Awards & Reviews

Below is a selection of the very kind reviews that Alice has received for her books, as well as some of her awards and recognition.

Some notable awards

For Pride and Perjury

Winner: Silver Medal in the Global Ebook Awards (historical)

Winner: The series of which this is a part won First Prize in Chanticleer International Book Awards’ Book Series Award (historical).

Finalist: The eponymous short story was a finalist for CIBA’s “Shorts” award for short stories.

For Susan

Quarterfinalist for Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Prize 2021 (rated 10/10)

Winner: First Place PenCraft Book Awards (historical), 2021

Winner: Gold Medal Historical Fiction Company Book Awards, 2022

Winner: First place (historical) Incipere Book Awards 2022

Winner: Gold Medal (historical) Global Book Awards, 2021

Winner: Gold Medal eLit Book Awards (historical fiction)

Winner: Gold Medal first Winter Great Reads Book awards, Pencraft Book Awards 2022

Honoree: IndieBRAG medallion, 2021

Honorable Mention (fourth) in literary fiction, Readers Favorite International Book Awards

Finalist: Indie Excellence Book Awards

Selected: as one of “100 notable Indies of 2021” by Shelf Unbound Magazine

Finalist: Wishing Shelf Awards (audio)

Finalist: Chanticleer’s Goethe Award (historical fiction)

Finalist Rone Awards (audio)

“Recommended” US Review of Books

For While the Music Lasts (new edition 2022)

Honorable Mention: Writer’s Digest International Book Awards, in contemporary fiction, 2022

For: Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation:

Shortlisted in the last seven for the UK Selfies Book Award (adult fiction)

Starred Editor’s Pick in Publishers Weekly (rated 9/10 for the BookLife Prize)

Winner: Pencraft Book Awards 2023 (Also Gold medal in Pencraft’s Best Fall Reads, 2023)

First Place in Entrada’s Incipere Book Awards, 2023, Historical fiction

Winner: Global Book Awards 2023

Joint runner-up in General Fiction, American Writing Awards

Longlisted (final ten, including non-fiction) for Shelf Magazine’s “Book of the Year, 2023”

Finalist in SPR Book Awards 2023

Bronze in Readers Views Book Awards

Honorable Mention (fourth) in Readers Favorite International Book Awards

Currently finalist for Chanticleer’s International Book Awards (also finalist for the CIBA Series Award)

Finalist in the American Writing Awards 2023 (historical fiction)

For Harriet

Winner: Bronze medal (European Fiction) IPPY award (Independent Publishers Book Awards, 2023)

Starred Editor’s Pick (“outstanding”) on Publishers Weekly

Honorable Mention, Foreword Indies “Book of the Year” award

Gold Medal 2023, Historical Fiction Company, finalist for their “Book of the Year”

Finalist in Chanticleer’s CIBA Chatelaine Award

Winner: Gold Medal (historical) Global Book Awards, 2022

Selected: as one of “100 notable Indies of 2022” by Shelf Unbound Magazine

Finalist: International Book Awards (historical fiction)

Honoree: IndieBRAG medallion, 2022

Finalist: American Fiction Awards, 2022 (historical fiction)

#1 Bestseller in several categories on Amazon.com

Silver Award, Literary Titan

Indie Reader-Approved

For Last Star Standing

Awarded a Kirkus Star

Runner-up for the Independent Press Awards (in Action/Adventure)

Joint Runner-Up (Adventure category) New York City Big Book Award 2023

THIRD PLACE: (Action/Adventure) in the Incipere Book Awards 2022

Finalist: Eric Hoffer Book Awards

Finalist: Chanticleer’s Cygnus Award (Sci-fi)

Finalist: Wishing Shelf Book Awards (adult fiction)

Finalist: International Book Awards (visionary fiction)

For short stories

Highly commended: John McGivering Kipling Writing Prize 2022

Featured reviews

Reviews

Click here to read each sampled review in its entirety.

