*BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE*
Midsommar meets The Shadows Between Us in this ruthlessly female-forward story about a chewed-up-and-spit-out heroine who must lean on the brutality of nature and her biggest fears in order to in order to win back what's she's been robbed of: her life.
For as long as she can remember, Valla's been told her beauty would give her a life most people only dreamed of. So when the mysterious Count Leonid calls on her to be his betrothed, Valla jumps at the chance to leave her small, bleak village. The only thing standing in her way? The journey through the dangerous Gottyar Wood that many don't survive.
Filled with deadly and cunning creatures, the Gottyar immediately delivers on its reputation with an attack that leaves Valla injured; her face torn to shreds. Barely making it to the castle in one piece, Valla is relieved to finally be safe. But with Valla's face no longer beautiful, the Count is not happy…Valla thought making it through the Gottyar was a victory, but when she sees what awaits beyond the palace walls, the true battle begins.
