction and fantasy genres, and it is huge relief to finally find such a pleasant story that has such a broad range of representation that still often fails to make any sort of justifiable appearance in this genre. Theo is nonbinary, asexual, and on the autism spectrum, and their mannerisms and experiences as a person of those identities are woven into this story so naturally that I couldn't help but grin ear to ear while reading it. I loved Theo's romantic partnership, as I am ace myself and their relationship was so similar to mine with my own partner that I wanted to cry. It is very rare in media for a nonsexual relationship to be portrayed with so much passion, love, and care, but Ren does so effortlessly in this short story, and it isn't even one of the main focuses.
I am a total sucker for anything that feels like a legend, and this story encapsulates that tone incredibly well. I'm also a sucker for anything that incorporates the ocean and all of its magic into its story, so perhaps I'm a bit biased. However, I loved this story - it had its tension, suspense, and heartwrenching emotion, but also passed along an uplifting, powerful message. This story is going to stick around in my head for a while.
TL;DR: It's a short read, but a delightful one, and I am already recommending it to all of my friends!
I really loved this short story.
It's incredibly rare to find a piece of media that handles an intersectional identity as well as Ren portrays Theo in this story. I've also got a pretty hefty knowledge of the science fiction and fantasy genres, and it is huge relief to finally find such a pleasant story that has such a broad range of representation that still often fails to make any sort of justifiable appearance in this genre. Theo is nonbinary, asexual, and on the autism spectrum, and their mannerisms and experiences as a person of those identities are woven into this story so naturally that I couldn't help but grin ear to ear while reading it. I loved Theo's romantic partnership, as I am ace myself and their relationship was so similar to mine with my own partner that I wanted to cry. It is very rare in media for a nonsexual relationship to be portrayed with so much passion, love, and care, but Ren does so effortlessly in this short story, and it isn't even one of the main focuses.
I am a total sucker for anything that feels like a legend, and this story encapsulates that tone incredibly well. I'm also a sucker for anything that incorporates the ocean and all of its magic into its story, so perhaps I'm a bit biased. However, I loved this story - it had its tension, suspense, and heartwrenching emotion, but also passed along an uplifting, powerful message. This story is going to stick around in my head for a while.
TL;DR: It's a short read, but a delightful one, and I am already recommending it to all of my friends!
February 12, 2019
The Queen of Cups, named after the Tarot card (as I figured out after googling), at a little over 7k words, is a quick yet intense read.
The protagonist, Theo, is a darling and I hope to see a lot more of their adventures, and their queerplatonic trans bestie Alexis is lovely as well. The synesthesia descriptions were odd, but in a good way - I could imagine them, and taste them, though they had not the same associations for me as they would for Theo, the prose managed to still get their meaning across with elegance.
The prose is vivid and boisterous, with the occasional poetic lines that do not weigh it down, but lift it up.
The story itself might even lend itself to a longer book - given a short story is limited to one point of view, there was a bit of an exposition dump involved in another character's reveal, which might have felt more organic if the hints were more spread out - but that is truly a minor nitpick.
All in all, I highly recommend the read, preferably with the sound of ocean waves in the background!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The protagonist, Theo, is a darling and I hope to see a lot more of their adventures, and their queerplatonic trans bestie Alexis is lovely as well. The synesthesia descriptions were odd, but in a good way - I could imagine them, and taste them, though they had not the same associations for me as they would for Theo, the prose managed to still get their meaning across with elegance.
The prose is vivid and boisterous, with the occasional poetic lines that do not weigh it down, but lift it up.
The story itself might even lend itself to a longer book - given a short story is limited to one point of view, there was a bit of an exposition dump involved in another character's reveal, which might have felt more organic if the hints were more spread out - but that is truly a minor nitpick.
All in all, I highly recommend the read, preferably with the sound of ocean waves in the background!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2019
!!! This was so good, I absolutely loved it! I was engrossed the whole time reading it and I'm very excited for more by this author! I'd love to read more about Theo and their crew and their adventures on the sea but this short story was very satisfying by itself. It was actually very intense for being such a small story, I was glad to see that there was content notes at the beginning of the book. The casually included queerness (Theo has 2 fathers, one of their sisters is married to a woman, Theo is nonbinary and asexual, and they're in a queerplatonic relationship with another character, Alexis, who is a trans woman) and the fact that Theo is autistic and has synesthesia was really lovely to see.
October 20, 2019
The Queen of Cups is a heartwarming short adventure about Theo and their travels to the Oracle and through a death-defying ordeal. Although the protagonist is a neurodivergent non-binary individual, it is not the focus of the tale, choosing instead to looking at the journey ahead and Theo's adventure.
Ren's writing is lovely and well put together for a first-time publication. The world they develop is clearly thought through. The Oracle's position in it all, despite the story being short, is clearly defined, as well as some aspects of the beliefs and magic. Within the story, Ren identifies Theo's quirks and passions. Truthfully, the entire tale is beautiful.
