Wish of the Wicked (Fairy Godmother #1)

Centering the sole survivor of a magical coven and using “Cinderella” as a foundation, Paige (the Ravens series) weaves a dark and mysterious telling that delves into the origins of the inspiration material’s fairy godmother. In the land of Hinter, Farrow lives among the Entente, a coven composed largely of female magic users. Led by Les Soeurs—the Fate sisters Past, Present, and Future—the community lives in secret among humans, using their powers to disguise themselves, advise royals, and manipulate the course of the queendom. After Hinter’s callous new ruler, Queen Magrit, bans magic and orders the Entente’s execution, Farrow is the only survivor. When, at 18, Farrow is offered an opportunity to work in the palace, she’s eager to put her years-refined revenge plans into motion. Her scheme is derailed, however, by the shocking truths she uncovers while living among the palace royals. Though Farrow’s tenacious first-person POV often reads as mature for the intended audience, Paige meticulously layers details from the original story amid this striking new series opener to effectively imbue the familiar tale with fresh vitality. Farrow has light brown skin. Ages 13–up. (Nov.)