February 13, 2023
Bracken (Lore) valiantly blends contemporary fantasy and Arthurian legend to explore issues of faith, fate, and family in this captivating series launch. Tamsin Lark and her foster brother, Cabell, were 10 when their guardian, Nash, went missing. Seven years later, the siblings are working in Boston as Hollowers—hunters of magical relics—when Tam learns of a curse-breaking ring forged for Lancelot. Tam is eager to pursue the ring, believing it’s the key to dispelling a monstrous curse that has haunted Cabell for most of his life. Moreover, it seems that Nash was chasing this ring when he disappeared. While Tam, unlike Cabell and most Hollowers, has no innate magic, she’ll do whatever it takes to help Cabell and hopefully find Nash, even if that means traveling to the lost realm of Avalon and collaborating with her rival, Emrys, to beat out the descending horde of treasure seekers. Elaborate worldbuilding complements a serpentine plot, which balances horror and heartbreak with humor and tenderness. Heady romance blooms between Tam and Emrys, but it’s pessimistic Tam’s rewarding journey toward hope, trust, and self-acceptance that serves as the story’s heart. Main characters read as white; supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 14–up. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House.