Revelle

Though Prohibition is in full swing on the mainland, liquor still flows on Charmant, a small island off the coast of New York City that’s home to the Revelle family—a spectacular theater troupe that can magically manipulate people’s emotions. To secure a vital bootlegging contract, their star, 18-year-old Luxe, must seduce 21-year-old Dewey Chronos, scion of a powerful family of time-traveling politicians. In a case of mistaken identity, however, she encounters 19-year-old orphan Jamison Port, who’s come to Charmant seeking answers about his mysterious past. While falling for Jamison, Luxe continues pursuing Dewey, whose campaign to become mayor of Charmant relies heavily on the Revelles’ social clout. The three are soon caught in a dangerous game of deceit and betrayal as their individual motivations clash. In this captivating debut, Smith conjures up a decadent atmosphere tinged with looming disaster, especially as Luxe’s unique magical ability slowly saps her health. A magic system whose utilization comes at a great cost, the Revelles’ enemies’ merciless pursuit, and a plot peppered with Moulin Rouge influences make for an arresting dark romantic fantasy. Main characters read as white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Triada US. (Feb.)