“Characters rise and fall to McVeigh’s superbly controlled conductor's baton. The orchestra becomes a universe in microcosm; all human life is here… McVeigh succeeds in harmonising a supremely comic tone with much darker notes.”

“McVeigh displays a brilliant, spot-on command of Austen's diction and tone.”

“McVeigh draws inspiration from her love of Jane Fairfax, and she certainly paints a fuller, more complete picture that gives welcome complexity to the musically talented and fragile young woman with an uncertain future. Harriet, though, is the character who shines brightest in this reimagining . In Austen's original, Harriet is almost thoughtless and willing to do anything to please Emma, but here she is a character of great depth, hiding facets of her personality and skills, often catching what those around her miss, and ultimately facing a compelling romantic decision. McVeigh again is on point with both the writing style, language, and consistency in Austen's characters, making this a treat for anyone who loves the originals.”

“A dynamic take on a revered classic.This is still Austen's Emma, but the story that unfolds through the recollections of these two “side” characters still feels remarkably fresh… With or without an understanding of Emma, Harriet contains a fully formed narrative that should satisfy even the choosiest Austen fans… Readers will rarely find the words page-turner' and 'Jane Austen' in the same sentence, but McVeigh's impeccably written Harriet certainly fits the bill.”

“A young woman of no fortune and immense wit manoeuvres her way into the good graces of landed gentry in Alice McVeigh’s novel of manners. Characters from Pride and Prejudice appear…Their incorporation is clever: Mr. Collins is Susan’s uncle; Colonel Fitzwilliam had the misfortune of having killed Susan’s father in duel; Lady Catherine becomes her benefactress. Susan’s personality does break through the rigid strictures of Regency society, helping to make this an engaging historical novel with classic influences.”

“Readers who enjoy a well-told tale in the classic Austen style will be enchanted…There is no bodice-ripping; instead, the slow burn of suppressed passion and desperate romance.”

“McVeigh's captivating, witty debut offers uncanny insights into music, love, and the human heart. Her portrayal sings with lyrical intensity and eloquent feeling.”

“A dauntless soldier’s epic tale of rebellion, escape, and redemption, Last Star Standing is a dazzling and chilling vision of the future...The writing has a sharp, post-apocalyptic edge with plenty of dark humour. Memorable characters leap off the page, the action is visceral and exciting, and Taylor’s unleashed imagination makes this dystopian novel a deeply addictive read.”

“Harriet Smith boldly catapults herself into the delicate world of high society in yet another masterfully penned homage by Alice McVeigh. Swirling rumors, sardonic asides and complex romantic geometry make for a saucy read, but there are also profound commentaries on gender roles, friendship and heartbreak laced within the prose… McVeigh delivers a remarkably engaging tale of love, loss, and learning from one's mistakes, skilfully capturing the essence of Austen's world, but adding fresh dimensions.”

“A highly engrossing novel that captures the spirit of Austen and celebrates all the best qualities of her work from new and innovative angles… The characters are vibrant and full of life - McVeigh hits the mark spot-on.”

““An intense and intriguing novel that gives a sense of the throbbing heart of an orchestra. For Radio 3 listeners… unmissable”

"The reader is introduced to Susan, who relies on the social standing and charity of her uncle. It is her sole duty, according to her relatives, to pursue economic security through marriage. Extremely beautiful and charming, yet openly rebellious against the expectations of her social status, she causes quite the headache for her relatives. The writing style is witty, fun, and has all the hallmarks of an Austen novel. It will likely appeal to those who seek a modern continuation of British gentry romance and intrigue.”

“Aspiring authors are advised to write about a subject they know, but few will match Alice McVeigh's accomplishment here. She is a freelance cellist playing with numerous orchestras, including the BBC Symphony. Orchestral life must have been an obvious choice for her, but who would guess the backstage life of a symphony orchestra would provide such a gem of a book?... McVeigh writes amusingly but with authority about the chaotic life of a London orchestra. Even for readers with no interest in music, she entertainingly reveals all aspects of life.”

