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of-solitude-past-and-present · 1 year

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Sleep.

Warnings: yandere themes, naga scara, imprisonment, escape attempt, reader is clearly traumatized, threats, mention of past injury & chronic injury.

This takes place a few months after the original oneshot. It could be read independently, if you really wanted to, but it makes a number of references to the original.

A prompt was taken from @ / asirensrage's Obsession Prompts list. Slightly modified, but still.

Roughly 1.5k words.

His warm breath fanned across your throat.

It's dark, but if you squint, you can mostly make out what's around you. The only light you can see is the crack of moonlight, like a silvery river, running down the center of the canyon through the thin crack in its ceiling.

You shifted a bit on a makeshift bed of countless stolen blankets and small pillows, restless and unable to sleep. As much as you could, at least, before Kunikuzushi began to move as well.

You paused, looking down at the outline of his messy mop of dark indigo hair. His face was buried in the crook of your neck, arms wrapped around your waist. He was prone to fitful sleep, full of upset muttering, quiet whines, and a grip so tight you'd have bruises come morning. Tonight was, luckily for you, not one of those nights.

Tonight's your best chance.

Truth be told, he wasn't as horrible as you thought he would be at first. He seemed like a purely cruel monster at first (and... he kind of still is), but you've come to see another side of him since. He's rough around the edges, and at most times he seemed vaguely irritated that you do so much as exist around him, but the small things stack up. It's... strange.

He's surprisingly attentive, for one. He pretends to be indifferent to your wellbeing, but it's hard to believe, especially when he'll randomly bring you something you mentioned offhandedly weeks ago. He always expects a thank-you and a reward of some sort for these gifts, usually in the form of a kiss on the cheek and some attention.

You had assumed Kunikuzushi would be more violent than he turned out to be, especially considering your imprisonment rocky start. It's not as awful as you had expected, not that it's really saying much. Actually, living with him wasn't very much like you had expected at all.

Well, except for one thing. Though he hasn't hurt you since, he isn't above threatening to when you aren't behaving how he wants you to. With some display of strength–an iron grip on your wrist, lifting you off the ground by your shirt, or something equally unnecessary–and one of his trademark sneers, he'll whisper something horrible. Maybe he should leave you tied up for the day, so that you won't forget to be grateful next time. Or maybe it would be better to twist your ankle again, just like he did before.

"I think I'd like that," he muttered in that low, husky tone. "It was nice having you so reliant on me for everything. Every time you act out, I miss it a little more."

Maybe giving in was encouraging him to keep it up, but what other choice did you have? You weren't sure if he would do any good on those threats, and you didn't want to find out.

These memories spur you on. You slide his arm off, as slow and gentle as you can, your hands passing over his numerous raised scars. It takes a bit of awkward positioning–some strange face-up spider crawl you had to do to get your weight off the arm that was underneath you–but soon, you're crouched next to him, ready to stand up and get away.

Unfortunately, in your attempt to stand up, you place a stabilizing hand on a part of his tail you didn't see. It's so dark, and he's so long, it's hard to tell where he ends and the bedding begins.

His breath pauses, and you freeze in place. He's facing you, but you can't see his expression. All you can make out is the stark, shadowy outline of his form against the moon-illuminated sand behind him.

He's going to wake up. He has to.

You wait for a few agonizingly slow seconds, heart racing in your chest. He doesn't even move. His breathing starts up again, just as deep and even as before.

Hesitantly, you lift your hand from his cool, rough scales. Nothing happens.

You let out a breath you didn't even know you were holding. With one arm (this time, on the blanket) you push yourself to your feet, looming over him. It's strange being above him, even if it's only in the most literal sense. Even on the ground, in the most defenseless position imaginable, he scares you. To get out, you have to step over him. Your heart begins to speed up again, and your knees feel weak.

It's irrational, you tell yourself. He's asleep. He can't do anything, not as long as you're quiet. You're safe. Just one step and you'll finally be free.

It takes you embarrassingly long, making tears well up in your eyes. It feels almost like there's a wall preventing you from doing it, and it tempts you to just lay back down. He's manageable if you're obedient. You know what to expect, if you're obedient.

But you can't. You've come too far to back down now. You want to be free.

