The Spells We Cast

In this thrilling fantasy from Jason June (Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball), teens navigate crushes and real dangers during a ruthless spell-casting competition meant to keep the balance between those with and without magic. Eighteen-year-old Texan cowboy Nigel Barrett’s boyfriend dumps him just before the start of the Culling, a tournament that allows only a fraction of gifted teens to keep their power. As the descendant of the first human granted magic, Nigel is determined to do whatever it takes to retain his abilities, but sparks fly when touching competitor Ori Olson in the first challenge drastically increases Nigel’s power. After Ori and Nigel are paired up in the second round to cure a curse, their restoration spell spirals out of control and awakens a horde of beings called Depraved who feed on negative emotions. Nigel is the only one who can retrieve the necessary weapon to turn the tide of an oncoming battle, but conspiracies and double-crossings complicate the quest. Deliciously camp depictions of Nigel’s Southern ranch life paired with a whip-fast plot, intriguing magical system, and darkly fantastical elements make for a gritty, layered telling. The protagonists read as white; supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 12–up. Agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US. (Oct.)