As winter sets in, many of us crave a good excuse to cozy up with a great book. For me, there’s no better reason than the cold and darkness outside. If you’re looking for some YA paperback goodness to snuggle up with, I’ve got you covered. This list features both new releases and paperback editions of popular titles, including fiction and nonfiction, across various genres and formats within the young adult category.
I’ve focused on standalone novels and first books in new series, providing a broad selection rather than an exhaustive one. While this list isn’t definitive, it’s meant to be a starting point for exploring the many wonderful YA paperback options out there. When browsing, note that some links may direct you to hardcover editions, which can be easily switched to paperback from there. Descriptions are pulled from Goodreads.
December
The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti
Hawthorn Creely, an unconventional teenager, takes on the role of amateur sleuth when she becomes obsessed with the disappearance of Lizzie Lovett, who vanished while camping with her boyfriend. Unbeknownst to others, Hawthorn harbors a peculiar theory about Lizzie’s fate and sees it as an opportunity to prove herself. To gain insight into Lizzie’s life, Hawthorn embarks on an unconventional path by assuming Lizzie’s job and even courting her boyfriend.
This high-risk strategy is precisely what Hawthorn needs to find her own identity and sense of belonging in the world.
A List of Cages by Robin Roe
As Adam Blake’s senior year electives come into focus, a unique opportunity arises when he lands the role as an aide to the school psychologist. Initially, he’s thrilled, seeing it as a chance to passively participate while still having plenty of time to catch up with friends via text messages – a welcome respite from his ADHD-driven energy. However, things take a surprising turn when the doctor asks him to locate the elusive freshman who has been consistently avoiding her appointments.
This new mission leads Adam on a journey that culminates in a reunion with none other than Julian, his long-lost foster brother whom he hasn’t seen in five years. Julian’s initial demeanor is familiar – kindhearted, a lover of storytelling and picture books meant for younger audiences – but as they spend more time together, Adam begins to unravel the truth behind Julian’s secrets: where he hides during the day, and what’s really going on inside his home.
As Adam becomes determined to help his foster brother, he realizes that his involvement may come at a steep price, one that could put both their lives in jeopardy.
January
After The Fall by Kate Hart
Seventeen-year-old Raychel’s life is a delicate balancing act as she navigates her complex relationships with Matt and Andrew, her best friend and his slacker brother respectively. While she may be sleeping in Matt’s bed to escape the nightmares that haunt her, their bond is platonic, with no romantic undertones. The only exception is when Andrew enters the picture, and Raychel finds herself drawn into a secret relationship with him.
However, this development remains hidden from Matt, who is more focused on supporting Raychel as she deals with the aftermath of an assault by a classmate, her family’s looming eviction, and her dwindling college prospects. As tensions simmer just below the surface, tragedy strikes, sending everything into chaos. Raychel must confront the shattering consequences and decide which pieces of her life are worth rebuilding.
Asking For It by Louise O’Neill
As the sun sets on a small Irish town, summer’s warmth is palpable. Eighteen-year-old Emma O’Donovan radiates confidence and beauty, her joy infectious to all around her. The night air pulses with excitement as a party unfolds, drawing in everyone from the community. All eyes are fixed on Emma, her radiant smile lighting up the evening. But what begins as a carefree celebration will soon take a dark turn.
Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology edited by Danielle Binks
This anthology boasts an impressive lineup of beloved young adult authors from Australia, including Amie Kaufman, Melissa Keil, Will Kostakis, Ellie Marney, Jaclyn Moriarty, Michael Pryor, Alice Pung, Gabrielle Tozer, Lili Wilkinson, and Danielle Binks. The collection features all-new short stories that showcase the incredible talent and versatility of these writers, offering readers a thrilling glimpse into the world of Aussie YA and its many charms.
Borrowed Names by Jeannine Atkins
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood journeys across the prairie in a covered wagon laid the foundation for her iconic Little House series, co-created with her daughter Rose. The duo’s collaboration brought to life beloved tales that have captivated readers for generations. In contrast, Sara Breedlove and her daughter A’Lelia defied convention by building a multi-million dollar beauty empire catering specifically to women of color.
Meanwhile, Marie Curie’s groundbreaking achievements in science earned her two Nobel prizes, inspiring her daughter Irène to follow in her footsteps and also become a renowned scientist and Nobel laureate.