But you just also don't want him to be upset. Not while you're there, and certainly not while he's upset at you.

You take in a shaky breath, checking for any stray parts of him before setting a foot down on the other side of him. Pain flashes up the side of your ankle, as quick and as hot as lightning. An unfortunate consequence of what he did that day. It's been months, and you can otherwise walk fine, but you don't think the pain will ever truly heal.

Even despite the reminder of what he can do, a mounting sense of excitement motivates you to take the final step over him. Once you're over him, your final obstacle, you rush outside with no hesitation whatsoever. Tears burn at your eyes again, but for a completely different reason. For the first time in what feels like a long time, you're free. You don't remember the last time you've felt so light, so unfettered.

Even so, you try your best to stay mindful of your surroundings. You make it to the patch of moonlight filtering in through the thin crack in the ceiling of the canyon. The moon's full, you realize as you look up. You've never seen anything so beautiful.

A gentle smile pulls at your lips. All you need to do is find your boots and your canteen, and you'll at least have a shot at making it to the Tanit camp. You just have to put as much distance between you and him as possible, and it should be smooth sailing from there.

But all things must come to an end, some much sooner than others. A voice calls out from behind you. You can practically hear the clanking of chains and feel a pair of manacles capture your wrists once more.

"Come back to sleep."

You look over your shoulder at him, propped up on one elbow, presumably staring at you. His expression is too dark to see, but you've been around him enough to imagine it in your head.

His tone turns dark, threatening. "Don't make me have to come get you."

Everything screams at you to run, but you know better. He's faster than you. You don't have a choice, and he knows it. There's no point in trying.

Every step is a challenge, but soon you're standing above him once again. He doesn't even shift, he simply waits for you to come to him as he knows you will. Despite your position, you've never felt so beneath him, like you really were little more than the loyal dog he compared you to that day.

His hand encircles your wrist, and he yanks you down next to him none too gently. You land roughly on the blankets next to him, a dull ache blooming in your side, but he pays it no mind. He shifts so that he's laying on you, chest pressed against yours and one hand next to your head to support himself. As soon as he's settled, his face returns to your neck, breathing in deeply.

"I was hoping you wouldn't," he murmured against your throat, voice low and deep with the remnants of sleep. His other hand drifts to your waist. "But you just had to go and push it, as you always do. I'll deal with you in the morning."

#scaramouche #yandere scaramouche #yandere scaramouche x reader #kunikuzushi #yandere kunikuzushi x reader #yandere kunikuzushi #genshin impact #yandere genshin impact #naga scara #still haven't figured out the lore. not as fun as writing the little man himself.#also who'da thunk that I'd write faster when not outside at 2 am on a park bench huh....

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jeremywhitley · 1 year

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Official NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL announcement! THE DOG KNIGHT from @mackidsbooks and Feiwel and Friends is the first in a brand new series from @jeremywhitley, Bre Indigo & Melissa Capriglioni and it's coming in May!

You can pre-order the book right here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250756725/thedogknight

When non-binary middle schooler Frankie Bryant saved a dog from a couple of bullies, they had no idea it would change their life. They were offered a chance to become The Dog Knight, the protector of the sacred pact between humans and dogs.

Now they have the ability to hear and understand dogs, to see the invisible forces threatening the world that only dogs can see, and the assistance of The Pawtheon, a council of super dogs, representing the best of all values dogs hold most dear.

But before Frankie can take the job officially, they must complete a series of trials to show that they have these traits dogs value: Loyalty, Kindness, Honestly, Justice, Stubbornness, and an impeccable sense of smell. But the forces of chaos want Frankie to fail, so it won't be easy! But it will be fun and entertaining for all ages from middle grades on up!

Check out what other comics creators had to say about The Dog Knight: "A delightful story of fate-of-the-world friendship and adventure, filled with a ton of heart... and tails too." -- Unbeatable Squirrel Girl author Ryan North @ryannorth

"The Dog Knight is a classic hero's journey with a unique, relatable hero wearing a very silly hat. I mean helm. And a lot of very charming dogs. I really like it, and I am saying that as an avowed cat person." - Dana Simpson, Phoebe and her Unicorn

"A well crafted story about the struggles of children who identify as nonbinary. The Dog Knight shows us that when we are true to ourselves and stand up for what’s right, everybody wins; A powerful lesson in leading by example, illustrated in spectacular fashion." --Andrew Aydin, coauthor of MARCH and RUN

We know this book is undoubtedly going to get push back in the current political climate, so if this is something you want to read, we really encourage you to pre-order the book, share this post, and tell all your friends, family, librarians, book sellers, comic book sellers, followers, and even random strangers.

