The Coldest Touch

Competitive swimmer Elise Beaumont, 16 and white, has been consumed by grief, guilt, and fear since the mysterious drowning death of her older brother Nick five months ago. She’s also intent on breaking the curse that forces her to have visions of a person’s death when her skin touches theirs. Claire Montgomery, also white, is a perpetually 17-year-old vampire tasked by the paranormal world’s leaders with guiding Elise—a potential savior of that world—into her power as Death Oracle, capable of unraveling paranormal creatures. Claire doesn’t want or expect to care about Elise, especially given that delivering her safely is Claire’s ticket to revenge against the individual who turned her vampire. As people close to Elise begin to be brutally murdered, she feels increased pressure to understand and embrace her abilities—and finds herself drawn romantically to Claire. Sterling’s (These Witches Don’t Burn) world will appeal to readers who appreciate atmospheric and emotional paranormal romance; through alternating dual voices, she offers a gentle, sapphic romance and a nuanced exploration of identity, power, and consent. Ages 12–up. Agent: Kathleen Rushall, Andrea Brown Literary. (Dec.)