The Serpent and the Wolf

Mysterious magic and a tense political marriage animate Robinson’s captivating debut romantasy. Princess Vaasa Kozár inherits the same dark magic that led to her mother’s death. Before she can learn more about this gift/curse, her ruthless brother marries her off to a neighboring ruler, hoping both to secure the alliance and that Vaasa will die before coming into any real political power. Reid Cazden is unaware that his new wife did not consent to their match, and the strength of their union will help him in his campaign to become the next Headman, ruling over even more land. Vaasa has other ideas, however. On their wedding night, she holds Reid at knifepoint before fleeing to short-lived freedom. Reid catches up with her and offers her a deal: return and stay married for three years (enough time to solidify his political goals) and in exchange, he’ll help her tame her life-threatening magic. Vaasa agrees on the condition that their relationship remain strictly platonic—a rule that proves increasingly difficult to follow as they face down enemies and obstacles together. Robinson embraces the enemies-to-lovers trope, with the slow-burn romance between Reid and Vaasa taking center stage, enhanced by their zippy and effortless banter, and the nail-biting conclusion will leave readers eager for a sequel. Robinson is sure to win fans. Agent: Samantha Fabien, Root Literary. (Nov.)