Where Shadows Meet

At the start of this ambitious dark fantasy solo debut by anthology editor Caldwell (Eternally Yours), scheming princess Thana stumbles into infatuation with Favre, the reclusive, winged daughter of a minor god and a deceased sorceress. After slaying her father with a sword forged from Favre’s shorn wings and consuming his blood, Thana becomes the first vampire, aspiring to the throne with Favre as her queen. But they are soon overthrown and imprisoned for centuries until happenstance sets them free. Long after their imprisonment, future vampire queen Leyla, who experiences chronic pain, leaves her protected castle seeking the prescient yamaja, or messengers of fate. When she and banished yamaja Najja collide, blood is spilled and sparks fly. Alternating POVs tracing both couples’ trials interweave throughout time, recounting how Leyla and Najja are drawn together as Favre and Thana’s carefully laid plans fall apart. While the nonlinear storytelling occasionally lowers the novel’s emotional stakes, Caldwell deftly demonstrates the intoxicating—and sometimes toxic—nature of the characters’ mutual devotion. It’s an enticing addition to the dark sapphic fantasy canon that’s filled with inventive ideas . Ages 13–up. (Apr.)