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About The Book

A New York Times bestseller!

A skeptic and a supernatural being make a crossroads deal to achieve their own ends only to get more than they bargained for in this “irresistible elixir of romance and suspense” (Kirkus Reviews) from the New York Times bestselling author of Spell Bound and So This Is Ever After.

Seventeen-year-old Ellery is a non-believer in a region where people swear the supernatural is real. Sure, they’ve been stuck in a five-year winter, but there’s got to be a scientific explanation. If goddesses were real, they wouldn’t abandon their charges like this, leaving farmers like Ellery’s family to scrape by.

Knox is a familiar from the Other World, a magical assistant sent to help humans who have made crossroads bargains. But it’s been years since he heard from his queen, and Knox is getting nervous about what he might find once he returns home. When the crossroads demons come to collect Knox, he panics and runs. A chance encounter down an alley finds Ellery coming to Knox’s rescue, successfully fending off his would-be abductors.

Ellery can’t quite believe what they’ve seen. And they definitely don’t believe the nonsense this unnervingly attractive guy spews about his paranormal origins. But Knox needs to make a deal with a human who can tether him to this realm, and Ellery needs to figure out how to stop this winter to help their family. Once their bargain is struck, there’s no backing out, and the growing connection between the two might just change everything.

About The Author

Photograph by F.T. Lukens

F.T. Lukens is a New York Times bestselling author of YA speculative fiction including the novels Spell Bound, So This Is Ever After, and In Deeper Waters (2022 ALA Rainbow Booklist; Junior Library Guild Selection), as well as other science fiction and fantasy works. Their contemporary fantasy novel The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic was a 2017 Cybils Award finalist in YA Speculative Fiction and won the Bisexual Book Award for Speculative Fiction. F.T. resides in North Carolina with their spouse, three kids, three dogs, and three cats.

Why We Love It

“F.T. Lukens has a special talent for creating snappy dialogue and crackling chemistry. Add to that a crossroads deal and impossible love, and you’ve got a recipe for a delightfully cozy fantasy that will leave you warmhearted and smiling!”

—Kate P., Senior Editor, on Otherworldly

Product Details

  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (April 2, 2024)
  • Length: 352 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665916271
  • Ages: 14 - 99

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Raves and Reviews

"A paranormal romance bursting with coziness, featuring a heartwarming found family and a charming love story."

– Shelf Awareness, 4/12/2024

"Notably, in a genre that has recently favored older readers, this story is accessible to teens of all ages. Its broad appeal, engaging pacing, and quest-like plot structure (which features cameos from deities inspired by Greek mythology) create a transition point for younger teens comfortable with Rick Riordan Presents....A light but nuanced story that will be a joy for teens."

– Booklist, starred review

"An irresistible elixir of romance and suspense."

– Kirkus Reviews, 3/1/24

"Lukens’s signature blend of complex yet accessible mythology, queer-normative worldbuilding, and high emotional stakes makes for a compulsively readable tale."

– Publishers Weekly, 1/15/2024

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More books from this author: F.T. Lukens