The Color of Time
Cover art by Alyssa Winans
Available in: paperback & ebook
Genre: Science Fiction, Fairytale Retelling, Sapphic Fiction
Release date: May 19, 2026
Publisher: Shiraki Press
Click here for a list of content warnings
Moderate: Incest (nothing happens, but the premise is a brother wanting to marry his sister), Death of an animal (fictional species)
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Violence
Learn more about the original fairytale behind this retelling on my blog.
A science-fantasy retelling of Charles Perrault’s fairy tale “Peau d’Âne,” The Color of Time blends the whimsy of classic fairy tales with the sapphic romance of Fable for the End of the World and the large-scale politics of The Mercy of Gods.
Princess Cyrelle has always been faithful and true to her family, country, and Goddess. But now her brother, King Elias of Cicia, has asked for—no, commanded—her hand in marriage.
Desperate to avoid this incestuous union, Cyrelle requests a series of increasingly impossible gifts and petitions the Goddess for a sign to sway her resolute brother’s proposal. As Elias persists undeterred, Cyrelle must risk everything to escape the only life she’s ever known.
Soon, she becomes Green Scales, hiding and struggling to survive on her own, far across the galaxy. But Phau isn’t the peaceful refuge Cyrelle had hoped for, and when the leader of its burgeoning rebel faction recognizes the runaway princess, she is forced to choose between safety and freedom. With the fate of two kingdoms on the line and nowhere left to run, Cyrelle must decide what it means to be true to herself, to her people, and to her heart.
Advance Praise
“In this refreshingly futuristic retelling, The Color of Time is a revolutionary modernization of the classic fable. The whimsical charm of the original is retained through the unique narrative perspective, then elevated into an expansive original parable of sapphic yearning, mistakes and redemption, and—most importantly—the fight for freedom. This succinct tale is a perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with a sense of wonder without sacrificing the sophistication afforded by a fast-paced political science-fantasy.”
— Florence Chien, author of The Revenant of Surolifia
“Filled with compelling characters, an intriguing narration, and an interstellar setting that feels both at once innovative and familiar, The Color of Time invites reader into a narrative that dares to explore the difficult—and oftentimes uncomfortable—choices a person might make in order to survive. The plot is tightly structured and the stakes continue to rise throughout, offering a thrilling experience that will have you up all night. Abecassis skillfully preserves a fable-like touch in this sci-fi reimagining of the Donkeyskin fairytale, making this a wholly unique and positively delightful read!”
— T.A. Chan, author of The Celestial Seas
“The Color of Time stands as a breathtaking triumph of science fantasy. Fiercely realized characters command every chapter as they ignite a revolution to shatter the chains of tradition and tyranny. Millie Abecassis has delivered a tour de force that pulses with political intrigue and pioneers a daring expansion of the genre. This sweeping saga proves that the most powerful force in any galaxy is the courage to rewrite one’s destiny. Don’t miss this incredible new entry from a rising authorial voice.”
— Jason Denzel, author of The Mystic Trilogy
Artwork depicting Cyrelle and Sianna from The Color of Time. Artist: hajima_7.
