New Releases by Alex Aster

The sensational second book in the adult Romantasy series from Alex Aster, the global bestselling author of the Lightlark Saga and Summer in the City and one of the most followed authors in the world.

Viettelevä ja kiihkeästi etenevä toinen osa Alex Asterin menestyssarjassa Lightlark! Kun menneisyyden kuumat salaisuudet alkavat paljastua, Isla Crownin on punnittava hallitsijan velvollisuuksien ja – pettureista vaarallisimman – oman sydämensä välillä. Satapäiväiset päättyi Islan voittoon mutta myös musertavaan petokseen. Isla on saavuttanut kahden hallitsijan rakkauden ja murtanut kuusi eri kirousta, mutta kukaan ei tiedä hänen valtavien voimiensa alkuperää eivätkä kaikki pidä hänen voittoaan oikeutettuna. Kun kuolemanvaara ympäröi Valonkiurun saarta, Islan on vaikea vastustaa menneisyyden eskapistista vetovoimaa. Alex Aster on yksi maailman seuratuimpia kirjailijoita, hänellä on yli miljoona seuraajaa. Hänen Lightlark-trilogiansa on käännetty yli 30 kielelle, ja kirjasarjan leffaoikeudet on ostanut Twilight-elokuvien tuottajatiimi.

A gorgeous collector''s edition of the pulse-pounding third novel in Alex Aster''s #1 bestselling Lightlark Saga This gorgeous collector''s edition of the thrilling third novel in Alex Aster''s #1 New York Times bestselling Lightlark Saga includes a suite of sensational features: Premium metallic slipcase Satin cover with foil stamping Map-illustrated endpapers Stenciled edges Eight pages of full-color character art and scene illustrations An eight-page bonus romance scene written in the POV of Isla''s love interest Love kills kingdoms . . . Back in Grim''s castle on Nightshade, Isla is reeling in the wake of a brutal battle and the devastating truths it exposed. Her future--and the fate of the world--now hinge on a heart split in two. Past Isla, who fell in love with the ruler of Nightshade, fights to resist feelings she considers treasonous. The Isla of the present, who has seen the ruin her powers can cause, will do anything to save Lightlark and its king. As the line between enemy and friend is tested, Isla is more desperate than ever to understand the oracle''s final prophecy and change her heartrending fate. But a storm is coming. And with it, a long-buried evil greater than anything the realms have faced before. With the clock ticking on her destiny and the survival of two warring kingdoms hinging on her own shattered heart, Isla Crown will either save the world--or destroy it.

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! From Alex Aster, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Lightlark series, comes her first adult romantasy. Enter the world of Starside, where swords wield magic and power is not inherited...but claimed. Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals—the descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside is where mortals fight for scraps of that magic. Every fifty years, the gates between them open, and fifty challengers are allowed to journey across Starside on a deadly quest to access a pool of magic that can heal, grant wealth, or extend life. Everyone has their reasons for entering, but Aris has only one: vengeance. As a child, a goddess set fire to her village, killing her family. Aris isn’t after the gods’ magic—she’s going to kill them. First, she must survive the Culling, the king’s deadly competition to choose his fifty challengers. An orphaned blacksmith’s apprentice, Aris doesn’t have the superior weapons of the heirs from the Great Houses. But the greatest swords—ones that contain power—are not inherited or bought, they are claimed, by both sides. And when Aris claims a great sword, it makes her not just a real competitor—but a target. Getting past the gates is only the beginning. Starside is deadlier than it seems. If the ancient creatures, magic-wielding beasts, and bloodthirsty immortals weren’t dangerous enough, a new peril has even immortals fearing what rises from the ground at night. With a blade most would kill to claim, Aris can’t trust anyone. Especially not Harlan Raker, the merciless and mysterious king’s guard who betrayed her years ago—and who may now be the key to her survival. But Aris is hiding a secret tied to her family’s death. And when it’s revealed, not even the gods will be able to stop what’s coming…

