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The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.
Darling is the most talented-and unusual-Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms-if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it'll be an easy razzle-dazzle job… until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there's one thing Darling's good at, it's a makeover.
Calamity is the most talented-and arrogant-Misfortune of his class. It's his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical "Happily Ever After." When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy-Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too-a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.
To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy's life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves... and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.
Also by Alechia Dow
Just a Pinch of Magic In this cozy, romantic YA fantasy, a Guardian and a Misfortune go head-to-head over the fate of a lovesick bookshop owner. Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef and librarian. She is the author of YA novels The Sound of Stars, The Kindred, A Song of Salvation, and Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, and middle-grade novel Just a Pinch of Magic. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her daughter, baking, reading, or taking teeny adventures.
Praise for Just a Pinch of Magic:
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2023
An Ignyte Award Finalist for Outstanding Middle Grade
A Mythopoeic Fiction Award for Children's Literature Finalist
"Just a Pinch of Magic provides more than a pinch of fun. This delightful middle-grade debut is full of friendship, adventure, magic-and recipes!" -Janae Marks, New York Times-bestselling author of On Air with Zoe Washington
"Dow delivers a magical story about family, friendship, and love that is both beguiling and surprising. An unforgettably rendered magical world paired with delicious descriptions of impeccable baked goods will leave readers wanting more." -Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Brimming with magic-and enticing recipes for readers to try. ... Superb worldbuilding and the authentic dialogue between the quirky, beguiling characters will draw readers in, while the heart-pounding tension and strong pacing will lead them to the satisfying conclusion. ... An enchanting tale of love." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Through an otherworldly setting, Dow explores themes of discrimination and judgment. Like a fine confection, the story includes enough brininess to offset the sugar, creating a satisfyingly piquant dish to appeal to both baking and magic enthusiasts." -School Library Journal
"A sweet and satisfying modern fantasy novel ... Dow gives us the action and thrill of classic fantasy tales, with magical objects, haunted woods, and evil ghosts, but also looks thoughtfully at each girl's struggle to find her place, weaving in a powerful but not pedantic theme abou
Darling is the most talented-and unusual-Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms-if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it'll be an easy razzle-dazzle job… until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there's one thing Darling's good at, it's a makeover.
Calamity is the most talented-and arrogant-Misfortune of his class. It's his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical "Happily Ever After." When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy-Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too-a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.
To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy's life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves... and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.
Also by Alechia Dow
Just a Pinch of Magic In this cozy, romantic YA fantasy, a Guardian and a Misfortune go head-to-head over the fate of a lovesick bookshop owner. Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef and librarian. She is the author of YA novels The Sound of Stars, The Kindred, A Song of Salvation, and Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, and middle-grade novel Just a Pinch of Magic. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her daughter, baking, reading, or taking teeny adventures.
Praise for Just a Pinch of Magic:
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2023
An Ignyte Award Finalist for Outstanding Middle Grade
A Mythopoeic Fiction Award for Children's Literature Finalist
"Just a Pinch of Magic provides more than a pinch of fun. This delightful middle-grade debut is full of friendship, adventure, magic-and recipes!" -Janae Marks, New York Times-bestselling author of On Air with Zoe Washington
"Dow delivers a magical story about family, friendship, and love that is both beguiling and surprising. An unforgettably rendered magical world paired with delicious descriptions of impeccable baked goods will leave readers wanting more." -Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Brimming with magic-and enticing recipes for readers to try. ... Superb worldbuilding and the authentic dialogue between the quirky, beguiling characters will draw readers in, while the heart-pounding tension and strong pacing will lead them to the satisfying conclusion. ... An enchanting tale of love." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Through an otherworldly setting, Dow explores themes of discrimination and judgment. Like a fine confection, the story includes enough brininess to offset the sugar, creating a satisfyingly piquant dish to appeal to both baking and magic enthusiasts." -School Library Journal
"A sweet and satisfying modern fantasy novel ... Dow gives us the action and thrill of classic fantasy tales, with magical objects, haunted woods, and evil ghosts, but also looks thoughtfully at each girl's struggle to find her place, weaving in a powerful but not pedantic theme abou
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Reviews
"A delightful and unique take on fairy godmothers and finding happily-ever-after! Sweet and joyful, this book is as irresistible as hot chocolate swirled with magic!"
Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times-bestselling author of The Spellshop