The Almost Queen

Murray (Small Town Secrets) delivers a fast-paced, enjoyable fantasy romance between a witch fighting for justice and a king trying to avoid another bloody war. Witch Ellara Wist has always felt alone among humans, her magic and green-tinted skin having marked her as an outcast since childhood. As an adult fighting for freedom for her kind, she is captured, accused of treason, and brought to Terran, the new king of Aulen, for execution. She recognizes the king instantly as the boy who showed her kindness when they were children—and who owes her a debt for once saving his life. Terran offers mercy in the form of an unthinkable compromise: become his queen. Terran is under pressure to marry and sees opportunity in having a witch at his side, despite the disgust and suspicions at High Court. But marriage to Ellara quickly becomes more than a political machination. Both Terran and Ellara seek love in a lonely world of death and war, but each must weigh their relationship against loyalty to their people. Though the ending feels a bit convenient, the tenderness of the romance, playful banter, and courtly scheming are sure to endear readers. Fans of Grace Draven’s Radiance will find much to admire. Agent: Maggie Cooper, Aevitas Creative Management. (Oct.)