From Alex Aster, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Lightlark series, comes her first adult romantasy. Enter the world of Starside, where swords wield magic and power is not inherited...but claimed. Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals--the descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside is where mortals fight for scraps of that magic. Every fifty years, the gates between them open, and fifty challengers are allowed to journey across Starside on a deadly quest to access a pool of magic that can heal, grant wealth, or extend life. Everyone has their reasons for entering, but Aris has only one: vengeance. As a child, a goddess set fire to her village, killing her family. Aris isn''t after the gods'' magic--she''s going to kill them. First, she must survive the Culling, the king''s deadly competition to choose his fifty challengers. An orphaned blacksmith''s apprentice, Aris doesn''t have the superior weapons of the heirs from the Great Houses. But the greatest swords--ones that contain power--are not inherited or bought, they are claimed, by both sides. And when Aris claims a great sword, it makes her not just a real competitor--but a target. Getting past the gates is only the beginning. Starside is deadlier than it seems. If the ancient creatures, magic-wielding beasts, and bloodthirsty immortals weren''t dangerous enough, a new peril has even immortals fearing what rises from the ground at night. With a blade most would kill to claim, Aris can''t trust anyone. Especially not Harlan Raker, the merciless and mysterious king''s guard who betrayed her years ago--and who may now be the key to her survival. But Aris is hiding a secret tied to her family''s death. And when it''s revealed, not even the gods will be able to stop what''s coming...

Pre-order now to receive the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION-- only available on the first printing while supplies last! The collector''s hardcover features stenciled edges, illustrated endpapers, a special hardcover case design, and jacket effects. From Alex Aster, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Lightlark series, comes her first adult romantasy. Enter the world of Starside, where swords wield magic and power is not inherited...but claimed. Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals--the descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside is where mortals fight for scraps of that magic. Every fifty years, the gates between them open, and fifty challengers are allowed to journey across Starside on a deadly quest to access a pool of magic that can heal, grant wealth, or extend life. Everyone has their reasons for entering, but Aris has only one: vengeance. As a child, a goddess set fire to her village, killing her family. Aris isn''t after the gods'' magic--she''s going to kill them. First, she must survive the Culling, the king''s deadly competition to choose his fifty challengers. An orphaned blacksmith''s apprentice, Aris doesn''t have the superior weapons of the heirs from the Great Houses. But the greatest swords--ones that contain power--are not inherited or bought, they are claimed, by both sides. And when Aris claims a great sword, it makes her not just a real competitor--but a target. Getting past the gates is only the beginning. Starside is deadlier than it seems. If the ancient creatures, magic-wielding beasts, and bloodthirsty immortals weren''t dangerous enough, a new peril has even immortals fearing what rises from the ground at night. With a blade most would kill to claim, Aris can''t trust anyone. Especially not Harlan Raker, the merciless and mysterious king''s guard who betrayed her years ago--and who may now be the key to her survival. But Aris is hiding a secret tied to her family''s death. And when it''s revealed, not even the gods will be able to stop what''s coming...

Súmate a la ola Lightlark, el éxito best seller romantasyque ha revolucionado BookTok. Un destino que cambiar. Miles de vidas por salvar. Una gran fuerza oscura que vencer. Algunos mundos merecen ser destruidos. Isla Crown ha decidido trazar su propio destino y acabar, ella misma, con Lark, su insidiosa antecesora. Sin embargo, por el camino se dará cuenta de que Skyshade es mucho más peligroso de lo que esperaba. Oro y Grim, por su parte, tendrán que unir sus fuerzas, pues jamás podrían dejarla sola en el camino hacia una muerte asegurada. ¿Serán capaces, estos dos grandes enemigos, de dejar a un lado las traiciones del pasado? Y lo más importante, ¿conseguirá Isla saber qué quiere su corazón roto? Tendrán que darse prisa... El destino de los reinos está en juego. La crítica ha dicho: «Un soplo de aire fresco. Repleta de secretos y de magia fascinante, Lightlark te hechizará y te dejará con la boca abierta con estos audaces líderes luchando por romper sus maldiciones». Chloe Gong, autora de Placeres violentos, best seller de The New York Times «Lightlark es el tipo de fantasía que mima los sentidos: primero te seduce y luego te sorprende con sus giros. No querrás dejarlo». Marie Lu, autora de Los jóvenes de la élite «Si Los juegos del hambre fuera un oscuro cuento de hadas, tendrías la adictiva y encantadora Lightlark. Prepárate para adentrarte en un mundo deslumbrante donde el amor es una sentencia de muerte». Adam Silvera, autor de Al final mueren los dos, número 1 de The New York Times «Una fantasía ágil y efervescente, con un mundo que rebosa intriga, romance y tensión. No podía pasar las páginas más rápido». Sabaa Tahir, autora de Una llama entre cenizas, número 1 de The New York Times