“Taylor melds original worldbuilding, dramatic flair and a lively, down-to-earth storytelling style, bringing 2094 Earth to vivid life. RECOMMENDED”

“A satirical spin on a classic of British literature…Following the two characters, Alice McVeigh marvellously explores the patriarchal Regency Era. Harriet believes she can make something of her life based on whom she gets married to, and Jane believes, irrespective of the circumstances, no one will listen to a woman's voice over a man's.”

“Intriguing science-fiction with a post-apocalyptic flavor... the story captures and holds the imagination. An extraordinary tale with a dynamic storyline.”

“This Austen-inspired novel echoes the master herself. McVeigh’s prose and plotting are pitch-perfect, and many readers will forget they’re reading a contemporary novelist… Here, Emma mingles with Pride and Prejudice in a delightful confrontation between the two books' worlds… While Susan will be catnip to dedicated Austen fans, even new initiates into her work will be captivated by this lively tale.”

“McVeigh is a professional cellist and is thus able to describe with wry authority the extraordinary life of a London orchestra.This is a very enjoyable novel, and not quite as light as it pretends to be.”

“Novelist and ghostwriter McVeigh offers an outstanding addition to the canon of Jane Austen-inspired fiction with this utterly charming period novel, a prequel to Austen’s sharp-elbowed Lady Susan… Susan is a mischievous and clever heroine in the tradition of Austen’s pluckiest characters, and McVeigh populates her story with a cast of first-rate supporting characters, especially Susan’s cousin Alicia, who in the end provides the biggest surprise of the tale.”

“Taylor tempers his post-apocalyptic fictional world with his narrator’s energetic narration and darkly comic humor, as when the rebel Aiden, in alien form, finds himself seduced by the unwitting Ravene: “But, before you write me off as the feeblest—if possibly the sexiest—operative in rebel history, I was also hatching a back-up plan.”… The action scenes are excitingly unpredictable, and possess an emotional element, as brave, goodhearted characters face mortal danger from cruel and evil beings…Taylor handles Aiden’s growth toward self-knowledge in a moving manner; as self-centered as he’s been, he recognises those who’ve found true greatness—“that kernel deep inside, that immortal core” whose recognition “can merge, our separate selves into the person that we’re meant to be.” His mission gives him the chance to move past his restless desire for fame and become his truer self. The book is also a standout for its inventive array of alien species, who crucially assist the rebels’ mission…A thoroughly entertaining adventure with imaginative action and an appealing hero.”

“McVeigh offers plenty of wry insight, sparkling chatter, and domestic intrigue that will please readers, particularly loyal Austen fans. Jane Fairfax faces a precarious situation involving her closest friend, Caroline, and her new husband, Mr. Dixon. An escape comes when she meets Frank Churchill and the two fall for each other…In tone and language McVeigh successfully recreates Jane Austen's world. Readers will find Harriet an enjoyable, intelligent, reimagining of a well-loved story.”

“McVeigh defines an orchestra as ‘a combination of the unlikely and the insufferable, attempting the impossible.’ The same may be said of her novel, which smoothly harmonizes disparate themes and perspectives. Sexy, romantic and satirical, the narrative captivatingly chronicles personal politics and the world of music, ghostly and otherwise.”

“Wonderful!--even better than your first novel. And even more true!”

“Fans of Jane Austen are in for an indulgent treat with the brilliantly crafted novel. Alice McVeigh has mastered the period parlance, immersing readers fully in this charming historical romance. The polished story features a few familiar characters, such as the hard-to-please Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and the unending perorations of one Mr. Collins. But the impertinent Susan is the unmistakable star.”

“Aiden is a fiery protagonist, making this outlandishly creative novel a pleasure to read. Last Star Standing is refreshingly unpredictable, while holding to classic form.”

“I found the characters colorful and thoroughly entertaining, the dialogue witty and laced with humor… Alice McVeigh writes with a flow and eloquence that makes the narrative as smooth as melted butter, and she perfectly captures the regency era”

“Taylor displays a masterful touch at bringing his characters to life, making this action-packed and thought-provoking offering a rare and engrossing treat.”

