Until the Clock Strikes Midnight

Immortal magical entities feigning romance compete for a coveted mentorship in this fun and frothy “Cinderella” remix from Dow (A Song of Salvation). As the first fairy in centuries to attend the Mortal Outcome Academy to become a Guardian, one tasked with “helping mortals find their Happily Ever Afters,” Darling often feels like an outcast among her celestial peers. Meanwhile, classmate Calam hones his skills as a Misfortune, enchanters who lead mortals toward “a safe and secure Ordinary Ever After.” Landing a prestigious mentorship with the Mortal Outcome Council could kick-start their careers, so when they’re both assigned to 17-year-old human Lucy, a magical altercation forces the immortals into a pretend relationship to get closer to the teen. But Darling’s attempts to help grief-stricken Lucy and her financially struggling bookstore are repeatedly foiled by Calam. Only one of them can win, and with Lucy’s future—and their own romantic feelings—hanging in the balance, they must decide what matters most: success or love. Calam and Darling’s charming alternating first-person POVs combine to deliver a hijinks-forward, vivacious true love story that empathetically portrays mental health challenges. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 12–up. Agent: Katelyn Detweiler, Jill Grinberg Literary. (Feb.)