From New York Times best-selling author Jason June, a story of spell-slinging, lasso-swinging, and star-crossed love perfect for fans of Cemetery Boys and Carry On. "The most magical and swoony page-turner I've read in ages."—Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times best-selling author of They Both Die at the End Nigel Barrett has spent his whole life preparing for the Culling, a spell-casting competition that determines which of the world's teenage magicians will be stripped of their powers to preserve magical balance. But nothing could have prepared him to face Ori Olson, a broody rival whose caustic wit cloaks a painful past. From the moment Nigel and Ori meet, sparks fly. Their powers are stronger, more thrilling, the closer they get—not that they can risk becoming attached. Because as the field narrows and the Culling grows more dangerous, Nigel and Ori realize there's more at stake than just their powers. The greatest threat to magic, their future, and all of humanity might be the connection growing between them. . . .
2 of 2 copies available
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
October 3, 2023 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781368097192
- File size: 292761 KB
- Duration: 10:09:55
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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August 14, 2023
In this thrilling fantasy from June (Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball), teens navigate crushes and real dangers during a ruthless spell-casting competition meant to keep the balance between those with and without magic. Eighteen-year-old Texan cowboy Nigel Barrett’s boyfriend dumps him just before the start of the Culling, a tournament that allows only a fraction of gifted teens to keep their power. As the descendant of the first human granted magic, Nigel is determined to do whatever it takes to retain his abilities, but sparks fly when touching competitor Ori Olson in the first challenge drastically increases Nigel’s power. After Ori and Nigel are paired up in the second round to cure a curse, their restoration spell spirals out of control and awakens a horde of beings called Depraved who feed on negative emotions. Nigel is the only one who can retrieve the necessary weapon to turn the tide of an oncoming battle, but conspiracies and double-crossings complicate the quest. Deliciously camp depictions of Nigel’s Southern ranch life paired with a whip-fast plot, intriguing magical system, and darkly fantastical elements make for a gritty, layered telling. The protagonists read as white; supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 12–up. Agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US.
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