Adrienne Tooley grew up in Southern California, majored in musical theater in Pittsburgh, and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife, six guitars, and a banjo. In addition to writing novels, she is a singer/songwriter who has currently released three indie-folk EPs. Sweet & Bitter Magic is her debut novel.
The Whisperwood Legacy (2025) Jo Schulte "Welcome to The Whisperwood, at onceenchanting and unsettling, where stories are more than words on a page and one family's legacy threatens to unravel. Jo Schulte's rollercoaster of a debut brims with mystery, magic, and mayhem. Come for the eerie folktale-inspired theme park, then stay for the delicious family drama. The Whisperwood Legacy is a fast-paced thrill ride that will have you turning pages long into the night."
Where Shadows Bloom (2025) Catherine Bakewell "Brimming with magic and adventure, Where Shadows Bloom is a tender, romantic exploration of love in all its forms. The slowburn sapphic romance between poetic knight Lope and the endearing lady Ofelia offers readers a delicious, pining friends-to-lovers fairytale of first love in bloom. I was utterly charmed."
What the Woods Took (2024) Courtney Gould "With prose as sharp as snapping branches and a tense yet tender sapphic romance, each page oozes with atmosphere, leaving readers no choice but to contend with the terrifying idea that the monsters lurking in the woods look a lot like the ones we carry with us."
So Let Them Burn (2024) (Divine Traitors, book 1) Kamilah Cole "What happens after the chosen one wins the war? So Let Them Burn explores the aftermath of victory, contending with the responsibility and impossible pressure of power. Kamilah Cole's sweeping, heart-pounding debut is a book about bonds: between warrior and country, rider and dragon, chosen one and the gods, and, perhaps most importantly, the complicated yet impenetrable bond between sisters. With characters who will grip you by the throat, a skillful commentary on colonialism, and an immersive world filled with dragons, danger, and deception, So Let Them Burn is a remarkable addition to the fantasy canon, establishing Cole as a powerful new voice in the genre."
Sing Me to Sleep (2023) (Sing Me to Sleep, book 1) Gabi Burton "Richly imagined and utterly immersive, Sing Me to Sleep will call to you like the sea. Saoirse is a deeply compelling character: vicious, frightened, and tender as she navigates mysteries, lies, and betrayal in the Kingdom of Keirdre. With an expansive cast of characters, a morally grey heroine, and a swoon-worthy prince, at its heart, this is a story about loyalty and will speak to anyone willing to go to great lengths for the people they love. Gabi Burton's debut is as captivating as the magic within its pages, and will leave you breathless until the final line."
If Tomorrow Doesn't Come (2023) Jen St Jude "An achingly tender and poignantly honest look at depression, queerness, and love at the end of the world, If Tomorrow Doesn't Come will break your heart and put it back together again. Jen St. Jude's breathtaking prose and thoughtful exploration of emotion firmly cements them as one of the most endearing new voices in YA. This book is a marvel."
Where Darkness Blooms (2023) Andrea Hannah "A fierce, riveting tale of mothers, daughters, and generational curses. Mesmerizing and brutal, Andrea Hannah's Where Darkness Blooms belongs on your shelf right next to Laura Ruby's Bone Gap."
A Ruinous Fate (2023) (Witch's Dice, book 1) Kaylie Smith "A page turning debut that's sure to delight, A Ruinous Fate is a whimsical, action-packed thrillride. Kaylie Smith's richly imagined world and lively cast of characters will leave readers transported and begging for the sequel."
The Ones We Burn (2022) Rebecca Mix "At once familiar and entirely fresh, Rebecca Mix's The Ones We Burn is a stunning fantasy that deftly navigates grief, love, and the powerful necessity of hope. Set in a rich, sweeping world, and penned with prose as brutal as Ranka's blood-magic, you'll find yourself lost in the thoughtful exploration of found family, the whip-smart magic system and the tender, striking sapphic romance. Ranka is the sort of heroine you can't help but root for and Aramis, Galen and Percy will linger long after the final page. I love this book. Rebecca Mix is a writer to watch."
