The Lies That Summon the Night

This scintillating romantasy series launch from Odette (Curse of the Wolf King) transports readers to the violent theocracy of the Holy Continent, where all arts and passions are viewed as deadly sins and strictly forbidden. Society is ruled by the immortal, emotionless Sinless, those who have been completely purged of sin. Order is enforced by Shadowbanes, those who are halfway purged, enabling them to wield the power to kill Shades, roaming evil creatures made of shadow who are drawn to artwork and terrorize humans. Against this dystopian backdrop, Inana Westwood is a storytelling outlaw struggling to survive. She and two of her fellow performers, Bard and Harlot, attract the attention of Shadowbane Dominic Graves, who wants to use their art to attract Shades for him to kill. Odette keeps the twists coming as this scheme plays out, leading to several jaw-dropping reveals about both the world and the characters. The forbidden romance that ignites between Inana and Dominic adds both angst and spice on the way to an exhilarating cliff-hanger ending. Fans of dark fantasy romance will be all in. Agent: Kimberly Whalen, Whalen Agency. (Feb.)