City of Iron and Ivy

"A stunning fantasy with one of the most unique magic systems I've seen in a long time." ―T. Kingfisher, New York Times bestselling author This beguiling historical romantasy debut blends dark academia with the glamour of Bridgerton, as a scholar of magic investigates her sister's murder-perfect for fans of Heather Fawcett and H. G. Parry. In an alternate London alive with botanical magic, Elswyth Elderwood is a thorn among roses: a bristly, scarred scholar in a world of socialites. Her sister Persephone is the opposite: a graceful debutante seeking a marriage that will save their family from ruin. At least, until Persephone is murdered. Suddenly the last scion of her house, Elswyth must abandon her studies and find a wealthy husband. She is thrust into a London fueled by floromancy: hedge witches sprout nightshade from their fingertips, high-born ladies weave gowns from wildflowers … and a serial killer called the Reaper transforms his victims into plant-human hybrids. When clues suggest the Reaper is a powerful nobleman, Elswyth's search for her sister's killer and her hunt for a husband become one and the same. But she is drawn to bastard-born archaeologist Silas Blackthorn-who may have dark, twisted secrets of his own. Elswyth must determine friend from foe and lover from liar-or suffer the same fate as her sister.

Thomas Kent West is an American author who creates stories filled with intricate magic, imperfect heroes, and richly imagined worlds. His experience as a biology teacher and wilderness guide in Grand Teton National Park inspired him to write a book set in a fantastical place but based on real-world botany. That novel became City of Iron and Ivy, which received the Book Pipeline Grand Prize in Science Fiction and Fantasy. You can read more of his work, receive bonus scenes and short stories, and sign up for his newsletter at thomaskentwest.com.