The Crack at the Heart of Everything - (The Cursed Mage) by Fiona Fenn (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

He accidentally cursed himself...

When the consequences get him exiled to the land he helped terrorize, can this evil wizard find redemption... and love?

Orpheus can't believe it's come to this. After helping his childhood friend conquer the realm by raising an army of hell-beasts, the befuddled dark sorcerer finds himself banished when the price of his magic endangers the palace. Isolated and betrayed, the feared spellcaster isn't exactly thrilled when his irritating and handsome rival keeps stepping between him and certain doom.

Ill at ease in the barren wasteland his powers created, Orpheus slowly warms to the charismatic ex-general's relentless overtures. But as his feelings grow more intense, the former villain struggles with an inconvenient calling towards heroism.

Will dabbling in good deeds get him killed or open the doors to happily ever after?

The Crack at the Heart of Everything is the charmingly swoon-worthy first book in an epic LGBTQ+ fantasy series. If you like character-driven stories, snarky humor, and well-earned redemption arcs, then you'll adore Fiona Fenn's unexpected hero's journey.

Review Quotes

"Fenn conjures an intricate and enthralling magical world for readers to sink their teeth into." - Publishers Weekly

"A charming fantasy novel in which two men strive to fix the brokenness around them." - Foreword Review

"The Crack at the Heart of Everything" by Fiona Fenn is an enchanting debut that masterfully weaves dark magic, redemption, and a tender slow-burn romance into a captivating LGBTQ+ fantasy. Perfect for fans of character-driven tales, snarky banter, and epic redemption arcs, this novel is an adventure brimming with cozy vibes, emotional depth, and a romance that will sweep you off your feet." - Aiden Thomas, NYT Bestselling author of The Sunbearer Trials

"An emotional, witty fantasy which surprises and delights, Fenn's debut weaves together a powerful story about finding one's place in the world, being open to love, and defying fate to live the story one wants to tell." - Laura R. Samotin, author of The Sins On Their Bones

"I honestly can't recommend this book enough. It's definitely in my top five books of 2024" (5 stars) - NetGalley Review

"I ate this book up in less than a day, no sleep or breaks required." (5 stars) - NetGalley Review

"Would totally recommend this book to lovers of fantasy books that like a well fleshed out MC." (5 stars) - NetGalley Review

"For a debut novel, this book is genuinely incredible!" (5 stars) - NetGalley Review

"I devoured it, staying up until three AM to finish it despite knowing my toddler would wake me up only a few hours later. I regret nothing." (5 stars) - NetGalley Review