THIS FATAL KISS

A water nymph and an exorcist form a strange alliance.

Gisela is a rusałka—a girl who’s bound in spirit form to the river where she died. After almost a year of her watery existence, she longs to become human again and return to her family. According to water goblin Wojciech, the rusałki’s protector and father figure, this requires a kiss from a mortal. To local exorcist Kazik, however, Gisela’s love-seeking antics are a constant source of irritation and alarm. He finally captures her, but at the triumphant moment, his powers fade, leaving him unable to exorcise her. Gisela—now in frog form—escapes with the help of Aleksey, a handsome human boy. When exorcist and rusałka cross paths again, Gisela proposes an accord: If Kazik helps her get the kiss she needs, she’ll stop bothering him. She even has a new romantic fixation on her savior, Aleksey. But Aleksey is Kazik’s crush—and might not be all that he seems. As they plot together, Gisela and Kazik find themselves drawn both to one another and to Aleksey. Lovingly detailed Slavic folklore forms the basis of this gripping fantasy, with particular focus on the water and forest spirits. The mystery of Gisela’s death provides a strong and unsettling undercurrent, helping to up the ante and ground the romantic hijinks. The subversion of a typical love triangle will also delight readers.

Engaging and immersive—a delight from start to finish.