Mara Rutherford – författare

Everyone in Ardmuir knows that Willow Stokes is a charlatan, including Willow herself. Her father’s shoppe hasn’t sold anything magical in decades, and it’s only hanging on by the skin of the fake dragon’s teeth Willow sells as charms, along with “enchanted” ostrich eggs, taxidermied chimeras, and talismans made of fools’ gold.Until outlander Brianna Hargrave appears and turns Willow’s fakes into exactly what they’re purported to be. But try as Willow might to enlist Bri’s help, she wants nothing to do with Willow and her curiosities.Because Brianna is harboring a secret of her own: everything she touches turns to magic, and the consequences have chased her all the way to Ardmuir. All she wants to do is find a particular missing grimoire, which contains a spell that can finally put an end to her curse.Desperate to keep her father's shoppe, Willow proposes a bargain that could save them both. Together with the frustratingly handsome printer's assistant, the girls will uncover a plot that goes far deeper than either could have imagined. But when Willow is forced to participate in an ambitious collector's quest for the rarest magical object in the world - a quest that risks almost-certain death - she learns that not all treasure is for sale, and that true magic is closer than she ever could have imagined.

"e;If anyone's looking for me, I live in this book now."e; - Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Strange the Dreamer and Daughter of Smoke & BoneHowl's Moving Castle meets Little Thieves in this cozy fantasy about the teenage owner of a (mostly fake) magical curiosity shop and a girl cursed to turn everything she touches into magic.Everyone in Ardmuir knows that Willow Stokes is a charlatan, including Willow herself. Her father's shoppe hasn't sold anything magical in decades, and it's only hanging on by the skin of the fake dragon's teeth Willow sells as charms, along with "e;enchanted"e; ostrich eggs, taxidermied chimeras, and talismans made of fools' gold.Until outlander Brianna Hargrave appears and turns Willow's fakes into exactly what they're purported to be. But try as Willow might to enlist Bri's help, she wants nothing to do with Willow and her curiosities.Because Brianna is harboring a secret of her own: everything she touches turns to magic, and the consequences have chased her all the way to Ardmuir. All she wants to do is find a particular missing grimoire, which contains a spell that can finally put an end to her curse. Desperate to keep her father's shoppe, Willow proposes a bargain that could save them both. Together with the frustratingly handsome printer's assistant, the girls will uncover a plot that goes far deeper than either could have imagined. But when Willow is forced to participate in an ambitious collector's quest for the rarest magical object in the world-a quest that risks almost-certain death-she learns that not all treasure is for sale, and that true magic is closer than she ever could have imagined.

The bloody plague is finally past—but what fresh horror lies in its wake?Princess Imogen of Goslind has lived a sheltered life for three years at the boarded-up castle—she and the rest of its inhabitants safe from the bloody mori roja plague that’s ravaged the kingdom. But Princess Imogen has a secret. And as King Stuard descends further into madness, it’s at great risk of being revealed. Rations dwindle each day, and unhappy murmurings threaten to crack the façade of the years-long charade being played within the castle walls.Nico Mott once enjoyed a comfortable life of status, but the plague took everyone and everything from him. If not for the generosity of a nearby lord, Nico may not have survived the mori roja’s aftermath. But does owing Lord Crane his life mean he owes him his silence?When Lord Crane sends Nico to search for more plague survivors in the castle, Nico collides with a princess who wants to break out. They will each have to navigate the web of lies they’ve woven if they’re going to survive the nightmares ahead.Down Comes the Night meets Immortal Dark in this gothic, supernatural fantasy escape, where a slow-building mystery, an impossible romance, and a chilling twist await readers.

Aurelie was trying to help usher in a new world in her work with Everard. Instead, her invention only brought ruin: Everard no longer needs inventions to admit demons into Wisteria. Now, he can tear open the veil whenever he chooses.When Des sacrificed his soul to save Aurelie, he believed it would close the door Everard opened. Instead, Everard kept part of his soul in hand, using it to control the demons he unleashes—and to build an army. And Des is no longer capable of feeling anything. No fear, no rage, no grief.Everard’s plan is to strike at the king, wipe out the royal family, and reclaim his stolen throne. Aurelie, forced to join the Iron Guard to atone for her mistakes, is swept into the only solution they have left: kill Everard before he destroys everything.But if Everard dies, Des will die along with him.And that’s a fate Aurelie refuses to accept.

"Mara Rutherford’s The Poison Season took me on journey through a bloodthirsty forest, where two star-crossed lovers discover the true meaning of poison. It brims with evocative storytelling that left me enchanted!" — Emily J. Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel MagnifiqueOutsiders are always given a choice: the Forest or the lake. Either way, they’re never heard from again.Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she’s supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake—and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself.