We’re so excited to share this with you!

Find out more and preorder here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250756725/thedogknight

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aurorawest · 3 months

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Bargain of Blood and Gold by Kristin Jacques - 3.75/5 stars

Reminiscent of Jordan L Hawk's Widdershins series, but with vampires and werewolves. Also takes place in Maine, which isn't a very common setting. Unwittingly, I bought the second book in the series months ago, and I realized as it got to the top of my TBR that I didn't have the first book! I had to scramble to order it and I was happy I enjoyed it since, obviously, I already have the second book.

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa - DNF at pg 2

Captive Prince by CS Pacat (reread) - 5/5 stars

Prince's Gambit by CS Pacat (reread) - 5/5 stars

Kings Rising by CS Pacat - 5/5 stars

I think I loved these books even more on my reread.

Gravity by Tal Bauer - 4.25/5 stars

Probably my favorite hockey romance that I've read.

The Modern Mythos Anomaly by Juniper Lake Fitzgerald - DNF at pg 132

I actually liked the story, the characters, and the writing in general, but this book just needed another few edits to slim it down a bit.

Lose You to Find Me by Erik J Brown - 4.5/5 stars

Leeward by Katie Daysh - 4.5/5 stars

The blurbs on this book are hilarious, because they're all like, tall ships people, and then Mackenzi Lee, hailing it as a lovely queer historical romance. This was a really lovely book and I'm excited for the sequel. Also hoping for more kissing in the sequel since this was a serious slow burn.

Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball by Jason June - 3.75/5 stars

Starseer by Katya Hernández - 4/5 stars

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala - 5/5 stars

I loved this book so much!! Oh my god. Super funny, very romantic. It revolves around cosplay which is of course a special interest of mine.

Northranger by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo - 4.5/5 stars

Flying Without a Net by EM Ben Shaul - 2.75/5 stars

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley (reread) - 5/5 stars

Striking Distance by Sarah Rees Brennan - 4.75/5 stars

I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. The graphic novels were good but changing to a novel format allowed for much deeper characters. Surprisingly devastating and also really funny.

The Old Haunts by Allan Radcliffe - 4/5 stars

The Gay Best Friend by Nicholas DiDomizio - 5/5 stars

Main character is the best friend of both the bride and the groom, and everything surrounding the wedding becomes a train wreck beginning on the weekend of the bachelor party, when the bride asks the MC, Dom, to keep tabs on the groom for her. As someone who is extremely conflict avoidant with friends but not family and romantic partners, I heavily related to Dom. There's also a romance that I really loved.

Romance Languages by AJ Truman - 4.25/5 stars

I think this was my favorite of the South Rock series. It deals with some more difficult topics—Julian's self-loathing over his body image is heartbreaking (and relatable), and Seamus's guilt over the way his gambling addiction hurt his ex was very well done. I'm a sucker for stories where a character learns to ask for help, not to mention difficult parent-child relationships, and this had both. I also appreciated Julian's arc re: sex and virginity.

Darkhearts by James L Sutter - 5/5 stars

Another bandmates-in-love treasure, with a twist—the main character, David, left the band right before they got famous. He ends up falling for one of his ex-friends/bandmates after they reconnect. The author is a musician himself, and it definitely shows (in a good way). I'm really a sucker for The Burdens of Fame, which this book definitely had, but there's actually a really good arc for David and how he deals with his jealousy and resentment over being left behind. Plus he wants to be a carpenter rather than go to college, which was cool.

Brute by Kim Fielding - 4.25/5 stars

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian - 5/5 stars

What can I say about this book? Why was it so lovely? Why did it make me feel so much? Why can I not rate things higher than 5 stars? It's a million stars in my heart. Aside from just being a gorgeous mid-century America m/m romance (my favorite), this one features an Italian-American main character. The stuff with Nick's family was spot-on. I just loved this book. I felt like I was wrapping myself in a big, comfy, historical gay romance blanket.

