Never the Roses

THE GREATEST ENEMIES FEEL THE FIERCEST DESIRES Genevieve Gornichec’s The Witch’s Heart meets Madeline Miller’s Circe in this epic and deeply emotional romantic fantasy debut by Jennifer K. Lambert. The hardcover edition features beautiful sprayed edges. After a lifetime fighting other people’s battles, the sorceress Oneira exiles herself from the warring courts of kings and queens. She’s long accepted that her death is near, as destruction has been her constant companion since she was a child. She seeks solace in a remote forest where the mountains meet the beach, accompanied by three uninvited companions—a near-mythical wolf, a goddess’ avatar in the form of a kestrel, and a feline that embodies magic itself. But Oneira’s peacefulness doesn’t last as long as she’d wished. On a whim, or perhaps at the behest of fate, she makes an unlikely trip to the most extensive library in existence: the home of her most powerful rival, the sorcerer Stearanos. There, she finds herself stealing a book from him, and this act of reckless thievery inadvertently initiates a forbidden correspondence. Taunting notes and clever retorts reveal a connection neither has—nor could ever—find in any other. Oneira soon learns that Stearanos, bound to a vile king, is tasked with waging war on the Queen she once served. A relationship with him is far too dangerous to pursue despite their mutual desire–and yet, Oneira can’t seem to stay away. A bond with Stearanos could light the long-extinct flame of life within her… or it could destroy her entirely.