In Wisteria, the very act of innovation is forbidden. Any creation—art, music, engineering—conjures a demon from the other side. The greater the innovation, the more dangerous the demon.This has never stopped Aurelie from inventing—but it has made it more difficult. Her inventions are small by necessity, producing demons that she is capable of dispatching alone. But she knows she’s meant for something greater, and each day has her chafing more at the boundaries of her society.Destrier lost his parents to demons as a child, and has devoted his life to preventing more senseless murder at the hands of demons. He was young when he joined the hunters, and each year he’s grown stronger. But it’s never enough.When a mysterious figure offers Aurelie a job she can’t refuse—an impossible, magnificent invention—her decision to accept sets off a chain of events that will alter every aspect of their world… and sparks the connection that will change both Aurelie and Des irrevocably.With the fierce enemies-to-lovers romance of Heartless Hunter and the high-concept worldbuilding of Arcane, The Demonic Inventions of Aurelie Blake will thrill readers looking for their new cross-genre favorite.

“A fabulous interweaving of fantasy, politics, and sisterhood — this unusual, tense tale will have you on the edge of your seat!” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce on Crown of Coral and PearlThe Cruel Prince meets Ash Princess in this thrilling fantasy, the much-anticipated sequel to Crown of Coral and Pearl.Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister’s place, she’s wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor’s twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed—and they’ll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them…Books in the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology:Crown of Coral and PearlKingdom of Sea and Stone

"Wonderfully lush and enthralling." —Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and SorrowsFrom the author of Crown of Coral and Pearl comes an immersive new fantasy about a witch who must learn to harness her power—or risk losing her loved ones forever.Liora has spent her life in hiding, knowing discovery could mean falling prey to the king’s warlock, Darius, who uses mages’ magic to grow his own power. But when her worst nightmare comes to pass, Darius doesn’t take her. Instead, he demands that her younger sister return to the capital with him. To make matters worse, Evran, Liora’s childhood friend and the only one who knows her secret, goes missing following Darius’s visit, leaving her without anyone to turn to.To find Evran and to save her sister, Liora must embrace the power she has always feared. But the greatest danger she’ll face is yet to come, for Darius has plans in motion that will cause the world to fall into chaos—and Liora and Evran may be the only ones who can stop him. “A beautiful, enchanting tale of a young woman coming into her own powers. Luminous shines as brightly as its heroine.” —Joan He, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We’re Meant to Find“Shining prose, radiant characters, and a love story that burns bright.” —Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of the Frostblood Saga

“Dripping with bloody opulence, A Multitude of Dreams creeps up on you like a sly shadow. I couldn’t guess at the horrors until it was too late to look away! I loved this book.” —Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and SorrowThe bloody plague is finally past, but what fresh horror lies in its wake?Princess Imogen of Goslind has lived a sheltered life for three years at the boarded-up castle—she and the rest of its inhabitants safe from the bloody mori roja plague that’s ravaged the kingdom. But Princess Imogen has a secret, and as King Stuart descends further into madness, it’s at great risk of being revealed. Rations dwindle each day, and unhappy murmurings threaten to crack the facade of the years-long charade being played within the castle walls.Nico Mott once enjoyed a comfortable life of status, but the plague took everyone and everything from him. If not for the generosity of a nearby lord, Nico may not have survived the mori roja’s aftermath. But does owing Lord Crane his life mean he owes him his silence?When Lord Crane sends Nico to search for more plague survivors in the castle, Nico collides with a princess who wants to break out. They will each have to navigate the web of lies they’ve woven if they’re going to survive the nightmares ahead.

"Mara Rutherford’s The Poison Season took me on journey through a bloodthirsty forest, where two star-crossed lovers discover the true meaning of poison. It brims with evocative storytelling that left me enchanted!" — Emily J. Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel MagnifiqueOutsiders are always given a choice: the Forest or the lake. Either way, they’re never heard from again.Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she’s supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake—and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself.Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

“Dripping with bloody opulence, A Multitude of Dreams creeps up on you like a sly shadow. I couldn’t guess at the horrors until it was too late to look away! I loved this book.” —Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and SorrowThe bloody plague is finally past, but what fresh horror lies in its wake?Princess Imogen of Goslind has lived a sheltered life for three years at the boarded-up castle—she and the rest of its inhabitants safe from the bloody mori roja plague that’s ravaged the kingdom. But Princess Imogen has a secret, and as King Stuart descends further into madness, it’s at great risk of being revealed. Rations dwindle each day, and unhappy murmurings threaten to crack the facade of the years-long charade being played within the castle walls.Nico Mott once enjoyed a comfortable life of status, but the plague took everyone and everything from him. If not for the generosity of a nearby lord, Nico may not have survived the mori roja’s aftermath. But does owing Lord Crane his life mean he owes him his silence?When Lord Crane sends Nico to search for more plague survivors in the castle, Nico collides with a princess who wants to break out. They will each have to navigate the web of lies they’ve woven if they’re going to survive the nightmares ahead.

»Romance und gefahrliche Geheimnisse, ein verrottendes Schloss und brodelnde Spannung. Mara Rutherfords Erzahlung ist so durchzogen von Schrecken und Hoffnung, dass sie noch lange nachhallt.« Rebecca Ross, Autorin des New York Times-Bestsellers Divine RivalsSie haben die blutige Pest überlebt – doch der Horror hat noch lange kein Ende.Seit Jahren wütet in Goslind eine tödliche Seuche; der König hat sich mit seinem gesamten Hofstaat im Schloss verbarrikadiert. Während er langsam dem Wahnsinn verfällt, versuchen alle anderen verzweifelt, das Maskenspiel aufrecht zu erhalten und so zu tun, als wäre alles in Ordnung. Doch die Vorräte schwinden und Prinzessin Imogens Sorge, dass ihr größtes Geheimnis auffliegen könnte, wächst mit jedem Tag. Bei einem Fluchtversuch aus dem Schloss trifft sie auf Nico Mott, einen jungen Totengräber auf der Suche nach Überlebenden. Gemeinsam beginnen sie, das Netz der Lügen, das sie umgibt, zu durchbrechen – doch die Pest hat Monster geschaffen, die nur auf frisches Blut warten …»Diese wunderbar schaurige Erzählung verbindet Mystery, Horror und Romance miteinander. [...] Herrlich stimmungsvoll, Gänsehaut pur.« Kirkus Reviews»Rutherford verbindet Romance, gestohlene und falsche Identitäten und eine Atmosphäre voll schwelender Angst zu einer unheimlichen, apokalyptischen Lektüre.« Publishers Weekly

Eine verbotene Liebe in einem dunklen Königreich!Seit Generationen heiraten die Prinzen von Ilara das schönste Mädchen der abgelegenen Insel Varenia. Alle Mädchen träumen davon, als Prinzessin Ilaras auserwählt zu werden, auch die siebzehnjährige Nor. Nor glaubt jedoch, dass ihre hübschere Zwillingsschwester Zadie den Kronprinzen heiraten wird, während sie selbst auf der Insel zurückbleiben muss. Als sich Zadie allerdings bei einem Tauchgang im Meer verletzt, wird Nor an ihrer Stelle nach Ilara geschickt. Dort trifft sie nicht nur auf ihren zukünftigen Ehemann, den feindseligen Prinzen Ceren, sondern auch auf dessen charmanten jüngeren Bruder Talin – und entdeckt eine Verschwörung, die ihre Heimatinsel zerstören könnte.

Ash Princess meets Song of the Current in Mara Rutherfords debut YA fantasy Crown of Coral and Pearl , which follows a young woman from a village on the sea who must impersonate her twin on land to save everyone she loves from a tyrannical prince.For generations, the crown princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. Nor once dreamed of seeing the mysterious mountain kingdom for herself, but after a childhood accident left her with a scar, she knew her twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the crown prince.Then Zadie is injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. She soon discovers her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home. And as she grows closer to Ceren's brother, Prince Talin, Nor learns of a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen...and a plot to destroy her village.To save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules...but discovering her own formidable strength may cost her everything she loves.

The highly anticipated sequel to Mara Rutherfords stunning YA fantasy debut, Crown of Coral and Pearl , in which a young woman from a village on the sea must impersonate her twin on land to save everyone she loves from a tyrannical prince. Perfect for fans of Roshani Chokshi, Laura Sebastian, and Sarah Tolcser."A fabulous interweaving of fantasy, politics, and sisterhood – this unusual, tense tale will have you on the edge of your seat!" –#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce on Crown of Coral and PearlThe Cruel Prince meets Ash Princess in this thrilling fantasy, the much-anticipated sequel to Crown of Coral and Pearl.Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister's place, she's wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor's twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed—and they'll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them...

"Wonderfully lush and enthralling." —Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and SorrowsFrom the author of Crown of Coral and Pearl comes an immersive new fantasy about a witch who must learn to harness her power—or risk losing her loved ones forever.Liora has spent her life in hiding, knowing discovery could mean falling prey to the king’s warlock, Darius, who uses mages’ magic to grow his own power. But when her worst nightmare comes to pass, Darius doesn’t take her. Instead, he demands that her younger sister return to the capital with him. To make matters worse, Evran, Liora’s childhood friend and the only one who knows her secret, goes missing following Darius’s visit, leaving her without anyone to turn to.To find Evran and to save her sister, Liora must embrace the power she has always feared. But the greatest danger she’ll face is yet to come, for Darius has plans in motion that will cause the world to fall into chaos—and Liora and Evran may be the only ones who can stop him. “A beautiful, enchanting tale of a young woman coming into her own powers. Luminous shines as brightly as its heroine.” —Joan He, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We’re Meant to Find“Shining prose, radiant characters, and a love story that burns bright.” —Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of the Frostblood Saga