Busted by Gina Ciocca
Marisa’s reputation as a snoop took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon her best friend’s boyfriend caught in a compromising position. The accidental discovery sparked whispers around school, transforming Marisa into the go-to girl for uncovering cheating boyfriends. Initially resistant to her newfound role, Marisa found herself drawn into the world of detective work, taking on cases left and right.
But when an old frenemy, Kendall, approached Marisa with a request to snoop on her boyfriend TJ, things took a dramatic turn. As Marisa delved deeper into TJ’s life, she discovered a rival suitor who wasn’t what she expected – the mystery girl turned out to be none other than herself. The realization sent her reeling as she struggled to reconcile her feelings for TJ with the growing attraction towards the ‘mystery’ girl.
Now, Marisa found herself torn between two worlds, stuck in a web of deceit and desire.
Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard
Pen’s desire is to remain true to herself, despite others’ expectations. The issue isn’t that she wants to change who she is, but rather that society pressures her into conforming to traditional gender norms. People assume that if she dresses and behaves like a girl, she’ll be showing respect for the status quo and loyalty to those around her. However, Pen learns that these values are hollow.
As she navigates old-fashioned parents, crumbling friendships, and strong emotions towards other girls, she comes to realize that being authentic means embracing aspects of herself that others might perceive as unconventional. In order to truly be herself, Pen must find the courage to challenge societal expectations and forge her own path.
Glitter by Aprilynne Pike
In the opulent surroundings of the Palace of Versailles, a stark contrast exists between the lavish lifestyle within its walls and the modern world beyond. The palace’s inhabitants dress, dine, and conduct themselves as if it were still the 18th century, with the added luxury of technology to heighten their indulgent existence. Yet, for one young woman, the very same palace is about to become a gilded cage.
The brutal truth dawns on Danica when she witnesses a shocking murder at the hands of the young king. Her mother seizes upon this opportunity, exploiting the monarch’s vulnerability and coercing him into naming Dani his queen. As her 18th birthday approaches, Dani faces a terrifying fate: marrying the most ruthless and dangerous man in court. With only six months to devise an escape plan, Danica sets her sights on raising enough money to flee beyond the palace gates.
Her salvation lies in glitter, a powerful drug capable of inducing hopelessly addictive behavior when mixed into cosmetics. By selling this highly sought-after substance, she can accumulate wealth beyond her wildest dreams. However, maintaining secrets is impossible within Versailles’ intricate web of intrigue. The most perilous secret—developing feelings for a drug dealer operating outside the palace walls—is one risk Dani must take to secure her freedom.
Love and First Sight by Josh Sundquist
Love is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can’t be reduced to superficial appearances. This is evident in the story of Will Porter, a 16-year-old blind boy who starts at a new school and struggles to navigate his way through social interactions. On his first day, he accidentally gropes a girl on the stairs, sits on another student in the cafeteria, and inadvertently brings tears to the eyes of yet another classmate.
Despite these early missteps, Will eventually finds his footing and develops feelings for Cecily, a sweet but shy girl who seems out of reach. As their relationship deepens, Will is faced with an unexpected opportunity: an experimental surgery that could grant him sight for the first time in his life. However, he soon discovers that learning to see is far more challenging than he ever imagined.
Furthermore, he learns that the world is not always as it seems, and that Cecily’s appearance, which had been shrouded in mystery, is actually quite different from what he had expected. This revelation raises questions about the importance of physical beauty and whether our perceptions are shaped by societal expectations or genuine connections.
Maresi by Maria Turtschaninoff
In the Red Abbey, a sanctuary for women and girls seeking refuge from abuse and oppression, 13-year-old novice Maresi has found solace under the watchful eye of the Mother. Four years ago, she arrived at the Abbey during the harsh winter of scarcity, and now her days are filled with reading in the Knowledge House, caring for younger novices, and eagerly awaiting the call to serve one of the Abbey’s esteemed Houses.
This peaceful existence is disrupted by the arrival of Jai, a girl haunted by a dark past that has followed her into the Abbey’s sacred spaces. To safeguard her new sister and way of life, Maresi must venture out of her comfort zone and emerge as an individual who takes action.
The Plot to Kill Hitler by Patricia McCormick
As the clock struck April 5, 1943, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s anticipation turned to reality. The Gestapo’s arrival was imminent, a fate he had long anticipated. In preparation, he meticulously organized his papers and deliberately left behind handwritten notes intended specifically for Hitler’s henchmen to find. Two SS agents ascended the stairs, their presence announcing their intentions.
