“The most fun I’ve had reading this year.”

See why readers can’t stop raving about the Amazon Bestselling, TikTok-viral, breakout indie hit, Cello’s Gate.

4.37 stars on Goodreads

4.6 stars on Amazon

4.31 stars on Storygraph

Awarded the Kickstarter "Project We Love"

350% Funding on Special Edition Kickstarter

"Best Science Fiction" and "Best Debut" Bromantasy Award

Nominated for 5 Indie Ink Awards (Voting in Progress)

4.37 stars on Goodreads 4.6 stars on Amazon 4.31 stars on Storygraph Awarded the Kickstarter "Project We Love" 350% Funding on Special Edition Kickstarter "Best Science Fiction" and "Best Debut" Bromantasy Award Nominated for 5 Indie Ink Awards (Voting in Progress)

Cello’s Gate

the Sky Pirates of Imperia (book one)

You asked for it, and it's here! Due to popular demand, the "Cello's Gate" Special Edition Hardback is back for a pre-order run for a limited time! I have been overwhelmed by how many new frens have expressed regret for missing the Kickstarter, and I wanted to remedy that. Here's what you can expect from the Special Edition Hardback of "Cello's Gate":

  • Dust Jacket: The dust jacket still features Felix Ortiz's incredible artwork, but I've taken the liberty of adding the holo transmission from the island's guardian to the back of the dust jacket. It will have raised clear foil on the title type.

  • Naked Case: A brand-new design for the naked case, featuring a popular quote from the book and a little, creepy, crawly hexspider (for funsies). The case is cloth, and the text/images are printed in white foil. 

  • Sprayed Edges: The sprayed edges are inspired by a pirate/treasure map.

  • Signed: Every book will be signed by the author.

Here's how the pre-order campaign is going to work.

  1. We need to reach a certain number of orders before we can declare the pre-order successful.

  2. Once that happens, we'll set an end date for the pre-order campaign.

  3. Once the campaign ends, I will order the Special Edition Hardbacks and Foil Bookmarks from the printers.

  4. Once I receive the books and bookmarks, I will ship them out to all the happily waiting (albeit justifiably impatient) customers. :)

  5. You will receive your package in the mail and be so, so happy! 

PRE-ORDER TODAY!

The Sky Pirates of Imperia

Captain Grey and his crew of sky pirates have a reputation for doing the impossible. From breaking into high-security military research facilities to conning the iCity elite—there isn’t a lock they can’t pick, a safe they can’t break, or a hidden treasure they can’t find. Until now.

Returning from a harrowing heist involving a neon battery and a trash chute, Grey and his crew are approached by Dalia, the immortal daughter of the infamous ArchGovernor —and she has an offer.

The job? Locate and steal the Stones of Indigo—seven fabled rocks invested with godlike power. The search for the first stone is a bona fide treasure hunt, guided by an ancient map to a deadly, uncharted island that’s protected by a mysterious guardian. The score? One million credits per crew member, per stone. The catch? Well, that’s where things get a little complicated.

The stones don’t exist. They’re a myth. A bedtime story told to little pirates to make them believe that power and wealth are attainable if you just work hard enough.

And to make matters infinitely worse, Grey’s never trusted immortals, and Dalia’s definitely hiding something. Something bad. And if they don’t figure out what it is, it might cost them their lives.

Join the Hunt!

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hear from the frens

I know every author thinks their work is great, but you don’t have to take my word for it.

@mauriceafrich We're back with another review compilation for Cello's Gate! it's been approximately 2.4 months since Cello's Gate was released, and I am over the moon about its reception, about y'all, about everything. Every day, something new happens that sends me deeper into this surreality I've come to accept as my new home. Thank you to all the new frens. And all the frens we've yet to make. Don't forget to snag your signed copy of Cello's Gate today! #BookTok #booktoker #fantasybooktok #bookreview #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations ♬ original sound - Maurice Africh Books
@mauriceafrich Signed Editions are available now! But I've also set up a TikTok Shop, where you can buy an unsigned copy of Cello's Gate, bundles, merch, and more (coming soon)! Big thanks and magnanimous love to all the creators featured in this review compilation. Go give them a follow! (Tagged in the comments!) #booktok #booktoker #bookreviews #bookreview #fantasybooktok #fantasybook #fantasy ♬ original sound - Maurice Africh Books
@mauriceafrich If anyone wants a signed copy of "Cello's Gate," I've recently come into a windfall, so to speak 🤭 It has sky pirates, mythic knights, and ancient immortals. It has gunslingers, five unique magic systems, and mechanized swords that can cut through steel. Inspired by Firefly, Final Fantasy, Treasure Planet, and Star Wars—it has everything you could possibly want in a action & adventure, science fantasy epic! #booktok #booktoker #fantasybooks #bookish #reader ♬ Boundless Worship - Josué Novais Piano Worship

awards & nominations

Best Science Fiction

Best Debut

Booktoker of the Year

5 Nominations

(Voting in Progress)

Best Morally Gr(e)y Character
Best Friendship
Best Use of Tropes
Side Character MVP
Wittiest Character

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