Part of the fun of Wednesday Wildcards is the whiplash; in the best way. One minute you're craving brutal court politics with poetry magic, the next you want a cosy 1920s cat rescue with a grumpy wizard, and somehow you still have room for a queer historical fantasy about werewolves. This week's five random picks deliver exactly that: big range, bingeable pacing, and plenty of "just one more chapter".
Below you'll find a spoiler-free overview of each book, plus the main reasons to read; with friendly genre cues to help you match your mood.
1) The Poet Empress by Shen Tao
Best for: Chinese-inspired grimdark fantasy, poetry magic, morally grey characters, court intrigue, dark romantasy
Spoiler-free overview
In the dying years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is fading, famine consumes the land, and poetry magic; the power to shape reality through written verse; belongs only to the powerful. Wei Yin is desperate. After watching five siblings die, she offers herself as concubine to Prince Terren, the cruel heir of the blood-gutted Azalea House, where women are forbidden to read. But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war, and Wei Yin is trapped at the centre with a violent prince. To survive, she must harden her heart, learn to read in secret, and compose the most powerful spell of all; a ballad of love and death. This is brutal, lyrical, and devastating.
Main reasons to read
Stunning debut with a unique poetry-based magic system
Grimdark court politics with The Poppy War energy
Complex morally grey characters who will destroy you emotionally
Gorgeous prose that reads like the poetry it celebrates
Perfect for readers who search for: Chinese-inspired fantasy, dark romantasy, books like The Poppy War, poetry magic fantasy
Note: This one is openly dark; check content warnings if you're sensitive to violence and difficult themes.
2) Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez
Best for: historical romantasy, Renaissance Florence setting, enemies-to-lovers, villain romance, slow-burn tension
Spoiler-free overview
Set in fifteenth-century Florence, where the Medici hold power and magic is forbidden, Graceless Heart follows sculptress Ravenna Maffei. Desperate to save her brother, she enters a competition hosted by the city's most feared immortal family; and reveals a rare magical talent in a city where such power can get you killed. Captured and taken to the breathtaking, treacherous city of Florence, Ravenna is forced into an impossible task where failure means death at the hands of Saturnino dei Luni, the family's enigmatic, merciless heir. But beneath his cold exterior lies a vulnerability that draws her closer than she ever intended. Meanwhile, the Pope's war against magic is closing in. This is lush historical fantasy romance with gorgeous atmosphere and sharp edges.
Main reasons to read
Renaissance Italy setting with vampires, fae, witches, and immortals
Enemies-to-lovers with a morally grey villain love interest
Whimsical magic system tied to gemstones and forbidden power
Art history lovers will swoon over the Medici-era details
Ideal if you search for: historical romantasy, Renaissance fantasy, books like The Familiar, enemies-to-lovers romantasy, villain romance
3) Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett
Best for: cosy fantasy, 1920s Montréal setting, grumpy-sunshine romance, magical cats, Howl's Moving Castle vibes
Spoiler-free overview
Agnes Aubert leads a meticulously organised life; and she likes it that way. As the proudly type-A manager of a cat rescue charity, she's devoted her life to finding forever homes for stray cats. But when her shelter is forced to relocate, the only landlord who will rent to a cat rescue is a mysterious man called Havelock; who also happens to be the world's most infamous magician, running an illegal magic shop out of his basement. Now Agnes's shelter has become the front for thoroughly disreputable dark magic dealings, her organised life is in complete chaos, and the grumpy, self-absorbed (but decidedly handsome) Havelock keeps getting underfoot. This is warm, whimsical, and delightfully chaotic.
Main reasons to read
From the author of the beloved Emily Wilde series
1920s Montréal setting with cosy, vintage charm
Grumpy-sunshine romance with excellent banter
Cats. So many cats. Magical chaos included.
Perfect for readers searching: cosy fantasy, books like Howl's Moving Castle, magical shop fantasy, slow-burn romance, Emily Wilde readalikes
4) The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan
Best for: dark historical fantasy, queer M/M romance, werewolf lore, French Revolution setting, gothic horror
Spoiler-free overview
In 1785, Professor Sebastian Grave receives the news he fears most: the terrible Beast of Gévaudan has returned, and the French countryside runs red in its wake. Sebastian knows the Beast. A monster-slayer with centuries of experience, he joined the hunt for the creature twenty years ago and watched it slaughter its way through a long and bloody winter. Even with the help of his indwelling demon, Sarmodel; who takes payment in living hearts; bringing the monster down nearly cost him his life. Now, two decades later, Sebastian has been recalled to the hunt by Antoine Avenel d'Ocerne, an estranged lover who shares a dark history with the Beast. But France teeters on the edge of revolution, and Sebastian's unfinished business is everywhere he looks. This is dark, romantic, funny, and utterly unique.
