14 must-read SFF releases that will make your September magical

Greythorne – Crystal Smith

The long-awaited – and, sadly, COVID-delayed – sequel to Bloodleaf finally hits shelves this month, and Crystal Smith’s follow-up promises more blood magic, angst, and messy politics than ever before.

The ending of Bloodleaf felt almost like the series was meant to be a standalone story, hinting at various futures for its characters but not leaving many major cliffhangers to resolve. Yet, as Greythorne begins, Princess Aurelia of Renalt’s life is suddenly in shambles.

Her beloved Zan – whom she risked her own life to pull back from the reaches of death in the first novel –  has been tragically lost at sea. She’s in hiding at a tavern on the edge of the world. And though her younger brother Conrad is set to be crowned, the tribunal that ruined so much of her own life lurks in the background, eager to take control for themselves. And in order for Aurelia to take control back over her own life – and abilities – she must set off on a dangerous journey into the Ebonwilde.

The official synopsis has more story details.

"Princess Aurelia’s life is turned upside down when the kingdom she thought she saved turns to ruin, a loved one is tragically killed in a shipwreck, and her home country refuses to respect her brother’s legitimate claim to the throne. With no place left to call her own, Aurelia returns to Greythorne Manor—her best friend’s family mansion—only to get swept up in a coup d’état on the night of her brother’s coronation. With everyone turned against her and enemies closing in on all sides, Aurelia has nothing left to lose in a mad fight to protect the only people she has left—her family. But in her darkest moments when all seems grim, will Aurelia find a spark of hope from a love she thought long lost?"

Greythorne is available on September 1.