by R. M. Gray
First published 2025
Aster Oberon commands a pirate crew at seventeen, but a deadly curse flows through her veins. She has little time before the magic transforms her into Queen Morana's infernal servant. Will Castor, the Nightbringer she loves, suffers the same fate. Aster's newfound powers surge beyond her control as she desperately seeks a cure. She forms an uneasy alliance with Will and Prince Titus Anteres, despite knowing the prince plots to eliminate his own royal family. Their quest leads them to board the starship Starchaser, heading for the ominous Grima Castle. The castle's ornate halls conceal deadly secrets. Assassins lurk behind refined manners at grand parties. Poisoned wine flows at formal banquets. Aster keeps her daggers close as unexpected feelings for Prince Titus complicate her bond with Will. Trust becomes a luxury she cannot afford. Any ally might turn enemy. Each passing moment brings her closer to eternal servitude. The curse advances relentlessly toward her soul.
Genres: romance, adventure, fantasy, young-adult, dark-fantasy, young-adult-fantasy
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, high-stakes, romantic-tension, suspenseful
Tropes: curse-breaking-quest, enemies-to-lovers, found-family, love-triangle
Setting: Grima Castle, Starchaser
Period: 17th Century
448 pages · Paperback · Penguin
Content warnings: death, violence