Vesuvius

Seventeen-year-old Felix has pulled off the ultimate heist: selling the helmet he stole from the Temple of Apollo is guaranteed to pay his way out of Pompeii. But his negotiations go awry, forcing Felix to seek sanctuary at the Temple of Isis. Sixteen-year-old temple attendant Loren wants nothing to do with the thief, who has starred in Loren’s nightmarish visions foretelling Pompeii’s destruction. When Loren learns that the stolen helmet belongs to the god Mercury, he becomes certain that Felix is not just a bad omen but a catalyst of doom. Distinct and immersive alternating perspectives depict both teens’ struggles reckoning with their ambitions and traumatic pasts as Felix longs for escape and stability and Loren yearns for a future free of family obligations and safety for the city he loves. As each searches for answers about the increasingly frequent earthquakes plaguing Pompeii, they realize they may be stronger together than apart. Debut author Biehn weaves political intrigue into impressively researched Roman history and mythology. Setting Felix and Loren’s blossoming romance against the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius adds tension and suspense to a seismic queer love story that investigates themes of class, gender, and healing from trauma. Characters are described with varying skin tones. Ages 14–up. Agent: Annalise Errico, Ladderbird Literary. (June)