“McVeigh holds nothing back in her account of the backstage life of an orchestra. Although there is no overriding voice, orchestra manager Pete Hegal emerges as the reader's friend. A disillusioned violinist, Pete speaks with McVeigh's wry perception. The tempo certainly rises during the Royal Sinfonia's Greek tour: a musical world that many see as staid and disciplined is turned upside down. The Last Night of the Proms will never seem the same again.”

“McVeigh’s joy and affection for Jane Austen shines through, and readers who enjoy a well-told regency tale in the classic Austen style will be enchanted…There is no bodice-ripping; instead, the slow burn of suppressed passion and desperate romance.”

“Fans of Jane Austen will be enraptured by Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel. Honoring the original voice of characters more than two centuries old and capturing the subtle tension and emotional complexity of youthful independence, this stylistic gem is an ambitious and memorable homage… McVeigh has set a strong foundation for a stunning six-book series”

“Taylor displays a masterful touch at bringing characters to life… The writing is effortless and fluent, making reading this action-packed and thought-provoking offering a rare and engrossing treat indeed.”

“Think Emma or Pride and Prejudice, but with the added sense of humor, mischief, and determination that elevates the character of Susan.”

Selected Goodreads and Amazon reader reviews

Reviews of Susan & Harriet

“This wonderful story captures Austen’s iconic writing style… Though I have read all Jane Austen’s novels and find her writing style amazing, I have never fallen in love with her stories. However, this story shook my world. I saw something that I have not seen before, and I now feel thirsty to re-read the celebrated author’s original writings.”

“What a treat this book is! It ticks along like one of those elegant Regency carriage clocks – all effortless movement on the surface, but whirring cogs beneath. An entertaining and witty homage, to be enjoyed in its own right… Pretty but penniless young Susan Smithson, in disgrace – doesn’t take much when the lives of young women of the landed gentry were so restricted – is dispatched to the country to mend her ways. There she decides to make things happen by suggesting that the local squire put on a play… McVeigh’s tale is infused with humour, as well as having some genuinely touching moments. The evocation of the language, customs, manners and moralities of the times is spot on, and the characters are a delight.”

“This book is a treat, both for fans of Jane Austen and for others. For the latter, this will pique you into understanding how this sympathetic sixteen-year-old became a completely cold-hearted adult woman. And for the former, it’s a curiosity to observe Lady Susan as a teen.”

“Susan’s courting of Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a joy to behold. Both are seeking dominance – but Susan is playing the longer game. Cajoling men is far easier, as she can use her flirtatious skills, but she knows that both sexes must be won… McVeigh’s creation, Mr Johnson, provides both a perfect foil for Susan, as well as an excuse for bringing Susan and Alicia into contact with people well above them in the hierarchy. The rehearsals of the play provide insight into the way in which such activities demolished barriers – to the dismay of those who would keep them intact. The book can be enjoyed as a standalone story of Alicia and Susan, whose role as ‘the Parsonage girls’ is overturned with delightful intervention by Susan, herself.”

“The author's tone is strongly reminiscent of Austen's, and her acerbic wit is, if anything, still more pointed… Yet Susan differs in one noticeable aspect from Austen's works: its attitude toward virtue is much more modern. Susan is less morally upright than either Elinor and Marianne, and her behavior is treated with rather more indulgence than Austen might have shown. But, 200 years on, Susan's awareness of fundamental unfairness, and her willingness to act in her own and her friends' best interests even at the risk of censure, feels appropriate.”

“Sheer brilliance! Absolutely 5 stars and hands down the best book I've read this year! I kept having to stop and remind myself that I wasn't reading actual Austen. I actually read each page twice, just enjoying the celebration of language and wit! Alice McVeigh is a genius, and if you are even remotely an Austen fan then this is the book for you!”

“A treat! I recommend reading it carefully… like savoring a chocolate croissant.”