With a sense of resignation, Bonhoeffer bid farewell to his parents, carefully placed his Bible under his arm, and followed them willingly upstairs. It was there that he had deliberately left evidence of his involvement in the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, etched in his own handwriting for all to see.
RoseBlood by AG Howard
Rune Germain, a 17-year-old with an extraordinary talent for opera, harbors a mysterious affliction tied to her vocal abilities. Amidst this turmoil, she’s desperate to keep hidden a terrible mistake. In hopes of finding solace and creative direction, Rune’s mother sends her to a prestigious French arts conservatory located within the walls of an iconic opera house rumored to have ties to the infamous Phantom of the Opera.
Little does she know that RoseBlood will be the catalyst for a transformative journey. There, Rune forms a clandestine bond with Thorn, a masked violinist who possesses an uncanny ability to sense her true identity. As their connection deepens and a profound romance blossoms between them, Thorn’s enigmatic nature is slowly revealed, forcing him to confront a deadly decision: lead Rune down a path of destruction or face the wrath of the phantom, his only father figure for centuries.
The Truth of Right Now by Kara Lee Corthron
Lily’s return to her Manhattan high school was marred by the tumultuous events of her sophomore year, leaving her feeling lost and disconnected from everything that once brought her joy. The chemistry lab was a constant source of frustration, thanks in part to her spiteful partner, while her friends seemed either distant or overbearing in their concern for her well-being.
Worst of all, Lily couldn’t escape the haunting questions swirling in her mind about what had driven her away from everyone in the first place. It was as if she was trapped in a cycle of negativity with no clear path to break free.
Then came Dari, an artistic and enigmatic transfer student who shared his passion for cutting class with Lily’s own desire for escape. His troubled relationship with his domineering father only added to the mystique surrounding him.
Yet, despite their vastly different backgrounds, Dari found himself drawn to Lily’s sensitivity and open nature, while she was captivated by his creativity and honesty.
As they navigated the complexities of a school where individuality was often stifled, Lily and Dari discovered a sense of belonging in each other. But when tragedy struck, their budding connection was put to the test. Could their friendship survive even if romance ultimately faltered?
The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
Molly Peskin-Suso, 17, is no stranger to unrequited love – in fact, she’s experienced it twenty-six times before. Her crushes are intense, but she keeps them hidden away, unable to stomach the pain of rejection. This constant caution stems from a deep-seated fear that’s been ingrained since childhood: being rejected because of her size.
Cassie, Molly’s twin sister, often urges her to ‘woman up,’ but even if Molly could muster the courage to take risks, she can’t shake off the feeling that love is always just out of reach.
When a new girl catches Cassie’s eye, something remarkable happens – Cassie becomes smitten. This newfound vulnerability offers Molly an unexpected opportunity: for the first time, her twin might understand and support her as she navigates her own desires.
Enter Will, the cute hipster boy who comes with Cassie’s new girlfriend. With his charming wit and playful charm, he could be the perfect crush material – or maybe even something more.
But just as Molly is starting to feel like she might finally find what she’s been searching for, her coworker Reid enters the picture. This awkward but endearing Tolkien enthusiast with a season pass to the Renaissance Faire seems completely off-limits.
Yet, despite his quirks and their differences, there’s something about him that sparks an unusual interest in Molly. Can she overcome her reservations and take a chance on someone who may just surprise her?
You Don’t Know My Name by Kristen Orlando
Seventeen-year-old Reagan Elizabeth Hillis has mastered the art of reinvention. With a lifetime of training in combat and weaponry under her belt, she’s well-versed in lying to those who get too close and pushing away anyone who threatens her carefully constructed identity. As the daughter of top-secret agents, Reagan is expected to follow in their footsteps and join the elite ranks of the Black Angels.
But when she falls for the boy next door, a chance at a normal life becomes tantalizingly within reach. Now, Reagan must weigh the thrill of her inherited talents against the comfort of embracing the ordinary. Does she have the power to choose her own path, or is she forever bound by her family’s legacy?
The You I’ve Never Known by Ellen Hopkins
For as long as Ariel can recall, she’s lived with just one constant – her dad. The disappearance of her mom when she was a baby has left an unfillable void in her life. But now that she’s seventeen and feeling the urge to establish roots, the uncertainty of their nomadic lifestyle is taking a toll on her. The arrival of Monica and Gabe into her life has further complicated things, as they’ve awakened desires Ariel never knew existed.