Yet, despite the beauty of the work, I can only give it 3 out 5 stars. Why? Frankly, it comes down to the length. Short stories as a whole are difficult, and this one needed at least another couple thousand words to flesh out Theo's perilous journey - "for the journey is long and the ocean's tests are many". For a story whose description ends on such a tempting tale, the fact that Theo does not embark on their quest until more than halfway through the story is disheartening. Adding a bit more to the journey may have fleshed out my support of Theo through their arduous trek.
That being said, the future of this author is promising. The world they created in this tale gives a lot of promise, and with writing so lovely how can there not be a bright future ahead?
Ren's writing is lovely and well put together for a first-time publication. The world they develop is clearly thought through. The Oracle's position in it all, despite the story being short, is clearly defined, as well as some aspects of the beliefs and magic. Within the story, Ren identifies Theo's quirks and passions. Truthfully, the entire tale is beautiful.
Yet, despite the beauty of the work, I can only give it 3 out 5 stars. Why? Frankly, it comes down to the length. Short stories as a whole are difficult, and this one needed at least another couple thousand words to flesh out Theo's perilous journey - "for the journey is long and the ocean's tests are many". For a story whose description ends on such a tempting tale, the fact that Theo does not embark on their quest until more than halfway through the story is disheartening. Adding a bit more to the journey may have fleshed out my support of Theo through their arduous trek.
That being said, the future of this author is promising. The world they created in this tale gives a lot of promise, and with writing so lovely how can there not be a bright future ahead?
November 3, 2019
This was a great short read. I really enjoyed Basel's writing style, I found it simple yet quite beautiful, particularly the segments where Theo's synesthesia is described.
For a short story, the characters were also remarkably fleshed out. I really liked how different gender identities, sexualities and neurodivergent types were represented without it feeling forced or tokenistic, and how well details about these things were naturally woven into the storytelling.
My only complaint about this story was that it felt too short. Theo and the Oracle are fascinating, I would have loved to have seen their characters and story explored further. The whole voyage could have been more drawn out, with more dangers and threats, deeper explorations into the different relationships and greater world building. But I totally understand the intention behind this being a short story and I think it was pulled off very well. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for further work by Basel and have my fingers crossed that some day they decide to create a full length novel from this story!
Theo had seen the sea take on many colors. On calm days it was a clear blue that tasted cool and sweet. In the evenings, it took on a deep, tart-tasting sapphire. At sunrise and sunset, it could be a rainbow of blues and greens and purples and even pinks, creating bursts of flavors and scents that were sometimes overwhelming.
For a short story, the characters were also remarkably fleshed out. I really liked how different gender identities, sexualities and neurodivergent types were represented without it feeling forced or tokenistic, and how well details about these things were naturally woven into the storytelling.
My only complaint about this story was that it felt too short. Theo and the Oracle are fascinating, I would have loved to have seen their characters and story explored further. The whole voyage could have been more drawn out, with more dangers and threats, deeper explorations into the different relationships and greater world building. But I totally understand the intention behind this being a short story and I think it was pulled off very well. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for further work by Basel and have my fingers crossed that some day they decide to create a full length novel from this story!
October 28, 2021
Theo is a captain of a new ship. They seek the blessing of the Oracle and therefore visits her. She promises to bless the ship but has one requirement - that Theo will let her go with them on the ship because she’s tired of just staying on her shore but wants to go out and seek adventure. Theo is hesitating - isn’t it a bad omen to bring the Oracle with them? What if something will happen to her? Theo who’s autistic and in need of routines also think it’s worrying that Oracle will break her own routine of staying on her shore and go on this unexpected adventure. But Theo knows they must fulfill the wish of the Oracle. When they’ve set sail the Oracle reveals that a storm is coming - a storm that will test Theo and change everything…
This is an amazing story that completely captured my heart. I absolutely loved it! The main character is aspec and also autistic and the story has other great queer representation as well. I recommend this short story to everyone who loves reading fantasy or just loves a well written and capturing story.
This is an amazing story that completely captured my heart. I absolutely loved it! The main character is aspec and also autistic and the story has other great queer representation as well. I recommend this short story to everyone who loves reading fantasy or just loves a well written and capturing story.
December 29, 2020
A quick yet intense read!
The protagonist, Theo, is a darling and I hope to see a lot more of their adventures, and their queerplatonic trans bestie Alexis is lovely as well. The synesthesia descriptions were odd, but in a good way - I could imagine them, and taste them, though they had not the same associations for me as they would for Theo, the prose managed to still get their meaning across with elegance.
The prose is vivid and boisterous, with the occasional poetic lines that do not weigh it down, but lift it up.
The story itself might even lend itself to a longer book - given a short story is limited to one point of view, there was a bit of an exposition dump involved in another character's reveal, which might have felt more organic if the hints were more spread out - but that is truly a minor nitpick.
