The Wild Huntress

Every five years, the mortal king of Dyfed and the immortal Otherking of Annwvyn hold the Wild Hunt, a friendly but lethal contest with the Otherking’s boon as a prize. Gwydion, the 19-year-old prince of Gwynedd, hires monster hunter Branwen, 18, to infiltrate the upcoming Wild Hunt, determined to use the Otherking’s boon to prevent his cruel and impulsive brother from ascending as crown prince. Branwen, meanwhile, plans to ask the Otherking to heal her mother’s failing memory; Branwen uses her unprecedented ability to see magic to enter the Hunt with Gwydion, but their true purpose as agents of an enemy kingdom is discovered by Prince Pryderi of Dyfed, 18, who seeks to win the Hunt to prove himself to his father. Despite their conflicting goals, the three team up, developing a fire-forged friendship. But as the Hunt becomes increasingly treacherous, they must weigh the cost of achieving their goals against their bonds to one another. Lloyd-Jones expands upon the Welsh folklore–inspired worlds of The Bone Houses and The Drowned Woods to craft an all-new tale of fae magic, burgeoning connection, and tragic betrayal. The chemistry of the main trio, who read as white, shines in every interaction, lending emotional heft and nail-biting tension to the intense action. Ages 12–up. Agent: Sarah Landis, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Oct.)