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The Wycherleys by author Annaliese Avery is about to become your new obsession.
For the Kingdom. For the magic. And for love . . .
Seventeen-year-old Aurelia Wycherley is entering her debutante season as a witch. Aurelia should be excited about finding the perfect match to tether her magic to. But her magic is cursed – dark, dangerous, and not the kind that her peers want to match with – and, without a tether, she faces losing her magic completely.
But when Aurelia learns that enigmatic, aloof Jules, a member of arch enemy family the Nightlys, is searching for a way that a witch can keep their magic without tethering, she realises he may be her only hope. A forbidden alliance is formed . . . but as they navigate the Magical Season with its glamoured balls and perilous trials, they uncover dark forces that threaten their families and the magical world they live in.
Expect family secrets, generational curses, forbidden romance, gorgeous ballgowns, bribery, extortion, trespass, magic and kissing . . . lots of kissing.
The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery captivates readers from the very first page, immersing them in a richly detailed world of elegant ballgowns, intense family rivalries, and compelling magical intrigue. Annaliese’s vivid prose skillfully conveys both the allure and the complexity of forbidden love intertwined with high-stakes magical politics.
Seventeen-year-old Aurelia Wycherley emerges as a relatable and compelling protagonist—strong yet vulnerable, with a cursed magic that adds a fresh twist to familiar fantasy themes. Her internal struggles with her unpredictable powers resonate deeply, particularly within the rigid structure of a society fixated on magical matchmaking and social appearances. The concept of a magical debutante season is intriguingly reminiscent of “Bridgerton” infused with a darker, magical edge.
Jules Nightly, the enigmatic and reserved counterpart from an opposing family, contributes effectively to the narrative’s emotional depth. His evolving relationship with Aurelia blends the tension of a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline with genuinely heartfelt interactions, keeping readers emotionally invested. Their chemistry is so believable, enhancing the overall narrative.
Despite the engaging central story, the plot occasionally feels overburdened with multiple subplots involving generational curses and long-standing family feuds. While Annaliese excels in creating suspenseful moments, these additional storylines might have benefited from further development to provide greater clarity and depth. Key revelations occasionally occur rapidly, slightly affecting the story’s overall pacing.
Nevertheless, The Wycherleys shines in its exploration of familial bonds, personal identity, and the courage to defy expectations. Annaliese Avery’s strength lies in her vivid world-building and the emotional authenticity of her characters, making this novel a thoroughly engaging read.
Annaliese’s voice as an author is both fresh and confident, striking a balance between whimsy and gravitas that feels effortlessly readable. Her talent for weaving intricate magical systems with character-driven plotlines sets her apart in the genre.
Overall, The Wycherleys is a triumph of imaginative storytelling. With its lush settings, emotionally nuanced characters, and thrilling magical twists, it not only enchants but also resonates. Annaliese Avery has crafted a richly layered world that begs to be explored further, and readers will undoubtedly be counting the days until the next instalment—a must-read for fantasy lovers seeking heart, magic, and a touch of rebellious romance.
The Wycherleys is out on 6 May, you can pre-order your copy here!
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