Where the Lightning Goes

Sixteen-year-old Elle has no memory of her life before she fell from the sky and landed in the House, an insular home that she and a few other residents are forbidden from leaving. Having been watched over by the House’s guardian, Miss Cynthia, since she was young, Elle yearns to escape. After Elle successfully exits the House, she again falls from the sky, this time appearing in a dense forest that’s home to the most powerful sorcerer in existence, Adair. Seeking refuge as well as a way to recover her lost memories and harness her fledgling magic abilities, Elle pleads with Adair to teach her. Meanwhile, a recurring dream in which she witnesses an older version of herself fighting a figure in a castle increases in frequency. Accompanied by Adair, Elle embarks on a journey plagued by dark secrets from both her own past and the history of this enchanted world she never knew existed. Salem interweaves myriad fantasy elements—including elemental magic, dragons, demons, and gods—to craft an adventure-filled tale brimming with danger around every corner that tackles themes surrounding the power of love and accepting oneself. All characters cue as white. Ages 14–up. (Self-published)