1 of 6 copies available
“Clever, emotional, and gorgeous—at its core, this is a story about the healing capacity of love.”—Ava Reid, author of Juniper & Thorn
Lorelei Kaskel, a folklorist with a quick temper and an even quicker wit, is on an expedition with six eccentric nobles in search of a fabled spring. The magical spring promises untold power, which the king wants to harness in order to secure his reign over the embattled country of Brunnestaad. Lorelei is determined to use this opportunity to prove herself and make her wildest, most impossible dream come true: to become a naturalist, able to travel freely to lands she’s only read about.
The expedition gets off to a harrowing start when its leader—Lorelei’s beloved mentor—is murdered in her quarters aboard their ship. The suspects are the five remaining expedition mates, each with their own motive. The only person Lorelei knows must be innocent is her longtime academic rival, the insufferably gallant and maddeningly beautiful Sylvia von Wolff. Now in charge of the expedition, Lorelei must find the spring before the murderer strikes again—and a coup begins in earnest.
But there are other dangers lurking in the dark: forests that rearrange themselves at night, rivers with slumbering dragons hiding beneath the water, and shapeshifting beasts out for blood.
As Lorelei and Sylvia grudgingly work together to uncover the truth—and resist their growing feelings for each other—they discover that their leader had secrets of her own. Secrets that make Lorelei question whether justice is worth pursuing, and if this kingdom is worth saving at all.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
September 17, 2024 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9780593722350
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9780593722350
- File size: 2816 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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July 8, 2024
Bestselling YA author Saft (A Fragile Enchantment) ventures into adult fantasy with this elaborate whirlwind of folklore, magic, and sapphic romance. Twenty-something academic rivals Lorelei Kaskel and Sylvia von Wolff join a seven-person expedition under the order of King Wilhelm of Brunnestaad, who commands them to find the Ursprung, a spring fabled to be the source of all magic. Unfortunately, their expedition leader is killed their first night on the road, and the only suspects are the remaining six expedition members. Saft’s intricate worldbuilding melds elements of Jewish tradition and folklore, fairy tales, and classic fantasy tropes, creating a steep learning curve and making it easy to get lost in the unfamiliar names of people, places, and creatures. Still, patient readers will find the important information shines through, even if the precise details are confusing. Meanwhile, the enemies-to-lovers arc between the heroines delivers a classic interplay of infuriating kindness and endearing irritability, with a long buildup and a worthwhile payoff. Fans of queer fantasy will find something to enjoy here. -
July 1, 2024
Moving from YA to adult, Saft offers a sapphic rivals-to-lovers closed-circle mystery, set in a world inspired by German folklore. Lorelei Kaskel is part of an expedition traveling to find a magical spring. Her mentor is murdered on the quest, and the suspects are her expedition mates. The only one who could be innocent is Sylvia von Wolff, a rival of long standing. Prepub Alert.
Copyright 2024 Library Journal
Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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August 1, 2024
A deadly expedition brings two enemies close in the latest from YA novelist Saft (A Fragile Enchantment, 2024). Lorelei Kaskel has only ever wanted to be a naturalist, but, being a Yevani, a member of the group kept from nature, shunned, and blamed for the ills of society, she must settle for being a folklorist. At least that means being in the presence of her idol, Ingrid Ziegler. When Ziegler appoints her to an expedition to find the source of all magic, Lorelei sees this as her chance to escape her fate. If the expedition is successful, Lorelei will rise above her station. But one person is standing in Lorelei's way--Sylvia von Wolff. Lorelei has always seen Sylvia as her rival for Ziegler's approval. Now the two may have to work together, because the expedition soon turns deadly, and both learn one of the crew may be to blame. Will Lorelei and Sylvia survive long enough to explore their burgeoning feelings for each another? Darkly whimsical, A Dark and Drowning Tide adds its own panache to the fairy-tale trope that readers will enjoy.COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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