Drowned Country by Emily Tesh - 5/5 stars

The sequel to Silver in the Wood. Had a very mythic and sort of folk horror vibe. This one is from Henry Silver's POV instead of Tobias Finch's and takes place two years after Silver in the Wood, which is time that Henry has mostly spent sulking in Greenhollow Hall, sans Tobias. Really highly recommend this duology. Emily Tesh is a treasure.

The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro - DNF at pg 11

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lakecountylibrary · 7 months

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Read like a librarian! Here's Kate's current TBR:

Mao (volume 12) written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi

Star Knights written and illustrated by Kay Davault

The Skull written and illustrated by Jon Klassen

The Dog Knight written by Jeremy Whitley illustrated by Bre Indigo

Dear Rosie written and illustrated by Meghan Boehman and Rachael Briner

Girl Juice written and illustrated by Benji Nate

Out There written and illustrated by Seaerra Miller

Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story written and illustrated by Sarah Myer

Squire & Knight written and illustrated by Scott Chantler

Unaccompanied: Stories of Brave Teenagers Seeking Asylum written and illustrated by Tracy White

Suee and the Strange White Light written by Ginger Ly and illustrated by Molly Park

The Sea in You written and illustrated by Jessi Sheron

Garvey's Choice written by Nikki Grimes illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

Ava's Demon: Book One: Reborn written and illustrated by Michelle Fus

Cosmoknights: Book Two written and illustrated by Hannah Templer

Bear written by Ben Queen illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

See more of Kate's recs

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smashpages · 11 months

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Out this week: Northranger (Harper Alley, $18.99):

This YA graphic novel set on a rural Texas ranch details the coming-of-age story of two gay teens. It’s by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo, and is inspired by Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey.

See what else is arriving at your local comic book store this week.

#can't wait for comics #ncbd #graphic novels #new comics day #new comics #new comic book day #out this week #this week's comics #harper alley #northranger #rey terciero #bre indigo #jane austen

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wormwoodandhoney · 9 months

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just read northranger by rey terciero and illustrated by bre indigo which is a modern gay retelling of northanger abbey set on a ranch in texas. it's a graphic novel and super cute, highly recommend!

#northranger #northanger abbey #jane austen #books #book recs #i may make a graphic but graphics based on comics/graphic novels are hard!

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ohyoufool · 11 months

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I love supporting journalism but NYT is paywalled and we all need some GOOD NEW QUEER COMICS so posting the full article under the read more!

Original Article

By George Gene Gustines

June 9, 2023

‘The Dog Knight’

Frankie Jude Bryant is a nonbinary middle school student who is dealing with identity, the usual academic challenges and, oh yes, trying to become the Dog Knight, a champion for humans and canines. Despite the presence of magical talking pooches, this journey of heroism and self-discovery feels grounded thanks to captions that get into the head of Frankie, who prefers they/them pronouns. On the first page, they think, “Do you ever feel like you don’t make sense?” Later, Frankie muses about their frenemy Dallas, who misgenders them: “She gets it wrong on purpose just to make a big deal about correcting it.” And when Frankie finds their tribe, “For the first time in a long time, I look in the mirror and I don’t feel a pain in the pit of my stomach.” Written by Jeremy Whitley, drawn by Bre Indigo and colored by Melissa Capriglione.

‘Marry Me a Little: A Graphic Memoir’

The cartoonist Rob Kirby chronicles his 2013 march down the aisle in Minnesota with his longtime partner, John Capecci. The story highlights where gay marriage stood at the time (each state was making its own rules before same-sex unions became the law of the land in 2015) and looks back at Jack Baker and Michael McConnell, who somehow were able to obtain a marriage license in Minneapolis in 1971. The personal recollections are powerful and honest: Rob remembers when he first casually used the word “husband,” which felt like “a small but genuine political act.” He also acknowledges the white, middle-class privilege that allowed him ambivalence about getting married. His ultimate conclusion: “Marriage does not define a relationship. Unless you want it to.”

