In this enchanting, spirited fantasy, hopeless romantic Iuile McBannon sets off on a dangerous quest through the Killy Ri Forest, accompanied by her beautiful and headstrong best friend, Eilis, in a last-ditch effort to save her father's life. When Iuile’s father becomes desperately ill, with no medicine or magic able to cure him, she places her faith in the storied fables of the Marquis Savio DeGallo, a sorcerer ensconced in the foreboding but entrancing Diavolo Mansion, who is rumored to grant wishes, though at immense personal cost. Iuile quickly learns that DeGallo is as cunning and wicked as she’s been told—and that, to save her father, she must put herself, and her friends, in grave danger.

Nicholas weaves a charming and high stakes fantasy debut, set in a far-off world enlivened by devious villains, mystical creatures, and an unsettling evil hovering just out of reach. The writing fuses classic medieval fairy tales with edgy magic, resulting in a vividly reimagined setting where young maidens struggle under the weight of stringent social expectations while the dark arts are still practiced—but spoken of only in hushed whispers. Nicholas draws on the strength of friendship throughout, first in the deep bond between Iuile and Eilis and later in the camaraderie the pair develop with two boys from their town, Einri and Niall—who function as protectors, allies, and gradually-developed love interests for Iuile along the way.

Nicholas’s innovative style layers intrigue, tension, and self-discovery throughout, merging epic battles, quick-witted protagonists, and worthy villains into a sprightly adventure that comes with its fair share of unexpected betrayals and tricky developments. Just when all seems lost, an unlikely hero saves the day, crafting a compelling ending for this entertaining tale. Fans of otherworldly beings and hero quests punctuated with dustings of magic will find this an intriguing voyage.

Takeaway: Young girl and her group of friends embark on a magical quest to save her father.

Comparable Titles: Dash Hoffman’s The Starling Chronicles; Kiran Millwood Hargrave's The Girl of Ink & Stars.

Production grades
Cover: C+
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B-