Seven Deadly Thorns

In debut author Hamilton’s gothic romantasy reimagining of “Snow White,” two schoolmates find themselves affianced to each other while on a mission to uncover the truth about their cursed kingdom. Eighteen-year-old Viola Sinclair has hidden her shadow magic her whole life. Following the death of the king of Aragoa, hunters have been relentlessly pursuing shadow magic wielders, who are purportedly responsible for his killing as well as for the deadly mists that permeate the kingdom. But when Viola’s powers are discovered, the queen dispatches her own son, Prince Roze, and claims that if he doesn’t kill Viola in seven days, he’ll die instead. Viola is shocked to realize that her would-be murderer is her former bully. Equally perplexing is that, rather than complete his mission, Roze requests that Viola use her shadow magic to help him learn more about his father’s death and the curse placed upon the kingdom. Faking an engagement to avoid suspicion aroused by their quest, the pair unearth dangerous secrets and a mutual attraction that could prove deadly. Enticing worldbuilding and heart-stopping plot twists add darkness and grit to this enemies-to-lovers tale. Ages 15–up. Agent: Caitlin Blasdell, Liza Dawson Assoc. (Nov.)