On the other side of town, Maya is struggling to cope with the aftermath of running away from an abusive mother only to find herself trapped in a situation with an older man she thought she could trust. With a baby on the way and her life spinning out of control, Maya’s desperation has become her reality.
The lives of Ariel and Maya are about to intersect in ways they never expected when Ariel’s mom suddenly appears, leveling wild accusations that threaten to upend everything Ariel thought she knew. According to her mom, Dad didn’t abandon her – he kidnapped her fourteen years ago, weaving a tapestry of lies that has shaped Ariel’s entire history.
As the truth begins to unravel, Ariel is faced with an impossible decision: should she trust the mother who abandoned her or the father who took care of her all these years? The uncertainty is suffocating, and Ariel’s very identity hangs in the balance.
February
At The Edge of The Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson
Since the tender age of second grade, Tommy and Ozzie had been inseparable – not just friends, but also boyfriends since the dawn of eighth grade. Their small town was their world, and they often fantasized about breaking free from its confines. But then, without warning, Tommy vanished into thin air. Not a whisper remained in anyone’s mind or memory, except for Ozzie’s. The puzzle deepened as Ozzie struggled to comprehend life without his partner by his side.
A nagging suspicion crept up that the fabric of reality was unraveling, shrinking like an accordion compressed too far. Enter Calvin, a new student who piqued Ozzie’s interest during their physics project pairing. As they collaborated, Ozzie found himself torn between his loyalty to Tommy and the blossoming feelings for Calvin. Yet, he refused to acknowledge the latter, even as the universe seemed to be conspiring against him.
Ozzie knew time was of the essence; once the door closed, it couldn’t be reopened. His determination to keep that door ajar as long as possible drove his every move.
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
Tea stands out from her family of witches due to her unique ability to wield necromancy. This elemental magic, feared and misunderstood by many in the kingdom, sets her apart as a bone witch. The weight of this power comes at a steep price, compelling Tea to venture beyond her homeland to hone her skills under the guidance of a seasoned bone witch mentor.
As she immerses herself in the art of elemental magic, Tea pours all her energy into becoming an asha, mastering her powers and the creatures that bend to no other force. To succeed, Tea must tap deep within herself, discovering reserves of strength she never knew she possessed. For looming on the horizon is a war that will imperil the sovereignty of her homeland and threaten the very existence of those she holds dear.
Dream Things True by Marie Marquardt
Evan and Alma have been living in the same town for 15 years, their paths crossing in various ways despite existing in different worlds. The catalyst for change comes when Evan jumps into his uncle’s truck and slams on the brakes. With a senator as an uncle, Evan appears to have it all – except a functional family. In contrast, Alma has been surrounded by her large Mexican family since she was two years old.
They share a desire to escape their town, with soccer being Evan’s ticket out and academic success being Alma’s. When they fall in love, they do so deeply, attempting to ignore their differences. However, their world is turned upside down when Immigration and Customs Enforcement begins conducting raids in their town, forcing Alma to confront her secret: she and many of those close to her are undocumented immigrants.
The challenge then becomes how to share this truth with her boyfriend, a country-club regular. This nuanced exploration delves into the complexities surrounding immigration, young love, defying family expectations, and navigating a bureaucracy that threatens to upend two young lives. This captivating debut novel poses tough questions, ultimately reminding us that love can be more powerful than fear.
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham
As 17-year-old Rowan Chase uncovers a skeleton on her family’s property, she unwittingly sets off a chain of events that exposes dark secrets from the past and sheds light on contemporary issues. Little does she know that her curiosity will lead to a summer of revelations about the true nature of her hometown and its troubled history.
Meanwhile, nearly a century ago, 17-year-old Will Tillman finds himself at the center of a racial maelstrom after a violent confrontation sparks outrage in a segregated town. With the weight of Jim Crow’s legacy bearing down on him, Will must navigate treacherous terrain to discover his own identity and make difficult choices that will determine his fate as Tulsa descends into chaos.
A Good Idea by Cristina Moracho
Fin’s ninth-grade move from their coastal Maine town to Manhattan didn’t sever her close friendship with Betty. Despite the distance, they maintained a strong bond through regular phone calls, letters, and summer visits. In fact, as seniors, they both applied to NYU, with plans to reunite as roommates once again. However, their lives took a dramatic turn when Betty vanished without a trace.