All in all, I highly recommend the read, preferably with the sound of ocean waves in the background!
The protagonist, Theo, is a darling and I hope to see a lot more of their adventures, and their queerplatonic trans bestie Alexis is lovely as well. The synesthesia descriptions were odd, but in a good way - I could imagine them, and taste them, though they had not the same associations for me as they would for Theo, the prose managed to still get their meaning across with elegance.
The prose is vivid and boisterous, with the occasional poetic lines that do not weigh it down, but lift it up.
The story itself might even lend itself to a longer book - given a short story is limited to one point of view, there was a bit of an exposition dump involved in another character's reveal, which might have felt more organic if the hints were more spread out - but that is truly a minor nitpick.
All in all, I highly recommend the read, preferably with the sound of ocean waves in the background!
February 12, 2019
The writing was decent, but this didn’t do much for me. The description promised more than the story delivered.
To be fair, short stories are not my favourite thing to read, but at the same time, I don’t think “the journey is long and the ocean’s tests are many” is a story that can be adequately told in just 24 pages, half of which occur before the ship sets sail.
And maybe I don’t understand the symbolism - I mean, I DON’T understand symbolism in general because I’m autistic, so it’s entirely likely that I completely missed the point - but there was a whole lot of focus on the character’s bracelet - twisting it, playing with it, chewing on it, etc. and it didn’t go anywhere. What was the bracelet for? I don’t understand.
To be fair, short stories are not my favourite thing to read, but at the same time, I don’t think “the journey is long and the ocean’s tests are many” is a story that can be adequately told in just 24 pages, half of which occur before the ship sets sail.
And maybe I don’t understand the symbolism - I mean, I DON’T understand symbolism in general because I’m autistic, so it’s entirely likely that I completely missed the point - but there was a whole lot of focus on the character’s bracelet - twisting it, playing with it, chewing on it, etc. and it didn’t go anywhere. What was the bracelet for? I don’t understand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2019
This was the first story I've ever read with a non binary character! It was WONDERFUL! And not only that but they had a non-sexual relationship which was just a joy to read. Because it's the first time I'd seen that portrayed too. It was a very sweet story, with some danger, and some magic. Definitely recommended. I really hope Ren writes more.
June 21, 2020
I enjoyed this short story very much. If you want a nice little adventure with a cast of interesting characters give this one a read. It includes gay, lesbian, trans, and gender fluid characters. I really enjoyed the non sexual relationship between Alexis and Theo. They don’t need sex to have intimacy and be close to one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2019
A short, but engaging story of a sailor and their maiden voyage with their first ship. Theo consults the local Oracle before setting sail, but the price for her wisdom is surprising.
April 13, 2019
Some times short stories feel exactly the right length for the story being told but this just wasn't long enough.
I loved the world, it was all sea ships and Oracles, and I loved the characters and the plot but, because of the length, nothing was developed enough and the climax felt underwhelming. Which is such a shame.
It's very diverse and I loved that the Autistic MC was captain of the ship. They were nonbinary and ace and I loved their QPR (?) with their trans female first mate. But because this is so short a lot of the rep isn't developed. For example was the MC ace or aro/ace? Was the relationship romantic or a QPR? I don't know and I would have liked to! I would have loved the story to be a bit longer, be a bit more developed. I think the idea and characters would have held more weight. As it is I felt a little disappointed.
I loved the world, it was all sea ships and Oracles, and I loved the characters and the plot but, because of the length, nothing was developed enough and the climax felt underwhelming. Which is such a shame.
It's very diverse and I loved that the Autistic MC was captain of the ship. They were nonbinary and ace and I loved their QPR (?) with their trans female first mate. But because this is so short a lot of the rep isn't developed. For example was the MC ace or aro/ace? Was the relationship romantic or a QPR? I don't know and I would have liked to! I would have loved the story to be a bit longer, be a bit more developed. I think the idea and characters would have held more weight. As it is I felt a little disappointed.
April 19, 2019
Ace? Aro? MC (Theo), in nb/trans f qpr (or romantic? either way non-sexual) relationship
July 14, 2019
A very nice little story
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Although I really wanted Theo to be the Oracle's apprentice!
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Although I really wanted Theo to be the Oracle's apprentice!
Read
August 13, 2019Im afraid with how short this story is, the author bit off more than they could handle
January 1, 2020
oh i want more of this please
May 10, 2020
Cute
Short , sweet and very cute. I don't have much more to say honestly I like an lgbt normative fantasy
Short , sweet and very cute. I don't have much more to say honestly I like an lgbt normative fantasy
May 13, 2020
loved this so much!!!!!!!!
July 4, 2020
This felt like a breath of clean air.
August 9, 2020
Love the multifaceted rep on the mc (nb, autistic, synesthete, likely aspec) and the fact that it includes a qpr. I wish it actually used the word, but having it explicitly on the page was nice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews