The Bright & the Pale

Debut author Jessica Rubinkowski delivers the thrilling first book in an epic Russian folklore–inspired fantasy duology filled with page-turning romance, tragedy, magic, and monsters. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sara Raasch!

Seventeen-year-old Valeria is one of the only survivors of the freeze, a dark magical hold Knnot Mountain unleashed on her village. Everyone, including her family, is trapped in an unbreakable sheet of ice. Ever since, she’s been on the run from the czar, who has set out to imprison anyone who managed to escape. Valeria finds refuge with the Thieves Guild, doing odd jobs with her best friend, Alik, the only piece of home she has left. That is, until he is brutally murdered.

A year later, she discovers Alik is alive and being held captive. To buy his freedom, she must lead a group of cutthroats and thieves on a perilous expedition to the very mountain that claimed her family. Only something sinister slumbers in the heart of Knnot. And it has waited years for release.

• Russian Folklore Fantasy: Inspired by dark Russian fairy tales, this duology weaves a story of vengeful gods, unforgiving magic, and a monster-haunted mountain that holds an ancient secret.
• Friends to Lovers Romance: Valeria thought her best friend Alik was dead. Now, to save the only piece of home she has left, she'll have to risk everything on a dangerous mission that will test their bond and ignite a spark of romance.
• A Perilous Quest: Lead a crew of thieves and cutthroats on an expedition into the heart of Knnot Mountain, the very place that stole Valeria's family and unleashed an unbreakable curse of ice.
• Found Family: After losing her family to the freeze, Valeria finds a new home in a gritty Thieves Guild. But when betrayal strikes, she'll discover that loyalty is a blade that cuts both ways.