Where the Bones Took Root - by Juniper Klein (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Jayde will do anything to bring back Soleste, the girl she loved, even highly taboo necromancy--or she would, if the spell would work. When a stranger named Barrick catches her after the murder that marks her fourth failed attempt, he blackmails her into using her illegal magic to help him infiltrate a local alchemy cult. Jayde agrees, hoping that the cult will provide answers about Soleste's murder, and binds Barrick with a magical oath that enforces a truce between them until the final initiation.

She's certain that the lifeblood of Soleste's murderer is the missing ingredient to her resurrection spell, but which cult member is responsible? Her investigation reveals that Soleste may have been keeping secrets of her own. As Jayde and Barrick cheat their way through the cult's hierarchy, she feels drawn to him in a way that can't be fully attributed to their magically-enforced alliance--which, due to a translation error in the spell, makes her swoon every time their skin touches.

In the end, she'll have to choose between allowing her grief to sink her deeper into dark magic, or claiming her frightening power in service of a new and uncertain future.

Review Quotes

"Combines captivating magic with a heartfelt exploration of life and love after loss."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Jayde is an intriguing, morally dubious queer character that fans of dark fantasy will enjoy." --Booklist

"A gorgeously written and emotive exploration of grief, vengeance, and self-acceptance. Vicious and compelling."
--D.L. Taylor, author of The Broken Citadel Duology

"Darkly romantic and emotionally stunning. Juniper Klein's fantasy debut is a reckoning of grief, love, and devotion that will grip readers and refuse to let them go."
--Alysha Rameera, author of Her Soul for a Crown

"A perfect alchemy of high stakes plot and romantic tension. I adored this tale of a sharp-edged witch who will stop at nothing to assuage her grief for the girl she loved, even if it means a reluctant alliance with the most irritating (and alluringly handsome) accomplice."
--Lyndall Clipstone, critically acclaimed author of Tenderly, I Am Devoured

"A richly imagined and haunting fantasy that doesn't shy away from the darkest depths of emotion, and exquisitely explores the extremes a person can go to for someone they love."
--E.V. Woods, author of Girls of Dark Divine

About the Author