by Jason June
First published 2079
Nigel Barrett has devoted his life to preparing for the Culling. This competition decides which teenage magicians will lose their abilities to maintain magical equilibrium. He expects many challenges, but not Ori Olson. This sharp-tongued rival hides deep wounds behind cutting remarks. When Nigel and Ori first encounter each other, their magic intensifies. The closer they become, the stronger their abilities grow. Yet they cannot afford emotional bonds. As competitors fall away, the Culling becomes increasingly perilous. Nigel and Ori discover that more than their magical gifts hang in the balance. The bond forming between them may pose the greatest danger to magic itself, their destinies, and humanity's survival.
Genres: romance, coming-of-age, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
352 pages · Paperback · Melissa de la Cruz Studio
Content warnings: anxiety, depression, mental-illness