Watchmaker

a novel by

Maeve Rose Heslin

Line drawing of a fox and a cat sitting on an open book, facing each other, with the text 'CAT FOX PRESS' beneath them.
Book cover for 'Watchmaker' by Maeve Rose Heslin featuring a cityscape, gears, a spiral tunnel with a silhouette of a person at the center, and a map of a city. The top text reads, 'In a city ruled by time, even love is a revolution.'

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

to Kindle and Print

Available for Pre-Order: Watchmaker by Maeve Rose Heslin

In the city of Kursa, time is more than a measure—it’s law.

Time is breaking. The city is unraveling. And only a handful of unlikely souls remembers how it was meant to hold together.

Every hour is sacred. Every gear aligned. Every life is shaped by the divine rhythm of the stars and the capital’s great clockwork heart.

But now, that rhythm is faltering.

MATYEV, heir to the legacy of the Watchmaker, never sought power. But when the great clockwork heart of the city begins to fail, and fractures ripple through the sacred order, Matyev is drawn into a dangerous world of hidden rebellions, broken prophecy, and a web of secrets buried deep within that inheritance.

LILLIAN, a battle-hardened general forged in the city’s darkest corners, wields her grief like a knife. Commanding a fragile rebellion, she knows what’s worth saving—and what must be sacrificed.

RUSHE, a young apprentice with something to prove—and something to hide—walks the bleeding edge between obedience and truth. Quietly resilient, they carry secrets that could tip the balance, a poignant reminder that even the smallest cog can hold great power.

As the gears of the city tick inexorably toward fate, these intertwined lives must navigate ancient mechanisms, forbidden knowledge, and the tangled loyalties of those who would rather see time run out. To protect what remains—and uncover what was lost—they must each decide whether to uphold a system built on secrets or risk everything to break it.

Watchmaker is a genre-defying epic of clockwork prophecy, queer revolution, and the courage it takes to reshape time itself.

Perfect for fans of R.F. Kuang (The Poppy War), N.K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy), and Erin Morgenstern (The Night Circus), Maeve Rose Heslin’s debut combines sweeping worldbuilding, taut political intrigue, and a profoundly human core. Her voice is lyrical, precise, and unflinching—melding beauty with brutality in a world where time is both weapon and god.

Reserve your copy today and step into a masterfully woven story that lingers long after the last tick of the clock.

Join the list for a free preview copy of the first chapter.

Logo featuring a dog and a cat sitting on an open book with the text 'CATFOX PRESS' underneath.
Book cover for 'Watchmaker' by Maeve Rose Heslin featuring a cityscape, gears, a spiral tunnel with a silhouette of a person at the center, and a map of a city. The top text reads, 'In a city ruled by time, even love is a revolution.'

Advance Praise for Watchmaker

  • “An absolutely mesmerizing fantasy debut—richly imagined, brilliantly written, and profoundly moving. Watchmaker will linger with readers long after the last page.”

  • “A deeply immersive, inclusive fantasy that explores the power of identity and rebellion. Heslin’s prose is sharp, tender, and impossible to forget.”

  • “Watchmaker is giving me ALL the steampunk fantasy feels with an ensemble queer romance storyline that’s so real and messy and perfect. Add it to your TBR now!”

  • “With intricate world-building and characters who tug deeply at the heart, Watchmaker explores fate, duty, and rebellion in a way that feels both timeless and urgently relevant.”

  • “Okay but Watchmaker has the most beautifully written queer rep I’ve read in ages. Plus political intrigue and clockwork magic? Yes please!”

  • “Watchmaker is a fierce, lyrical journey into a world where time and fate collide. The characters’ struggles and bonds resonate deeply and authentically.”

  • “This book’s vibes: slow-burn, found family, and a city on the brink. Plus, the queer rep is amazing. Seriously, can’t stop thinking about Watchmaker.”

  • “Evocative, emotional, and brilliantly paced—this novel is destined to become a beloved staple among fantasy lovers everywhere.”

  • “An absorbing tale that beautifully combines political suspense, delicate romance, and the quiet courage of finding one’s path in a world of gears and shadows.”

  • “If you love slow-burn queer romance wrapped in steampunk mystery, Watchmaker is your next obsession. Gorgeous world, complex characters, and so much heart! IYKYK”

  • “Maeve Rose Heslin masterfully blends steampunk intrigue, emotional depth, and lyrical storytelling into an unforgettable journey. Truly captivating.”

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