May 2, 2022
Papathanasiou debuts and launches the Selene Trilogy with a fierce, appealing story of determination, magical spells, and the bonds of friendship. Medical student Cassia Khan is distraught that she cannot help her ailing 11-year-old sister, Calla, who suffers from waves of pain that no doctor has been able to diagnose and is tormented by dreams of her best friend, Lucas, who disappeared four years ago and is presumed dead. Then Cassia is kidnapped by a mysterious warrior who teleports her to the Selene Realm, a parallel world where select humans are reborn with magical powers after they die. There, she’s reunited with Lucas, who orchestrated her kidnapping to ask for her help in defeating the Rahlog, monstrous creatures created by the First, the original inhabitants of Selene. In exchange, the Reborn will give her a potion she can use to cure Calla. But for Cassia to return to Earth, she must complete her task before the last of seven feathers falls from the necklace that protects her in Selene. Along the way, she finds an unlikely ally in her kidnapper, Prince Lochlan, one of the First. Papathanasiou’s talent for writing resolute characters makes her diverse cast sing, and she infuses Cassia’s adventure with emotion. This enchanting portal fantasy will have readers hooked. Agent: C.H. Armstrong, Purcell Agency.
Starred review from June 1, 2022
Papathanasiou's debut is a captivating portal-fantasy for readers ready for older protagonists and more complicated choices. Four years ago, med student Cassia Khan's best friend Lucas disappeared while they were on a camping trip with friends. Now her little sister Calla is dying from a mysterious illness. Cassia discovers these facts may have something in common after she is whisked to the Selene Realm, a land where those with magical heritage may be reborn. However, while coming into her own powers, she learns about the cruel rulers of this land, called the Firsts, and how their king has created a curse to cull the Reborn. Ending the reign of terror is Lucas' goal, but he isn't the boy who vanished on their shared eighteenth birthday. Cassia must balance her friendship with Lucas, her desire to save her sister, and the dangerous interest of brooding ally and First nobility Lochlan, all while trying to learn enough before her visit is over. Fans of Catherynne M. Valente's Fairyland series will find a heroine of similar stubbornness, cleverness, and loyalty in a grown-up setting, while Sarah J. Maas or Laurell K. Hamilton enthusiasts will enjoy the fantasy politics, magic, and hints of romance.
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