Her ex-boyfriend Calder’s confession of her drowning was quickly discredited, leading the townspeople to believe she had simply run away. Fin, however, knew better and returned to Williston for one final summer, driven by a determination to uncover the truth and bring justice to her friend, even if it meant putting herself and those she loved at risk. But Williston is a town full of secrets, where a fragile balance keeps everything in check.
And Fin’s quest for the truth would soon reveal that she wasn’t the only one with an agenda. As she delved deeper into the mystery, she faced an uncomfortable reality: Betty’s disappearance was more complex and devastating than she ever could have imagined.
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
As Griffin grapples with the devastating news of Theo’s passing, his world shatters into a million pieces. The thought of their unfinished love story now hangs precariously in the balance. The reality is crushing: Theo had moved on to California and was already seeing Jackson when he died. The future Griffin had envisioned for himself has been irreparably altered.
The irony isn’t lost on him – the one person who truly gets his pain is none other than Jackson, Theo’s new love interest.
Despite their attempts at openness and understanding, Griffin finds himself spiraling further into despair, fueled by obsessive compulsions, destructive choices, and the suffocating weight of secrets he can no longer keep.
If Griffin hopes to rebuild his future and find closure, he must first confront the painful fragments of his past. Only then will he be able to put the pieces together and start anew.
Nemesis by Brendan Reichs
Since the age of eight, an unsettling pattern has unfolded for Min. Every two years, on her birthday, a mysterious figure appears and brutally takes her life. However, hours later, she awakens in a secluded clearing outside her small Idaho hometown—unharmed, with all evidence of the heinous crime erased from existence.
Meanwhile, Noah struggles to fit in. His nightmares are a constant reminder of death and murder, despite his best efforts to conceal them.
As the world descends into chaos and destruction, Noah is forced to confront the harsh reality that people have been deceiving him all along. Everything changes in an instant.
The planet faces a catastrophic threat: The Anvil, a massive asteroid poised to destroy all life on Earth, leaving little room for two troubled teenagers. Yet, as Min cowers in her bedroom, hoping not to die for the fifth time, she reaches a breaking point.
On her sixteenth birthday, she vows to uncover the truth about Fire Lake and stumbles upon a lifetime of lies: a vast conspiracy involving the sixty-four students in her sophomore class, one that may be more sinister than the murders themselves.
Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
In Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia’s life has been mapped out since childhood. As the future queen, her marriage to Prince Calanthor will secure an alliance with her homeland, safeguarding her people from threats on all sides. However, Denna harbors a secret – she possesses an extraordinary affinity for fire, a forbidden gift in a kingdom where magic is strictly prohibited.
As Denna navigates her new reality, she must balance learning the customs of Mynaria with hiding her growing magical abilities. Complicating matters further, she’s tasked with mastering the kingdom’s fearsome warhorses – under the guidance of Princess Amaranthine, or Mare, Calanthor’s sister and Denna’s teacher.
The discovery of a shocking assassination rocks the kingdom, prompting Mare and Denna to put aside their differences and join forces in search of the culprit.
As they work together, Mare is struck by Denna’s intelligence and courage, while Denna finds herself drawn to Mare’s unyielding spirit.
As their bond grows stronger, so too does the danger that threatens to destroy the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to protect their kingdoms – and each other – without succumbing to the perils that surround them.
Optimists Die First by Susin Nielsen
Petula De Wilde, a 16-year-old girl once full of life and creativity, now struggles with anxiety and fear after a family tragedy. Her mandatory art therapy class is the worst part of her week, as she’s forced to interact with other teenagers carrying their own emotional baggage. Among them is Jacob, a seemingly normal and confident student who catches Petula’s eye despite his prosthetic arm.
Initially, Petula tries to keep her distance from Jacob, but when they’re paired for a school project, he helps her confront her fears and slowly opens up to him. However, just as their bond begins to grow, a hidden truth emerges that threatens to destroy everything.
Radioactive by Winifred Conkling
Irène Curie’s 1934 discovery of artificial radioactivity, made alongside her husband Frederic Joliot, marked a pivotal moment in scientific history. This breakthrough enabled scientists to modify elements and create new ones by manipulating atomic structures. As a testament to their groundbreaking work, Curie shared the Nobel Prize with her husband.
