Cursed Ever After

Debut author Naranjo blends swashbuckling adventure with wry humor in a romantic fantasy that juggles charm and peril. All her life, residents of Risa Porto’s small village in the kingdom of Kheadon have inexplicably used Risa as a scapegoat for unfortunate events, believing she’s been cursed since birth. When the witch Brunhilda appears on Risa’s 17th birthday with a quest, Risa is certain that the ensuing journey will end badly. She’s tasked with escorting charismatic Prince Javier, the seventh son of the king, to the distant land of Madros in time for his upcoming wedding to the country’s princess. Javi’s easy confidence and rakish wit clash with Risa’s fatalistic outlook, and their dynamic—marked by sharp, sarcastic banter—provides a lively counterpoint to the dangers they encounter along their route. From frightening forests to treacherous towns, the pair face witches, assassins, and a growing sense that their mission is more complicated than it first appeared. They are soon joined by a mysterious girl known only as Wolf, whose own apparent curse adds another layer of intrigue. As Risa projects her fears onto every misfortune, convinced she is the source of the Latinx-cued characters’ troubles, her assumptions gradually morph over the course of a pensive narrative that invites both protagonist and reader to question the nature of fate and self-perception. The result is an empowering tale of friendship, first love, and self-acceptance. Ages 12–up. Agent: Chelsea Hensley, Mad Woman Literary. (June)