Déjate atrapar por el mundo de Lightlark, el fenómeno best seller de #BookTok, con esta deslumbrante edición especial que no te querrás perder. EDICIÓN ESPECIAL CON NUEVA CUBIERTA METÁLICA, CANTOS TINTADOS, MAPA A TODO COLOR Y UNA ILUSTRACIÓN EN LAS GUARDAS Y UN CAPÍTULO EXTRA DESDE EL PUNTO DE VISTA DE GRIM. «Devoracorazones -le susurró al oído-. Vas a acabar conmigo». Una vez cada cien años, sus líderes compiten a muerte para liberar a su pueblo. Isla Crown es la joven soberana de Wilding, un reino de mujeres guerreras que no conocen el amor y que confían en ella para ganar el Centenario. Para sobrevivir, Isla está preparada para mentir y traicionar. Aunque no cuenta con algunos lazos que la unirán a sus rivales, ni tampoco con enamorarse de quien puede ser su peor enemigo... El amor en Lightlark es un asunto peligroso.

THREE MILLION SERIES COPIES SOLD! The highly anticipated fourth novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Lightlark Saga, by acclaimed author and #BookTok sensation Alex Aster Some worlds deserve to be destroyed . . . Isla Crown has charted a new destiny and leapt into the unknown, determined to defeat her insidious ancestor, Lark, no matter the cost. But Skyshade is nothing like she anticipated, and she’ll have to use all of her skills just to survive, let alone end Lark for good. Meanwhile, Grim and Oro would sooner set fire to their own kingdoms than leave Isla stranded on a path toward certain death. But getting her back will involve forging an alliance—if they can find a way to forgive their long history of betrayals. The key to Isla’s return—and the fate of the realms—lies close to her heart. But in the face of her most powerful enemy yet, will Isla be able to reconcile her past in order to carve a future of her own making? Filled with secrets, deception, romance, and twists worthy of the darkest thrillers, The Lightlark Saga is a must-read for fans of legendary fantasy writers Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, and Leigh Bardugo.

The highly anticipated fourth novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Lightlark Saga, by acclaimed author and #BookTok sensation Alex Aster Some worlds deserve to be destroyed . . . Isla Crown has charted a new destiny and leapt into the unknown, determined to defeat her insidious ancestor, Lark, no matter the cost. But Skyshade is nothing like she anticipated, and she''ll have to use all of her skills just to survive, let alone end Lark for good. Meanwhile, Grim and Oro would sooner set fire to their own kingdoms than leave Isla stranded on a path toward certain death. But getting her back will involve forging an alliance--if they can find a way to forgive their long history of betrayals. The key to Isla''s return--and the fate of the realms--lies close to her heart. But in the face of her most powerful enemy yet, will Isla be able to reconcile her past in order to carve a future of her own making?

This gorgeous collector''s edition of the seductive second novel in Alex Aster''s #1 New York Times bestselling Lightlark Saga includes a suite of sensational features: Premium metallic slipcase Satin cover with foil stamping Map-illustrated endpapers Stenciled edges 8 pages of full-color character art and scene illustrations An 8-page bonus romance scene written in the POV of Isla''s love interest Isla Crown has secured the love of two powerful rulers and broken the curses that plagued the six realms for centuries, but few know the true origins of her powers. Now, in the wake of a crushing betrayal, Isla finds herself struggling to win respect as the newly crowned leader of two separate realms. Worse, her fellow rulers haven''t ceded victory quietly, and there are others in Isla''s midst who don''t believe her ascent to power was earned. As certain death races toward Lightlark and secrets from the past begin to unravel, Isla must weigh her responsibility to her people against the whims of the most dangerous traitor of all: her heart.

