September 17, 2018
The first book in this fairy tale–inspired series by Shepherd (The Gauntlet) overflows with intricately imagined characters in a contemporary world flavored with hints of Alice in Wonderland–style action. Anouk is a beastie—an animal turned human servant via magic in a world ruled by witches. She and the house’s other beasties serve their creator and cruel mistress, Mada Vittora, in modern Paris, despite their inability to go out of doors and their abuse at the witch’s hands. When Luc, the unofficial leader of the house’s five beasties, goes missing and Mada Vittora is found dead, Anouk and the others must flee the ruling class known as Shadow Royals to escape being blamed and to discover the spell that will keep them human in three days—before the witch’s soul, and her enchantments, disappear. This deliciously dark tale examines societal norms while imagining the darker side of fairy tales. Ages 14–up. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary.
