Previously self-published Bronte-Marie Wesson has just made her traditional debut with the start of a high fantasy series.
The Ascension of Souls was released on the 3rd of March 2025 to kick off the Broken Cycle trilogy. The novel is perfect for fans of Game of Thrones and has received praise from SenLinYu and Lyndall Clipstone.
Based in Sydney, Wesson said “books were always the thing.” Throughout her journey as a makeup artist influencer, she has evolved from a voracious reader to passionate bookseller to successful author.
The Ascension of Souls
Wesson’s first traditionally published novel unpacks themes of identity, fate and politics, where an ancient prophecy traps two countries in an endless cycle of war.
The protagonist, Luminara, is a queer palace servant haunted by the past. Her intricate backstory and the challenges thrown her way throughout the novel keeps readers intrigued.
Just one of the loveably complicated characters in this emerging series, Luminara forms a forbidden bond with newly anointed ruler Rianthran. Another main character, Nejla, has become a fan favourite, providing a sense of strength and sisterhood throughout the story. Almost as popular Wirru turns the ‘knight in shining armour’ ideal on its head when he grows tired of being the hero.
With this band of real, raw and complex characters, Wesson weaves together a magical tale with her distinctly lyrical prose and obvious passion for writing.
Wesson identifies her main inspiration as The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time to which she asked, “what if you took this, and you played it for adults, and you played it straight, rather than playing it as a fun fantasy adventure?” In the book she explores the answer, with notes of Dungeons and Dragons woven in.
The Spooky Adventure of Publishing
Wesson’s true debut was The Brass Wyvern, the first of ‘The Blessed Imperium’ series and self-published in February 2025. Both timelines explored in this novel differ from that of The Ascension of Souls but occur in the same world, experimenting with an epic heist, a queernorm setting and found family.
Soon after The Brass Wyvern was self-published, Penguin Random House Australia accepted Ascension of Souls for traditional publication.
While Wesson is excited for this new stage of her author journey, she says the publishing industry is “astonishingly slow” and much “spookier.” With her dream of being an author coming true, slowly but surely, she acknowledges how terrifying it is.
“We aimed for the stars, and now we’re in a rattly little metal spaceship that’s potentially going to fall apart any moment – we’re just crossing our fingers.”
Deeper Meanings
Ascension of Souls, while being High Fantasy, carries real world meaning.
Through the fictional empire within the book, Wesson also explores issues such as colonialism and war.
Wesson reflects, “my fundamental worldview is that no one should have to face the systematic threat of death.”
The repeating cycle of war and intense political scheming throughout the novel mirror historical instances of “systematic cultural destruction” and challenge ongoing threats to peace around the world today.
An Infamous Pantser
Wesson is not a ritualistic writer but rather fits in moments of writing where she can. She writes in a moleskin notebook, notorious for ‘pantsing’, or improvising.
“I am not a plotter, I don’t architect everything out,” Wesson admits. “I kind of just start, and then halfway through the book, I panic, and I go, oh … I really should have written an outline.”
As part of this process, while Wesson is the long-form writer, she works closely with her wife to craft the worlds and dialogue we read in her books.
“It’s like having a scene partner in a theatrical sense,” Wesson explained, “except you’re both improvising.”
They run a dozen versions of each scene and string together what works so Wesson can write it into the story. This gives each character a distinct voice and ensures the dialogue is more real and immersive.
“We’ve done it for years and years that way,” Wesson says. “And it works for us.”
A Hint at Future Works
Wesson provides small hints at what she is working on next.
The rest of the trilogy is on its way with “book three in the works.”
She also indicated the following project may be sci-fi. “Think Truman Show, crossed with Cabin in the Woods.”
Bronte-Marie Wesson on Tour
Not only does her passion for words shine through her writing, but Wesson’s eloquence was apparent when she went on tour in March.
The Penguin Fantasy Fest returned to key Australian cities this year, and Wesson joined the panel with other fantasy authors Braidee Otto, Lily Crozier and Stacia Stark.
With more upcoming events and exciting new releases, Wesson is swiftly becoming an author to watch.