Main reasons to read
Based on the real legend of the Beast of Gévaudan
Queer M/M romance with devastating emotional stakes
An immortal protagonist with a sarcastic demon companion
Pre-Revolution France setting with political intrigue
Ideal if you search for: queer fantasy, werewolf fantasy books, dark historical fantasy, books like The Witcher, gothic romance, M/M fantasy romance
Note: Deluxe edition features red sprayed edges!
5) Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken
Best for: YA urban fantasy, Arthurian legend, Celtic mythology, enemies-to-lovers, treasure hunting adventure
Spoiler-free overview
Born without a trace of magic, Tamsin Lark is no match for the sorceresses and Hollowers who populate the magical underground of Boston. But when her thieving foster father disappears without so much as a goodbye, she has no choice but to compete in their cutthroat pursuit of enchanted relics to keep herself; and her cursed brother, Cabell; alive. Ten years later, rumours swirl that her guardian vanished with a powerful ring from Arthurian legend. A run-in with her infuriatingly handsome rival Emrys ignites Tamsin's hope that the ring could free Cabell from his curse. But when they're both swept into the cursed ruins of Avalon, they must face dark magic, deadly creatures, and secrets that could destroy them both. This is fast-paced, romantic, and addictive.
Main reasons to read
Arthurian legend meets urban fantasy in contemporary Boston
Enemies-to-lovers with excellent banter and tension
Strong sibling bond at the heart of the story
Dark, atmospheric world with terrifying creatures and curses
Perfect for readers searching: Arthurian fantasy, YA urban fantasy, enemies-to-lovers YA, books like Legendborn, Celtic mythology fantasy
Which one should you pick up first?
Want brutal court politics with poetry magic? Start with The Poet Empress.
Want lush historical romantasy in Renaissance Florence? Pick Graceless Heart.
Want cosy cat chaos with a grumpy wizard? Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter is your move.
Want dark queer romance with werewolves and demons? The Red Winter is calling.
Want fast-paced YA with Arthurian treasure hunting? Choose Silver in the Bone.
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Books Featured in This Article
The Poet Empress
by Shen Tao
DELUXE EDITION―featuring gorgeous gilded edges, detailed endpapers, and beautiful case art under the book jacket!Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles and She Who Became the Sun.In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center...at the side of a violent prince.To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.
Graceless Heart
by Isabel Ibañez
#1 New York Times bestseller Isabel Ibañez in her adult debut: a gorgeous, historical, and romantic fantasy that will leave readers breathless for more!She was never meant to be seen. Now she’s a weapon the world can’t ignore.As a sculptress, Ravenna Maffei has always shaped beauty from stone but she has a terrible secret. Desperate to save her brother, she enters a competition hosted by Florence’s most feared immortal family, revealing a dark power in a city where magic is forbidden.Now a captive in the cutthroat city of Florence, Ravenna is forced into a dangerous task where failure meets certain death at the hands of Saturnino dei Luni, the immortal family's mesmerizing but merciless heir. But as he draws her closer, Ravenna realizes the true threat lies beyond Florence’s walls.The Pope’s war against magic is closing in, and Ravenna is no longer just a prisoner but a prize to be claimed. As trusting the wrong person becomes lethal, Ravenna must survive the treacherous line between a pope's obsession and the seductive immortal who might be the end of her — or surrender her power to a city on the brink of war.
Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter
by Heather Fawcett
A woman who runs a cat rescue in 1920s Montréal turns to a grouchy but charming magician to help save her shelter in this heartwarming cozy fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Wilde series.“Absolutely magnificent! Full of cats and magic, this is the kind of book you want to instantly reread. I loved every character, every cat, and every moment with all my heart!”—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The SpellshopAgnes Aubert leads a meticulously organized life, and she likes it that way. As the proudly type-A manager of a cat rescue charity, she has devoted her life to finding forever homes for stray cats.Now it’s the shelter that needs a new home. And the only landlord who will rent a space to a cat rescue is a mysterious man called Havelock—who also happens to be the world’s most infamous magician, running an illegal magic shop out of his basement. Havelock is cantankerous and eccentric, but not not handsome, and no, Agnes absolutely does not feel anything but disdain for him. After all, rumors swirl about his shadowy past—including whispers that his dark magic once almost brought about the apocalypse.Then one day a glamorous magician comes looking for Havelock, putting the magic shop—and the cat shelter—in jeopardy. To save the shelter, Agnes will have to team up with the magician who nearly ended the world . . . and may now be trying to steal her heart.Havelock is everything Agnes thinks she doesn’t need in her life: chaos, mischief, and a little too much adventure. But as she gets to know him, she discovers that he’s more than the dark magician of legend, and that she may be ready for a little intrigue—and romance—in her life. After all, second chances aren’t just for rescue cats. . . .
The Red Winter
by Cameron Sullivan
DELUXE EDITION—the hardcover edition of The Red Winter features beautiful red sprayed edges!A devastating love story. A bewitching twist on history. A blood-drenched hunt for purpose, power, and redemption. In 1785, Professor Sebastian Grave receives the news he fears most: the terrible Beast of Gévaudan has returned, and the French countryside runs red in its wake. Sebastian knows the Beast. A monster-slayer with centuries of experience, he joined the hunt for the creature twenty years ago and watched it slaughter its way through a long and bloody winter. Even with the help of his indwelling demon, Sarmodel – who takes payment in living hearts – it nearly cost him his life to bring the monster down.Now, two decades later, Sebastian has been recalled to the hunt by Antoine Avenel d’Ocerne, an estranged lover who shares a dark history with the Beast and a terrible secret with Sebastian. Drawn by both the chance to finish the Beast for good and the promise of a reconciliation with Antoine, Sebastian cannot refuse. But Gévaudan is not as he remembers it, and Sebastian’s unfinished business is everywhere he looks. Years of misery have driven the people to desperation, and France teeters on the edge of revolution. Sebastian’s arcane activities – not to mention his demonic counterpart – have also attracted the inquisitorial eye of the French clergy. And the Beast is poised to close his jaws around them all and plunge the continent into war. Debut author Cameron Sullivan tears the heart out of history with this darkly entertaining retelling of the hunt for the Beast of Gévaudan. Lifting the veil on the hidden world behind our own, it reimagines the story of Europe, from Imperial Rome to Saint Jehanne d’Arc, the madness of Gilles de Rais and the first flickers of the French Revolution.“An absolute feast of a book: rich, red, sinfully delicious. I've rarely been this satisfied—or this hungry for more.” —Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of Starling House“So bloody good. The Red Winter is absolute ripper entertainment—miss it at your peril!” —Shelley Parker-Chan, bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun“A gorgeous tangle of history and fresh-made myth. You'll eat this one up.” —Cassandra Khaw, bestselling author of Nothing But Blackened Teeth“Charming, haunting, ambitious, and a great deal of fun.” —T. Kingfisher, New York Times bestselling author of A Sorceress Comes to Call
Silver in the Bone
by Alexandra Bracken
The instant No. 1 New York Times bestseller from the critically acclaimed author of Lore and The Darkest Minds series. From underground Boston to the cursed ruins of Avalon, join a deadly hunt fuelled by love, revenge and pure adrenaline to find a legendary ring and break the curse. 'Simmering with magic, peril, romance, and heartbreak' - Leigh Bardugo, author of Shadow and BoneTamsin Lark is a Hollower. In search of treasure, she breaks into the ancient crypts of dark sorceresses.Now, rumours are swirling about a powerful ring from Arthurian legend, a ring that could free her brother, Cabell from a curse. But they aren't the only ones who covet it . . .As word spreads, greedy Hollowers start circling, and many would kill to have the ring for themselves. Tamsin is forced into an alliance with her rival Emrys, the last person she wants to rely on. Together, they dive headfirst into a vipers' nest of dark magic, and expose a deadly secret with the power to awaken ghosts of the past and shatter her last hope of saving her brother . . .This is the stunning new dark fantasy romance from one of the top fantasy authors writing today.