Forgive-Me-Not

The paths of a changeling and the girl whose life she unknowingly stole unexpectedly collide in this spirited enemies-to-lovers fairy tale by Costa (Belle of the Ball). Shortly before her 18th birthday, Princess Aisling is kidnapped at knifepoint by Forget-Me-Not, a servant of the fae. When Forget-Me-Not wounds Aisling with an iron sword, the princess’s enchanted human glamour dissolves, revealing her true form: a purple-skinned creature with horns and a tail. Forget-Me-Not intends to take Aisling to the Seelie court, where she will return Aisling to her biological father, a fairy courtier, in exchange for freeing Forget-Me-Not from contracted servitude to the fae. Aisling struggles to adjust to her new form and the social and magical expectations of fairykind as the pair traverse the ever-changing landscape, facing off against powerful foes and confronting their shared past. Along the way, their relationship deepens toward romance, complicating Forget-Me-Not’s plans. Uncluttered illustrations and straightforward paneling allow the bright and colorful hues of the fairy realm to burst from the pages, making for a lively adventure. Aisling’s naivete and genuine belief in the power of love to conquer all juxtaposed with Forget-Me-Not’s jaded pragmatism and the malevolent cruelty of the surrounding magical world culminate in a thematically rich narrative. Ages 14–up. Agent: Allison Hellegers, Stimola Literary Studio. (Apr.)