by Jason June
First published 2024
Nigel and Ori barely survived their confrontation with the Knife. Now they know the truth about the Culling. The brutal tradition that strips magical power from teenagers serves only the Guild's greed. The soulmates find themselves leading a resistance movement they never planned to join. Alister mobilizes the Guild's forces against them. A mysterious spell wipes the memories of every new recruit they gain. Worst of all, something dark grows inside Nigel, threatening to consume him from within. The sunshine and grump duo must navigate deadly magical corruption while fighting an entire system built on exploitation. Their enemies control ancient institutions and vast resources. Nigel and Ori have only their bond, their determination, and their growing powers. The resistance depends on them, but survival comes first. They race to expose the Guild's lies before the darkness in Nigel destroys everything they're fighting to protect.
Genres: romance, adventure, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Guild
Period: present-day
352 pages · Hardcover · Melissa de la Cruz Studio
Content warnings: mental-illness, violence