“I was initially sceptical that any modern author could convince in Austen’s style, with the nuances of society, the culture and the etiquette of that period – but, by the third chapter, I was so drawn in that it felt utterly real, part of Austen's world. I couldn't put it down. There were genuine moments of elation and tears, too. MORE, PLEASE!”

“This Harriet is sharp and her reflections very amusing… while Jane Fairfax is Austen’s enigma. McVeigh has sought to explain the gaps in Jane’s story; especially how she and Frank Churchill came to be secretly engaged…The language is definitely evocative of Austen. I believe Jane Austen herself would have enjoyed this variation.”

“Harriet and Jane’s narratives are intertwined, and each girl is given a chance to reveal either their shrewdness (Harriet) or their reactions to fortune’s twists and turns (Jane). The style of each is very true to the nature of the speaker, and the contrast ensures that the text never drags. An enjoyable read for someone who would normally avoid ‘historical romance fiction’ like Jane Fairfax would avoid the Eltons!”

“McVeigh’s Mr Johnson is reminiscent of both Mr Rushworth (Mansfield Park) in his home improvements and Sir John Middleton (Sense & Sensibility) in his sociability. Susan’s cousin Alicia is surely another incarnation of the modest heroine with moral authority, such as Anne Elliot… Yet these characters are all their own people, capable of surprising us, and never mere Austen replicas… Susan’s interplay with Lady Catherine, as each tries to manipulate the other, demonstrates the frustrations of being a woman in the early 19th century, who must maintain the tricky balance of being captivating enough to catch the eye of a rich man without risking her reputation – it’s worth reading the novel for these themes alone. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and Harriet by the same author. Can I now look forward to Maria (Bertram), Margaret (Dashwood) or Louisa & Henrietta’ (Musgrove)?”

“Susan is a tour de force of language, style and pace and also a homage to Jane Austen. Alice McVeigh has roused my interest in Lady Susan, a character I’d never considered before. Must re-read Austen to see what happened next! ”

“This novel is artfully orchestrated, skilfully written, and a splendid retreat from a world that seems determined to purge itself of any vestiges of self-respect and dignity. The masterful Austen herself would thoroughly enjoy this book. So will you!”

“A captivating book, in which sixteen-year-old Susan is accused of impropriety and is expelled from her school. Her aunt and uncle Collins reluctantly take her in. The local rich widower, Johnson, incites much of the action, as he and the group of young people agree to put on a play. So many unwed people thrown together ensures that pandemonium ensues, yet Susan seems to be the puppeteer pulling the strings. Hard to describe in more detail without giving any of the delicious plot twists away…”

“McVeigh has yet again produced a highly entertaining novel, in convincingly Austinesque style, with wit and observation. The characters dance off the page into the reader's imagination, the structure is clever. A tempting binge read!”

“Here, Harriet is a canny striver, pretending stupidity in order to put herself in the way of an advantageous marriage. Jane Fairfax is still talented and reserved – but she possesses a depth of emotion and observation not evident in the original novel… The selection of narrators sheds light on dark corners of the story, to entertaining and sometimes surprising effect. Harriet herself is a revelation, and her secret opinions a welcome counterpoint to Emma's. Jane wrestles with the many emotions she seems to inspire and the deep emotions she herself feels. A nuanced portrayal of three young women coming of age.”

“I'd not read a novel inspired by Jane Austen that comes close to catching Austen's rhythm of writing until reading this novel. I enjoyed it so much that, upon rereading Austen again, I was able to feel differently about some of her characters…The dialogue is beautifully written and background information is sprinkled within the story as effortlessly as Austen did it herself.”

“The novel is also uproariously funny at times, with droll and hilarious depictions of the upper crust that reminded me of the delicious reads of Barbara Pym and E.F. Benson, in addition to Austen.”

“Harriet (and surely it should be called Harriet & Jane?) is a highly successful variation on Emma from the perspectives of Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax. What if Harriet were not the naïve airhead she appears, but was rather a young woman with only her own wits to rely upon?... Those of us who love the original will have speculated about what actually happened when Frank Churchill encountered an overwrought Jane Fairfax coming away from Donwell Abbey – This author has recreated the scene for us and it’s much more vivid than this reader could have ever imagined!”

