Lore of the Wilds

Sbrana’s spellbinding romantic fantasy debut follows a human girl who strikes a deal with the fae to save her family. When a mysterious earthquake leaves the imprisoned human town of Duskmere in ruins, the fae come searching for Lore Alemeyu’s aunt, owner of the local apothecary. Lore desperately surrenders herself to the fae in her aunt’s place and is promptly escorted to Wyndlin Castle, where Lord Syrelle tasks her with organizing spell books within the castle’s enchanted library, which he cannot enter as it’s warded against fae. Lore agrees in exchange for Syrelle sending recovery aid to Duskmere. The job is a dream—surrounded by countless books, Lore secretly learns more about fae magic while growing closer to her assigned guard, Asher Gylthrae, an irresistible dark fae who becomes her stoic companion. But just as Lore begins settling in, she is met by a harsh reminder of the danger that now lurks outside of Duskmere’s walls, and she must decide who to trust. The plot unravels deliberately and deliciously, luring readers into its world and captivating them with multidimensional characters who will keep them on their toes. Sbrana is a writer to watch. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Feb.)