Two brand-new romantasy novellas in one deluxe, novel-length volume written from the perspectives of Grim and Oro, from #1 New York Times-bestselling author and #BookTok sensation Alex Aster True love knows no bounds. This dual-sided volume includes two complete novellas. The first novella—told from Grim’s perspective—gives readers insight into his past: the motivations and events that cemented his fate as Isla’s eventual love interest. The second is narrated by Oro and offers a window into his complex identity: that of a king torn between desire for justice and passion for the woman he loves more than anything. Grim and Oro: Dueling Crowns Edition includes key moments from the rulers’ love stories with Isla, expanded upon in their own voices. This gorgeous dual-sided Lightlark companion book from #1 New York Times bestselling author Alex Aster contains two full novellas in one breathtaking package. Grim and Oro is certain to thrill readers and test allegiances, leaving new and longtime fans second-guessing who they’re rooting for in the breathtaking battle for Isla’s heart.

Experience the pulse-pounding #1 New York Times bestselling YA romantasy series The Lightlark Saga in one gorgeous collection! From #1 New York Times bestselling author and #BookTok sensation Alex Aster come three volumes featuring Isla Crown’s epic battle for the six realms . . . and her heart. Follow Isla Crown from her Centennial victory to her eventual crowning as ruler of three realms as she fights to restore her decaying kingdom to glory . . . all while striving to conquer the most harrowing opponent of all: her heart. Spilling tears—and blood—along the way, Isla must prove herself against all odds and fight to change her destiny. But with dueling fates and an ever-approaching prophecy, will she save the world . . . or end it? This collection includes the first three books from The Lightlark Saga: Lightlark, Nightbane, and Skyshade.

Un chico de su pasado. Una pared que los separa. Una ciudad donde todo es posible. Un irresistible romance ambientado en Nueva York de Alex Aster, autora número 1 de The New York Times. Elle es guionista y tiene ventisiete años. Cuando le ofrecen la oportunidad de escribir el guion de una gran película en Nueva York, solo tiene un problema: odia Nueva York, está bloqueadísima con el guion y tiene que entregarlo al final del verano y, por si fuera poco, su nuevo vecino es Parker Warren: el soltero multimillonario con el que se enrolló hace dos años y que ahora es, simultáneamente, la inspiración de sus guiones y su archienemigo. Él tiene que fingir mantener una relación estable durante un momento delicado para su empresa tecnológica. Ella tiene que escribir un guion ambientado en ocho localizaciones newyorkinas a las que solo él tiene acceso exclusivo. Elle está a punto de vivir un verano de película. Aunque tal vez no sea la que ella esperaba...