‘Gatsby’

The messages of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” — about social status, love and chasing dreams — are revisited in the present with a racially and sexually diverse set of characters in their 20s. Gatsby is a Black tech millionaire looking for a love who got away, and Lu Zhao, the stand-in for Nick Carraway, is visiting from Singapore and summering on Long Island (where a $5,000-plus afternoon shopping spree highlights the casual wealth). The main characters are refreshingly blasé about their sexuality: Lu’s girlfriend, Alexis, asks, “How do you identify?” But Lu’s answer does not really matter as Alexis says, “I love being on this journey with you. I’m here for you no matter what.” Written by Jeremy Holt, drawn by Felipe Cunha and colored by Dearbhla Kelly.

‘Hex Americana’

The cartoonist Bree Wolf spins a tale about auto racing, teen romance, monsters and ghosts. Flesh-and-blood Ken forms an unlikely alliance with Dante, who died in a previous race and haunts his car as a ghost. A successful partnership will allow Ken to compete in the annual Grand Prix and help Dante move on to the afterlife. The more than 300-page story packs in a lot of character growth, action, flashbacks and drama. The relationship between Ken and Karen, his mother, is particularly nuanced. Karen is supportive of her son, who is gay, but she struggles with how to correct her overbearing friend James when he makes thoughtless jokes about Ken. (Iron Circus Comics. Aug. 30.)

‘Death Drop: Drag Assassin’

The Gayborhood, as it is called in this five-part series, has seen better days. Thugs feel empowered to assault young gay men, and a drag queen named Lunaira has gone missing from the club Posterior Delusions. Residents have little faith in the local police. Enter Death Drop, a former hit man and current drag queen, who is pushed by Mother Henny, the hostess of the club, to find Lunaira. “She’s a queen of color who has been missing for more than two days,” Mother Henny says. “You do the math.” It helps that Death Drop and Mother Henny used to date. Let the investigation begin. Written by David Hazan and drawn and colored by Alex Moore. (Scout Comics. June 14.)

‘Turtle Bread’

Kim-Joy, a British baker and cookbook writer, teams up with the artist Alti Firmansyah for this story about Yan, who is struggling with low self-esteem and social anxiety. When Yan finds a local baking club, she is plagued by doubts about whether she will fit in or be liked, but she soon learns that everyone struggles in different ways. Yan eventually becomes confident enough to rally the club members to seek out and support one of their fellow bakers who needs it. Yan would qualify as an ally, but there are characters with significant roles in the story who are gay and lesbian. And there are recipes, including one that gives this story its title. (Comixology Originals. Available now.)

Original article

#check please fans DIS ONES FOR YOU!!!#BUT ALSO QUEER LIT AS A WHOLE!!!#omgcp #queer literature #pride month #pride literature #book rec #comic rec #queer comics #omg check please #heartstopper #nyt #be gay do crime #pride #lgbtq+#heartstopper comic #I speak

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richincolor · 11 months

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New Releases

A whole slew of books to start our summer off right. Which of these is your first summer read?

Northranger by Rey Terciero illustrated by Bre Indigo HarperAlley

Cade has always loved to escape into the world of a good horror movie. After all, horror movies are scary–but to Cade, a closeted queer Latino teen growing up in rural Texas–real life can be way scarier.

When Cade is sent to spend the summer working as a ranch hand to help earn extra money for his family, he is horrified. Cade hates everything about the ranch, from the early mornings to the mountains of horse poop he has to clean up. The only silver lining is the company of the two teens who live there–in particular, the ruggedly handsome and enigmatic Henry.

But as unexpected sparks begin to fly between Cade and Henry, things get… complicated. Henry is reluctant to share the details of his mother’s death, and Cade begins to wonder what else he might be hiding. Inspired by the gothic romance of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey and perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Bloom comes a modern love story so romantic it’s scary.

Pedro & Daniel by Federico Erebia illustrated by Julie Kwon Levine Querido

Pedro and Daniel are Mexican American brothers growing up in 1970s Ohio. Their mother resents that Pedro is a spitting image of their darker-skinned father; that Daniel likes dolls; that neither boy plays sports. Both are gay and neurodivergent. They are alike, but they are dissimilar in their struggles, their dreams, their approach to life.

