Fantasy

Adena and Paedyn have always been inseparable. Fate brought them together when they were young, but friendship ensured they’d always protect each other and the home they built in the slums of Loot. But now Paedyn – an Ordinary – has been selected for The Purging Trials, which means almost certain death. Now alone in Loot, Adena must fend for herself. After attempting to steal, it’s a mysterious man from the market who comes to her rescue. Mak’s shadowy past and secretive power set him apart from the other low\-level Elites of Loot. And as the pair team up to see their loved ones before the Trials begin, the quest tests their loyalty, their love, and their lives…

Princess Naria has always preferred crafting medicines to wearing tiaras. Living in a secluded forest village, she studies healing after a huge fire destroyed her kingdom eighteen years ago. But when a gilded carriage arrives, her people rejoice while she reaches for her anxiety powder. The time has come for Naria to rejoin royal society and rebuild her fallen kingdom as a queen. However, even her heaviest science books seem simple compared to life at the palace. Worse still, she’s being forced to marry the roguish Prince Lukas, who declares that Naria’s only use is to bear him heirs and that her kingdom should remain in ruins. Determined to escape her engagement, Naria spends her nights sneaking away to the crystal-walled, underground realm of the faeries. Yet, while the faery prince might be willing to help her people, behind his charming looks lies a sinister obsession for his darling new princess. To deepen her troubles, the more Naria finds herself in heated exchanges with Lukas, the more she begins to fear she’s falling for the wrong prince. Because only a selfish princess would fall for the one prince who has vowed to forever leave her kingdom in ruins.

Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark . . . but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either. Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non\-wicches around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind. But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . . With found family, slow burn romance and an uplifting message about self\-love, this is the cosy, autumnal read that you've been waiting for.