Le portail vers l''autre monde a été ouvert... Pour le refermer, elle devra tout sacrifier. De retour sur les terres nocturnes avec Grim, Isla se remet difficilement de la bataille féroce qui a opposé les deux hommes qu''elle aime. Et que dire des vérités bouleversantes qui viennent de lui être révélées ? Elle a beau être déchirée par ses sentiments, elle est sûre d''une chose : ses pouvoirs sont un danger pour Lightlark et elle compte bien tout mettre en œuvre pour sauver l''archipel et son roi, Oro. La frontière entre amis et ennemis est plus floue que jamais. La jeune femme va devoir éclaircir le mystère qui entoure l''ultime prophétie de l''oracle si elle veut réussir à changer son destin et celui de tous les peuples. Mais elle n''a pas de temps à perdre, car une tempête approche... et avec elle, le pire fléau que les royaumes aient connu. Duplicité, mensonges, conspirations centenaires et coups de théâtre qui rebattent sans cesse les cartes de cette série de dark fantasy... La Saga Lightlark, phénomène mondial qui s''est hissé jusqu''au sommet des listes de best-sellers du New York Times, est un incontournable pour les fans de Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer ou Leigh Bardugo.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! “This was a fun, stay-up-late-to-finish read! Elle and Parker have chemistry from the jump, but a combination of forced proximity and her hatred of him is fuel for witty banter, a long, slow burn and plenty of steam! I loved how Elle''s true enemies-to-lovers journey is with New York City itself. Aster pays tribute to so many special NYC landmarks and experiences making the setting every bit a living character as the people in it.” — Abby Jimenez, #1 New York Times bestselling author From #1 New York Times bestselling author Alex Aster comes her adult debut novel Summer in the City—a swoony, fast-paced rom-com set in New York City in which a screenwriter and a sexy tech CEO go from lovers to enemies and back to lovers again… Twenty-seven-year-old screenwriter Elle has the chance of a lifetime to write a big-budget movie set in New York City. The only problem? She’s had writer’s block for months, and her screenplay is due at the end of the summer. In a desperate attempt at inspiration, Elle ends up back in the city she swore she would never return to, in an apartment she could never afford (floor-to-ceiling windows, skyline views, and a new coffee shop to haunt included). It’s the perfect place to write her screenplay…until she realizes her new neighbor is tech “Billionaire Bachelor” Parker Warren, her stairwell hookup from two years ago. It’s been a lovers-to-enemies situation ever since. When seeing him again turns into a full night of hate-fueled writing, Elle realizes her enemy/twisted muse might just be the key to finishing her screenplay... if she can stand being around her polar opposite. She writes anonymously, and he’s on the cover of every business magazine. He frequents fancy red carpeted events, and she doesn’t like leaving her emotional support five block radius. One summer. One wall apart. He needs to fake a buzzy relationship during his company’s precarious acquisition. She needs to write a movie around a list of NYC locations. Both need a break from their unrelenting schedules, and a chance to rediscover the skyscraper glimmering, pizza crusted, sunlit charms of the city. Summers always end, and so will this agreement. It’s all pretend. Promise. Until it isn’t.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Alex Aster comes her adult debut novel Summer in the City--a swoony, fast-paced rom-com set in New York City in which a screenwriter and a sexy tech CEO go from lovers to enemies and back to lovers again... Twenty-seven-year-old screenwriter Elle has the chance of a lifetime to write a big-budget movie set in New York City. The only problem? She''s had writer''s block for months, and her screenplay is due at the end of the summer. In a desperate attempt at inspiration, Elle ends up back in the city she swore she would never return to, in an apartment she could never afford (floor-to-ceiling windows, skyline views, and a new coffee shop to haunt included). It''s the perfect place to write her screenplay...until she realizes her new neighbor is tech "Billionaire Bachelor" Parker Warren, her stairwell hookup from two years ago. It''s been a lovers-to-enemies situation ever since. When seeing him again turns into a full night of hate-fueled writing, Elle realizes her enemy/twisted muse might just be the key to finishing her screenplay... if she can stand being around her polar opposite. She writes anonymously, and he''s on the cover of every business magazine. He frequents fancy red carpeted events, and she doesn''t like leaving her emotional support five block radius. One summer. One wall apart. He needs to fake a buzzy relationship during his company''s precarious acquisition. She needs to write a movie around a list of NYC locations. Both need a break from their unrelenting schedules, and a chance to rediscover the skyscraper glimmering, pizza crusted, sunlit charms of the city. Summers always end, and so will this agreement. It''s all pretend. Promise. Until it isn''t.

The seductive and action-packed follow-up to Alex Aster''s instant #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and internationally bestselling novel, Lightlark--now in paperback! Isla Crown has secured the love of two powerful rulers and broken the curses that plagued the six realms for centuries, but few know the true origins of her powers. Now, in the wake of a crushing betrayal, Isla finds herself struggling to win respect as the newly crowned leader of two separate realms. Worse, her fellow rulers haven''t ceded victory quietly, and there are others in Isla''s midst who don''t believe her ascent to power was earned. As certain death races toward Lightlark and secrets from the past begin to unravel, Isla must weigh her responsibility to her people against the whims of the most dangerous traitor of all: her heart. Alex Aster''s intricate world expands after the riveting culmination of the Centennial games, delving more deeply into Isla''s memories of her past, as her future hurtles toward two possible fates.

Súmate a la ola #Lightlark, el éxito bestseller que ha revolucionado #BookTok. Una reina superviviente. Un origen desconocido. Un futuro incierto. Enamórate en Lightlark. Isla Crown ha ganado el amor de dos poderosos gobernantes y ha roto las maldiciones que plagaron los seis reinos durante siglos, pero los verdaderos orígenes de sus poderes son desconocidos. Ahora, a raíz de una terrible traición, Isla a menudo se distrae con las seductoras atracciones de Lightlark en vez de cumplir con su deber como líder de sus reinos. Peor aún, los otros gobernantes no han aceptado su victoria, o no creen que se haya ganado su ascenso al poder. Mientras la muerte camina hacia Lightlark y los secretos del pasado comienzan a desentrañarse, Isla deberá decidir entre su pueblo y los caprichos del traidor más peligroso de todos: su corazón.