Pedro & Daniel is a sweeping and deeply personal novel that spans from childhood, through their teen years, and into adulthood. Theirs is a bond that won’t be broken. Together they endure an abusive home life, coming out, first loves, first jobs, and the AIDS pandemic, in a coming-of-age story unlike any other.

Despite everything, there is much joy in the stories in the book. Their resilience and special bond help the boys face one evil after another. While Pedro suffers more at home, Daniel is particularly susceptible to the malevolence of the outside world.

They are similar: gay, neurodivergent Latinos in love with all things Mexico.

Son tal para cual. They are cut from the same cloth.

They are different: Pedro is darker-skinned, oppressed, repressed, introverted, and agnostic. Daniel is precocious, carefree, mischievous, religious, and unguarded.

Mismo perro, distinto collar. Same dog, different collar.

When it All Syncs Up by Maya Ameyaw Annick Press

Ballet is Aisha’s life. So when she’s denied yet another lead at her elite academy because she doesn’t “look” the part, she knows something has to change–the constant discrimination is harming her mental health. Switching to her best friend Neil’s art school seems like the perfect plan at first. But she soon discovers racism and bullying are entrenched in the ballet program here, too, and there’s a new, troubling distance between her and Neil. And as past traumas surface, pressure from friends and family, a new romance, and questions about her dance career threaten to overwhelm her. There’s no choreography to follow–for high school or for healing. Aisha will have to find the strength within herself–and place her trust in others–to make her next move.

Good as Gold by Candace Buford Disney Hyperion

Casey’s life in Langston has been charmed. She’s the queen bee of her prep school, a shoe-in for prom queen, and on her way to the Ivy League come fall. She can’t wait to leave the whole town of Langston behind her. That is until her father loses his job and she finds herself on the brink of losing her ticket out of town.

The town of Langston is known for its picturesque lake and robust summer tourism. Everyone who lives in town has heard the rumors at some point– there is a treasure buried deep below the surface that no one has ever been able to find. Few people actually believe in the treasure, and even fewer have searched for it. But some have tried . . .

Suddenly an outcast from her popular squad, Casey falls in with a new group of friends who are exactly the opposite of her usual crowd, but are more accepting. Together they devise a plan to find the elusive treasure, in a quest to get the money and save Casey’s family and her future. But what they find is much more complicated than just a pile of gold. With thrilling twists and turns and high stakes adventure, fans of Outer Banks will devour this summer adventure.

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar Feiwel & Friends

“Welcome to the first ever Junior Irish Baking Show!”

Shireen Malik is still reeling from the breakup with her ex-girlfriend, Chris, when she receives news that she’s been accepted as a contestant on a new televised baking competition show. This is Shireen’s dream come true! Because winning will not only mean prize money, but it will also bring some much-needed attention to You Drive Me Glazy, her parents’ beloved donut shop.

Things get complicated, though, because Chris is also a contestant on the show. Then there’s the very outgoing Niamh, a fellow contestant who is becoming fast friends with Shireen. Things are heating up between them, and not just in the kitchen.

As the competition intensifies , Shireen will have to ignore all these factors and more― including potential sabotage―if she wants a sweet victory!

The Grimoire of Grave Fates edited by Hanna Alkaf & Margaret Owen Delacorte Press

Professor of Magical History Septimius Dropwort has just been murdered, and now everyone at the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary is a suspect.

A prestigious school for young magicians, the Galileo Academy has recently undergone a comprehensive overhaul, reinventing itself as a roaming academy in which students of all cultures and identities are celebrated. In this new Galileo, every pupil is welcome—but there are some who aren’t so happy with the recent changes. That includes everyone’s least favorite professor, Septimius Dropwort, a stodgy old man known for his harsh rules and harsher punishments. But when the professor’s body is discovered on school grounds with a mysterious note clenched in his lifeless hand, the Academy’s students must solve the murder themselves, because everyone’s a suspect.

Told from more than a dozen alternating and diverse perspectives, The Grimoire of Grave Fates follows Galileo’s best and brightest young magicians as they race to discover the truth behind Dropwort’s mysterious death. Each one of them is confident that only they have the skills needed to unravel the web of secrets hidden within Galileo’s halls. But they’re about to discover that even for straight-A students, magic doesn’t always play by the rules. . . .

