Desdemona ''Des'' Winchester wants nothing to do with Melliford Academy. In fact, she's pretty sure her parents shipped her off to boarding school just to get her out of their hair. It's a move they'll come to regret if she has any say in the matter...
Hello to everyone reading this! If you've made it here, I owe you an enormous thank-you: for your reads, your votes, your comments, and your support for this book. Whether you are a vocal reader or a silent one, a binge-reader or a gradual one, a first-time reader or a returning one, you are appreciated here.
Given recent changes Wattpad has been making, I am no longer posting new books on this site. However, I'm far from done writing genre-bending novellas, novels, and series with fantastical settings, smart MCs, and a heavy helping of both intrigue and adventure. Come follow me at @SmokeAndOranges on Wattpad or Patreon, or subscribe to my newsletter (link in the comments) to receive updates on my works-in-progress and notifications about when (and where) I launch new books!
A standalone sequel to this one might be among them 😉
In the meantime, if you liked this book, perhaps I can tempt you with any of these:
Red Rover: A YA Sapphic Horror novel featuring a waterborne entity that puts you to sleep if it knows your name. Very similar energy to this book, if you like a shot of humour with your spook! Wattys 2023 winner. Complete.
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As the Crow Falls: A Dark Fantasy / ace-ace Romance novel and Cinderella retelling. Contains undercover royalty, enemies to lovers, sinister magic, and a forest as vast and deep as the sea. Complete.
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I See Fire: An Aztec-inspired Dark Fantasy novel set in post-apocalyptic Mexico. Contains fire magic, gods, and a dash of romance. Complete. Wattys 2021/22 Shortlists.
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If none of these pique your interest, you can also check out any of the other works on my profile. Fair warning—I have a lot! Most of my work is Dark Fantasy or Horror, but I cross paths with Sci-Fi, Paranormal, and Romance more often than not. If my books have anything in common, it's wild settings, happy endings, casual rep, and kickass disaster queers being disasters but also kickass.
If you choose to stick around, welcome. I'm glad to have you here :)
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Like what you're reading? Come join me in my corner of the Literary Lounge, a Discord server where readers and authors can hang out and chat in a casual, comfortable setting. Ask questions, float theories, get updates, or just come say hi... I promise I'm friendly! If that's not enough to tempt you, there are dozens of dedicated authors in the server, so it's a fantastic place to find books.