After breaking ancient curses and becoming the leader of two realms, Isla Crown faces the aftermath of a devastating betrayal, but as old secrets unravel and her kingdom is threatened, Isla must confront her past as her future hurtles towards two possible fates.

An instant #1 national bestseller—soon to be a major motion picture. #BookTok phenomenon and award-winning author Alex Aster delivers readers a masterfully written, utterly gripping YA fantasy novel Welcome to the Centennial. Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has something to hide. Each realm’s curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die. Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling—a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with. They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial. To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray…even as love complicates everything. Filled with secrets, deception, romance, and twists worthy of the darkest thrillers, Lightlark is a must-read for fans of legendary fantasy writers Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, and Leigh Bardugo.

From #BookTok phenomenon and New York Times bestselling author of the YA fantasy novel, Lightlark, the second book in this fast-paced middle grade series steeped in Colombian mythology and full of adventure, perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and Percy Jackson. In this tale Tor, Engle, and Melda must stop a band of cursed pirates from taking over their home. Tor is adjusting to life with the Night Witch''s powers, with his best friends Engle and Melda by his side. But when a mysterious girl named Vesper washes ashore claiming a band of cursed pirates is on their way to Emblem Island, life changes fast. Vesper is from an underwater city that was destroyed by the terrible Calavera pirates and she warns Tor that his village is next. To stop the pirates, Tor, Engle, and Melda join Vesper on the hunt for the famed Pirate''s Pearl, an ancient relic that would give them complete control of the high seas. But the journey is perilous, filled with legendary sea creatures that are determined to see them fail. To save his village and everyone he loves, Tor must accept his new abilities—and use them—in the race to find the pearl. You''ll love Curse of the Forgotten City if you''re looking for: Summer reading for tweens and teens ages 11-14 Multicultural books for children (especially Latinx books) Stories based on fascinating mythology Your next favorite fantasy series for girls ages 9-12 Praise for Curse of the Night Witch: A Seventeen.com Most Anticipated Book of Summer! A Zibby Owens Summer Reading Pick on Good Morning America! "Debut author Aster takes inspiration from Colombian folklore to craft a rousing series opener that''s both fast-paced and thrilling. As her protagonists face off against a host of horrors, they learn the value of friendship and explore the possibility of changing one''s fate in a world where destiny is predetermined."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review "Worthy of every magical ounce."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review

From #BookTok phenomenon and New York Times bestselling author of the YA fantasy novel, Lightlark, this fast-paced middle grade series starter is steeped in Colombian mythology and full of adventure. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Curse of the Night Witch is filled with fantasy, action, adventure, and an unforgettable trio of friends. A Seventeen.com Most Anticipated Book of Summer! A Zibby Owens Summer Reading Pick on Good Morning America! On Emblem Island all are born knowing their fate. Their lifelines show the course of their life and an emblem dictates how they will spend it. Tor Luna was born with a leadership emblem, just like his mother. But he hates his mark and is determined to choose a different path for himself. So, on the annual New Year''s Eve celebration, where Emblemites throw their wishes into a bonfire in the hopes of having them granted, Tor wishes for a different power. The next morning Tor wakes up to discover a new marking on his skin...the symbol of a curse that has shortened his lifeline, giving him only a week before an untimely death. There is only one way to break the curse, and it requires a trip to the notorious Night Witch. With only his village''s terrifying, ancient stories as a guide, and his two friends Engle and Melda by his side, Tor must travel across unpredictable Emblem Island, filled with wicked creatures he only knows through myths, in a race against his dwindling lifeline. You''ll love Curse of the Night Witch if you''re looking for: Multicultural books for children (especially Latinx books) Stories based on fascinating mythology Your next favorite fantasy series "Debut author Aster takes inspiration from Colombian folklore to craft a rousing series opener that''s both fast-paced and thrilling. As her protagonists face off against a host of horrors, they learn the value of friendship and explore the possibility of changing one''s fate in a world where destiny is predetermined."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review "Worthy of every magical ounce."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review