Contributors include: Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, Hafsah Faizal, Jessica Lewis, Julian Winters, Karuna Riazi, Kat Cho, Kayla Whaley, Kwame Mbalia, L. L. McKinney, Marieke Nijkamp, Mason Deaver, Natasha Díaz, Preeti Chhibber, Randy Ribay, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Victoria Lee, and Yamile Saied Méndez

Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe Garcia McCall Bloomsbury

In modern-day Mexico, Sitlali has no family left and has caught the attention of a dangerous gang leader. She has no choice but to make the perilous trip to the US border and track down her long-absent father. The night before her journey, she finds a beautiful conch shell detailed with ancient markings.

In 1521, Calizto is an Aztec young warrior in Tenochtitlan, fighting desperately to save his city from Spanish imperialists. With his family dead and the horrors of war surrounding him, Calizto asks a sacred moon conch for guidance.

Connected by the magical conch, Sitlali and Calizto can communicate across centuries, finding comfort in each other as they fight to survive. With each conversation, they fall deeper in love, but will they be able to find a way to each other?

Ride or Die by Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu Soho Teen

Best friends Loli Crawford and Ryan Pope have earned their nickname, the “Bonnie and Clyde of Woolridge High.” From illegal snack swapping in kindergarten to reckless car surfing in high school, they have been causing trouble in their uptight California town forever. Everyone knows that the mischief starts with Loli. When it comes to chasing thrills, drama, and adventure, no one is on her level.

At least until Loli throws the wildest party Woolridge High has ever seen just to steal a necklace and meets X, a strange, unidentified boy in a coat closet, who challenges her to a game she can’t refuse—one that promises to put her love of danger to the ultimate test.

Loli and X begin an anonymous correspondence, exchanging increasingly risky missions. Loli’s fun has always been free and easy, but things spin out of control as she attempts to one-up X’s every move. As Loli risks losing everything—including her oldest friend—she’ll face the most dangerous thing of all: falling for someone she shouldn’t.

The Queens of New York by E.L. Shen Quill Tree

Best friends Jia Lee, Ariel Kim, and Everett Hoang are inseparable. But this summer, they won’t be together. Everett, aspiring Broadway star, hopes to nab the lead role in an Ohio theater production, but soon realizes that talent and drive can only get her so far. Brainy Ariel is flying to San Francisco for a prestigious STEM scholarship, even though her heart is in South Korea, where her sister died last year. And stable, solid Jia will be home in Flushing, juggling her parents’ Chinatown restaurant, a cute new neighbor, and dreams for an uncertain future. As the girls navigate heartbreaking surprises and shocking self-discoveries, they find that even though they’re physically apart, they are still mighty together.

Always Isn’t Forever by J.C. Cervantes Razorbill

Best friends and soul mates since they were kids, Hart Augusto and Ruby Armenta were poised to take on senior year together when Hart tragically drowns in a boating accident. Absolutely shattered, Ruby struggles to move on from the person she knows was her forever love.

Hart can’t let go of Ruby either…. Due to some divine intervention, he’s offered a second chance. Only it won’t be as simple as bringing him back to life—instead, Hart’s soul is transferred to the body of local bad boy.

When Hart returns to town as Jameson, he realizes that winning Ruby back will be more challenging than he’d imagined. For one, he’s forbidden from telling Ruby the truth. And with each day he spends as Jameson, memories of his life as Hart begin to fade away.

Though Ruby still mourns Hart, she can’t deny that something is drawing her to Jameson. As much as she doesn’t understand the sudden pull, it can’t be ignored. And why does he remind her so much of Hart? Desperate to see if the connection she feels is real, Ruby begins to open her heart to Jameson—but will their love be enough to bridge the distance between them?

Something More by Jackie Khalilieh Tundra Books

Fifteen-year-old Jessie, a quirky loner obsessed with the nineties, is diagnosed as autistic just weeks before starting high school. Determined to make a fresh start and keep her diagnosis a secret, Jessie creates a list of goals that range from acquiring two distinct eyebrows to getting a magical first kiss and landing a spot in the school play. Within the halls of Holy Trinity High, she finds a world where things are no longer black and white and quickly learns that living in color is much more fun. But Jessie gets more than she bargained for when two very different boys steal her heart, forcing her to go off-script.

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