Unlock the Dark - by Sasa Hawk (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Elia Tallis's key conjuring abilities, when used with her father's magic, allow her to open a path to any location. But Papa is dying, and Elia has been forced to painfully tether him to life so she can siphon his magic to provide for her siblings. The god of death, angry to be denied his due, punishes her by claiming her youngest brother as a servant. Desperate to save her brother, Elia accepts a potentially deadly commission from Trys, a kindhearted prince with his nose stuck in a book. Trys wants Elia to help him find a legendary scroll. In exchange, he'll give her his hand in marriage, securing her and her siblings' futures and allowing her to release Papa to the afterlife"--

Book Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Lexi Ryan, this debut romantasy stand-alone novel blends an immersive world, unique magic system, and swoon-worthy romance to create an unputdownable read that explores the great and terrible lengths to which love compels us to go.

Elia Tallis's key conjuring abilities, when used with her father's magic, allow her to open a path to any location. But Papa is dying, and Elia has been forced to painfully tether him to life so she can siphon his magic to provide for her siblings. The god of death, angry to be denied his due, punishes her by claiming her youngest brother as a servant.

Desperate to save her brother, Elia accepts a potentially deadly commission from Trys, a kindhearted prince with his nose stuck in a book. Trys wants Elia to help him find a legendary scroll. In exchange, he'll give her his hand in marriage, securing her and her siblings' futures and allowing her to release Papa to the afterlife.

Despite the danger of their quest, Elia and Trys find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. But when Trys finally reads the scroll, it transforms him into a monster beyond comprehension. Elia will have to wield her power in ways she never thought possible, braving a world of endless darkness and the nightmares dwelling within it to bring home the prince she's growing to love.

Review Quotes

"Utterly atmospheric and whimsical, Unlock the Dark is a magical adventure filled with curses, romance, and monsters that will undoubtedly earn the key to your heart. Enthralling!" -- Kaylie Smith, USA Today bestselling author of Phantasma

"The worldbuilding is immensely creative... and the community supporting Elia and her siblings is appealing. An enjoyable debut set in an originally wrought world." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Perfect for fans of Margaret -Owen's Little Thieves and Brigid -Kemmerer's Defy the Night, Hawk's debut fantasy has meddling gods, a unique magic system, and an epic adventure. Hawk's extensive cast of characters is well developed. A unique standalone for fantasy fans." -- School Library Journal

"[Hawk's] fully realized world, matched with a complex and complete magic system, will appeal to any and all fantasy fans." -- Booklist

"Imaginative romantasy debut." -- Publishers Weekly