Crimson Throne (Spy and Guardian #1)

The authors of the Witch and Hunter duology return with a biting historical fantasy series launch that fuses Tudor-era courtcraft with Celtic fae legend. Eighteen-year-old Alyth Graham, a half fae lady-in-waiting, is bound by her estranged Seelie prince father to maintain the magical barrier that separates the human and fae realms, by extension protecting Mary, Queen of Scots, from her scheming, power-hungry husband, of whom Alyth has suspicions of hiding something. When dark fae weapons infiltrate the castle and a dire prophecy foretells the barrier’s collapse, Alyth’s skills as Scotland’s unseen guardian are put to the test. Enter street-savvy 19-year-old Samson Calthorpe, who was cursed by a fae relic to experience periods of berserker fury. Summoned by his unscrupulous father, Samson poses as a lord’s secretary to recover the heavily guarded artifact that doomed him—his only hope to break the curse. Upon meeting, Alyth and Samson’s immediate attraction pushes them into a wary alliance to solve the barrier mystery. Alternating first-person POVs propel their quest through magical ambushes, court corruption, and attempted regicide. Intriguing Scottish folklore imbues the period setting with texture and sets the stage for a climactic clash of magic and politics that features a sharp-tongued heroine and a sensitive hero confronting duty, destiny, and betrayal. Ages 14–up. Agents: (for Raasch) Amy Stapp, Wolfson Literary; (for Revis) Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House. (Oct.)