Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a meme where you get to flail about whatever upcoming book you’re excited to read. Though it is generally a new release, it certainly can be any book that’s on your TBR! This meme is currently hosted by Wishful Endings and it’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

---

Hello, reader.

The world is in a state, isn’t it? I mean, it’s been this way for quite some time, but with the state-sanctioned murder of yet another Black man, we have yet another hashtag (#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd) and protests worldwide. I want to believe that this is what starts a change in not only the United States, but the entire world. I want to believe that violence against another Black body will finally get people to see what we have been dealing with for centuries. It’s bleak out there right now, but I have hope that people are willing to fight to see an end to racism. Clearly, I support #BlackLivesMatter, but if you wish to, as well, or would like more information, I suggest checking out the Black Lives Matter Carrd. You’ll find links to petitions, places to donate, and a number of different resources.

With all that being said, I wanted to use my blog to celebrate a book written by a Black author that I have been anticipating for months! This is a YA fantasy that features:

• Vengeful spirits!
• Enemies-to-lovers!
• Lots of dark, stabby vibes!
• And, bonus, the cover is gorgeous!

The book I’m talking about is…

Goodreads Synopsis:

“The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?”

Publication Date: June 2nd, 2020 (that’s right, this beautiful baby is already out!)

Buy it here: Bookshop::Indiebound::TBD::B&N::Amazon

Why I’m Excited:

I mean… look at it! I want to know more about that badass Black woman on the cover! I want to know how Karina and Malik fight through their different struggles! And I’m in the mood for some dark fantasy. This just sounds like it’s going to be absolutely incredible. All the early buzz that I’ve heard definitely reinforces that sentiment.

---

What book are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!

Also, please take care of yourself, reader. These are tense and terrible times, but I believe we can fight for a better tomorrow. Stay safe 💕