“We always look at friends differently from how we look at strangers. McVeigh has turned Harriet and Jane into friends. In short, she got me rooting for them… And, while I’m still convinced that Mrs. Elton was a vain, conceited woman, if McVeigh writes a book entitled Augusta, I’d expect to find myself sympathizing with Augusta Elton as well!”

Reviews of Last Star Standing

“The prose and writing are quite spectacular with clues and helpful pieces of information exposed at just the right times. A highly imaginative, humorous, and suspenseful sci-fi thriller.

We pick up the story to find Aiden Tenten, a 30-ish-year-old rebel, captured and interrogated by the alluring half-alien Ravene, the Xirfell King’s daughter. Clearly, Aiden and Ravene share some history and even chemistry. This adds immediate intrigue as the reader is forced to piece together the backstory. This is accomplished through the wonderfully addictive, compelling, and sardonic internal monologue of Aiden, a highly flawed, half-indigenous, Australian. Aiden has a lot of baggage and some serious character flaws - impulsivity, recklessness, and perhaps even a “messiah complex”. In trying to find his place within the rebellion and overcome the Xirfell regime, who can he trust and what is he ultimately seeking?

Like all good action/adventure dystopias, there’s an abundance of different life forms, vividly described and well-developed. There are also just enough references to modern-day places like Australia and Siberia to help frame the story. And, just like many modern-day regimes, the Xirfell wrongly believe that their imposition on Earth is a positive that will benefit the citizenry, with propaganda regularly delivered by their ‘beneficent’ King. Highly recommended.”

“Last Star Standing is a well-written, expressive, imaginative, and thought-provoking story that makes one consider the "what-if's," both at a macro level (our society and the impact of a foreign power takeover) and the micro level (our identities as individuals and what drives us). A remarkable combination of entertainment and self-reflection, with elements of politics, power, social class, and diversity.”

“This is a fabulous single person narrative. The wannabe hero with endless flaws has an internal monologue tha’ts absolutely addictive… WWIII has left Earth in bits so, what better time for aliens to swoop in and crush the remnant of humanity? Great collection of aliens, fab descriptions but, most importantly, a flawed hero we can root for.”

“During the Covid lockdown, I’ve chosen to escape by indulging in a load of Sci Fi. I took a chance on this book, was instantly addicted, finished it in two sittings and didn’t want it to end! Not often do I find Sci Fi that has not only enough drive to keep you reading but also laughs in every chapter. Dare I suggest a hint of ‘Pratchett’ with a leavening of ‘Harry Harrison?’”

“This is a great Sci/Fi Dystopian novel written by a polished writer with great chops. Many dystopian stories are about a rebel coming of age to become a leader. Along the way, it’s almost mandatory to spend some time in the autocrat’s jail. Well, this hero starts the story in jail and spends about half the book there. So the action in the book consists of dreams, flashbacks, and narration: the most difficult of plot styles to keep interesting!

The second risk Taylor takes is to make a great deal of the conflict internal to the hero. Most writers mess up this kind of writing. However, if done properly it adds to the complexity of our reaction to the story. The difference in this book is difficult to figure, but it comes down to that most basic response; we have to care. We have to want the main character to succeed. Which we do….For the rest, the story has plenty of action, great suspense, and wonderful character development, providing a depth of conflict and theme rarely seen in Sci-Fi.”

“The story has a character-driven element, although the starting point in the transformation of our hero is a bit unclear. On one hand, Aiden is insecure about … well, almost everything, from his abandonment by his mother to his current-day relationships with women. As a result, reputation is everything and he’s reckless in pursuit of fame. But at the same time, he believes that he is destined to save the world. It seems a strange mix of destiny-calling while dealing with imagined slights, but that’s Aiden. As to where his character ends up? Well, that might be too much of a spoiler, but it’s a significant shift. Recommended!”

Alice McVeigh

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