However, when she was nominated to the French Academy of Sciences, the academy’s decision to exclude women from membership was a stark reminder that gender equality had not yet taken hold in the scientific community. Years later, Curie’s discovery played a crucial role in physicist Lise Meitner’s momentous understanding of nuclear fission.
Despite her significant contributions to this revolutionary breakthrough, Meitner’s achievement went unrecognized by the Nobel committee, instead recognizing the work of her male colleague. This fascinating story is brought to life in Radioactive!, a gripping narrative that delves into the lives of two women who paved the way for future generations of female scientists.
The book’s engaging storytelling and informative sidebars and photographs make complex scientific concepts accessible to readers.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
In the thrilling world of criminal mastermind Kaz Brekker, a life-changing opportunity awaits. However, claiming it will require a seemingly impossible feat: infiltrating the impregnable Ice Court, a stronghold that has never succumbed to breach. The stakes are high as Kaz must not only break into this formidable fortress but also retrieve a hostage who possesses the potential to unleash devastating magical chaos on the globe.
To make matters more treacherous, Kaz needs to survive long enough to collect his reward and enjoy its spoils. For this perilous mission, he turns to an unlikely group of six outcasts, notorious for their deadly prowess and desperation. United, they might just be unbeatable—unless their own destructive tendencies get the better of them.
Spindle Fire by Lexa Hillyer
In the midst of chaos and transformation, the story begins with a subtle yet profound shift: a single drop of blood from Aurora. This small act sets off a chain reaction that alters the fate of two kingdoms forever. Half sisters Isabelle and Aurora, as different as night and day, have always shared an unbreakable bond despite their distinct personalities.
Isabelle, the king’s illegitimate daughter, was cursed by faeries to lose her sight, while Aurora, beautiful and sheltered, lost her sense of touch and voice on the same fateful day. Their unique connection remained strong until a series of events threw everything off balance: the deep sleep that couldn’t be awakened, the approach of the faerie queen and her army of Vultures, and the quest for a prince to seal their kingdoms in an alliance against the queen.
Isabelle embarked on a perilous journey across land and sea, facing unearthly obstacles like thorny vines that seemed to rise up from the very palace walls themselves. As whispers of revolt spread through the ashes carried by the wind, the kingdom crumbled beneath layers of snow. Meanwhile, Aurora awakened in an enchanted world where a mysterious hunter loomed, possibly holding the key to her escape or the reason for her stay.
The delicate balance between these two worlds teeters on the edge, setting the stage for the epic battle that will unfold.
When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
Best friends Miel and Sam are an enigmatic duo who have captured the attention of everyone around them. Miel’s extraordinary feature is the roses that grow out of her wrist, a phenomenon that has been shrouded in mystery since she was five years old, when rumors suggest she emerged from a water tower. Meanwhile, Sam is known for his moon-themed paintings and their installation in town trees.
Despite their peculiarities, the pair remains tight-knit and under wraps about Sam’s life before he and his mother settled in town. However, even Miel and Sam maintain a safe distance from the notorious Bonner sisters, four stunning siblings rumored to possess witchcraft abilities. The Bonners’ latest obsession is to get their hands on the roses that adorn Miel’s skin, convinced that their fragrance has the power to induce uncontrollable love.
With this goal in mind, they’re willing to exploit every secret Miel has worked tirelessly to protect.
Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
In a tale of enchantment and sacrifice, 19-year-old Liesl’s life has been forever intertwined with the mystical Goblin King. As the Lord of Mischief and Ruler Underground, he is the very essence that fuels her musical passion. However, as she shoulders the responsibilities of running her family’s inn alongside her sister Käthe, her childish fantasies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more pragmatic concerns.
But when Käthe falls prey to the goblins’ whims, Liesl embarks on a perilous journey to the Underground realm to rescue her sister and reclaim her life above. The Goblin King agrees to release Käthe – but only if Liesl offers her hand in marriage, a proposition that is met with his accepting nod.
In this Faustian bargain, Liesl exchanges her freedom for Käthe’s, and as she descends into the Underground, she finds her musical talents flourishing under the Goblin King’s inspiration.
Yet, even as her artistry blossoms, her life force begins to wane, the ultimate price paid for becoming his bride.
As the two grow closer, they must confront the true costs of their arrangement: Liesl’s very existence, her cherished music, or the potential destruction of their world. In this precarious dance between love and loss, sacrifice becomes a necessary evil, testing the limits of their devotion and the power of their love.