Makiia Lucier – författare

“I love the magic Lucier weaves through this dark yet hopeful tale. I devoured it in one sitting!” —Kristin Cashore, author of the New York Times bestselling Graceling Realm books

"A beautifully crafted novel containing everything I love in an epic fantasy: complex characters and relationships, excellent world building, and a compelling story full of twists and turns." —Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn & Grim and Warrior Bards series

A rich and captivating YA standalone fantasy that's perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer, Rachel Hartman, and Naomi Novik, from the writer whose stories have been called “brilliant” (Booklist), “masterful” (Horn Book), and “breathtaking” (School Library Journal). In the aftermath of a devastating plague, a young lord is determined to discover the truth behind a mysterious attempt to assassinate the young queen.

A Sickness to kill them. A Princess to save them. And a Reaper who will stop at nothing to reveal the truth. 

Young Lord Cassia was destined for death, kidnapped and imprisoned by the enemy three years ago. Now he has escaped, the sole survivor of a deadly outbreak that has ravaged the kingdoms of Oliveras and Brisa alike. His survival has won him his freedom, at a cost: Cas is now haunted by the souls of those with unfinished business left in the realm.

When Cas finally returns to his home in the mountains, he arrives just in time to celebrate the king and queen's newborn son. But when an assassin interrupts the festivities, Cas finds himself thrust into the dark underpinnings of court life. Nothing is as he remembers, and his only solace is Lena, a royal historian with a penchant for stealing his horse and keeping him anchored to the present...even as the past rises to the surface.

For the more Cas learns about the new queen-a former princess of Brisa, an old enemy-the more he is certain she harbors secrets. Secrets that threaten the one person Cas holds most dear.

Lucky for him, the past never forgets, and the secrets of the dead aren't always buried with them.

For Cleo Berry, the people dying of the Spanish Influenza in cities like New York and Philadelphia may as well be in another country—that's how far away they feel from the safety of Portland, Oregon. And then cases start being reported in the Pacific Northwest. Schools, churches, and theaters shut down. The entire city is thrust into survival mode—and into a panic. Headstrong and foolish, seventeen-year-old Cleo is determined to ride out the pandemic in the comfort of her own home, rather than in her quarantined boarding school dorms. But when the Red Cross pleads for volunteers, she can't ignore the call. As Cleo struggles to navigate the world around her, she is surprised by how much she finds herself caring about near-strangers. Strangers like Edmund, a handsome medical student and war vet. Strangers who could be gone tomorrow. And as the bodies begin to pile up, Cleo can't help but wonder: when will her own luck run out?    Riveting and well-researched, A Death-Struck Year is based on the real-life pandemic considered the most devastating in recorded world history. Readers will be captured by the suspenseful storytelling and the lingering questions of: what would I do for a neighbor? At what risk to myself?    An afterword explains the Spanish flu phenomenon, placing it within the historical context of the early 20th century. Source notes are extensive and interesting. A Spring 2014 Indies Introduce New Voices selection

''I devoured it in one sitting!'' KRISTIN CASHORE''Beautifully crafted'' JULIET MARILLIERIn the aftermath of a devastating plague, a young lord is determined to discover the truth behind a mysterious attempt to assassinate the young queen in this historical fantasy standalone, inspired by the Black Plague. Three years ago, Lord Cassia was entrusted with a mission by the king - and disappeared. Now, having survived a prison cell and a merciless illness, Cas wants only to return to home and forget past horrors.But home is not what he remembers. His castle has become a refuge for the royal court. And they have brought their enemies with them. When an assassin targets those closest to the queen, Cas is drawn into a search for a killer . . . one that leads him to form an unexpected bond with Lena, a brilliant historian. Cas and Lena soon realize that who is behind the attacks is far less important than why. They must look to the past, following the trail of a terrible secret - one that could threaten the kingdom''s newfound peace and plunge it back into war. ''This is the perfect book to pick up if you are looking for a historical kingdom story that is a little more adult, but still love the YA fantasy tropes'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''I loved it so much. I need more main characters like Cas. I would have read another 500 pages of this book'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Just how I like my fantasy novels: bold, fierce and bloody. Grabs you by the horns and doesn''t let go'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''But this book was so damn good written. I loved the story so damn much, AND THE CHARACTERS. I freaking love Cas and Lena. I love them as characters but also together, their dynamic was so much fun to read. ALL THE FEELS'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Year of the Reaper quickly made its way into my heart. I adored the characters and the prose, and the plot was so intriguing'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