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Dryad Books Exclusive Edition
Printed in association with Angry Robot Books, our exclusive paperback features:
- Digitally printed edges, designed by Alice Coleman.
- A signed bookplate from the author, Mariana Costa.
Synopsis
A queer, madcap, friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers time travel romance with the future of the world at stake, this charming fantasy tale is sure to satisfy fans of Legends and Lattes.
The kingdom of Farsala is broken and black clouds hang heavy over the arid lands. Former Grand-Mage of the High Court, Cyril Laverre, has spent the last decade hiding himself away in a ramshackle hut by the sea, trying to catch any remaining fish for his cat familiar, Shoestring, and suppressing his guilt over the kingdom’s ruin. For he played his part – for as the King, Eufrates Margrave, descended further and further into paranoia, violence and madness, his Grand-Mage – and husband – Cyril didn’t do a thing to stop him.
When Shoestring wanders away and dies one morning, Cyril knows his days are finally numbered. But are there enough left to have a last go at putting things right? With his remaining lifeblood, he casts a powerful spell that catapults him back in time to a happier period of Farsalan history – a time when it was Eufrates’s older sister Tig destined to ascend to the throne, before she died of a wasting disease, and a time when Cyril and Eufrates’s tentative romance had not yet bloomed. If he can just make sure Eufie never becomes King, then maybe he can prevent the kingdom’s tragic fate. But the magical oath he made to his husband at the altar, transcending both time and space, may prove to be his most enduring – and most dangerous – feat of magic to date…
Featuring a formidable Great Aunt, a friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romance, an awkward love quadrangle and a crow familiar called Ganache, this charming story is imminently easy to read and sure to satisfy fans of fanfiction who like their fantasy lite.
Shoestring Theory by Mariana Costa – Dryad Books Exclusive Signed Edition
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781915998194
Imprint: Angry Robot
“A tender, charming debut which entertains while masterfully delving into complex themes of regret, grief, friendship, and sacrifice, SHOESTRING THEORY gripped me by the heart and didn’t let me go. Costa weaves a magical spell around readers with a tale of what it means to love someone enough to finally see the truth of them – and let them show you the truth of yourself in return. ”
– Laura R. Samotin, author of The Sins On Their Bones“Shoestring Theory has a classic RPG feel woven into its diverse and queernorm world, and at its heart is a resounding message of found family and self-love. Come for the twists, but stay for Cyril.”
– Al Hess, author of World Running Down and Key Lime Sky“A surprising and clever gem of a novel, Shoestring Theory sparkles with banter between scorned lovers and lost friends alike. Equal parts wittily irreverent and stirringly poignant, Costa has crafted a heartfelt story about second chances, never giving up on the people we love, and one very good cat.”
– S. A. MacLean, author of The Phoenix Keeper