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  • Published: 30 November 2021
  • ISBN: 9781760147525
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 352

The Midnight Girls




In a snow-cloaked kingdom, two wicked rivals secretly compete for the pure heart of a prince, only to discover they might be falling for each other.

'A magical, immersive and feminist fantasy – I wanted it to last forever.' - New York Times bestselling author, Amie Kaufman

Karnawal season is a time for mischief and revelry. For the next few weeks, all will be wintry balls, glittery disguises, and nightly torch-lit sleigh-parties.

But unknown to the merrymakers, two uninvited girls join the fun, descending upon the royal city of Warszów in the guise of two innocent girls. Zosia and Marynka are drawn to each other the moment they meet – until they discover they're rivals, who both have their sights set on the prince's heart. If one consumes a pure heart, she'll gain immeasurable power. Marynka plans to bring the prince's back to her patron in order to prove herself. While Zosia is determined to take his heart and its power for her own.

Their ambition turns into a magical contest with both girls vying to keep the prince out of the other's grasp, even as their attraction to one another grows. But their attempts on his life draws the attention of the city that would die for him, and suddenly their escalating rivalry might cost them not just their love for each other, but both their lives.

‘Alicia Jasinska is a master of dark, atmospheric fantasy. The Midnight Girls reads like a modern-day Grimms' fairytale with a dash of historical fiction and a compelling Sapphic romance. I loved the unique magic system, the wintry world, the fragments of Slavic folklore. It’s evocative and enchanting, and it completely swept me away.’ Tobias Madden, author of Anything But Fine

  • Published: 30 November 2021
  • ISBN: 9781760147525
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 352

About the author

Alicia Jasinska

Alicia Jasinska is a fantasy writer hailing from Sydney, Australia. A library technician by day, she spends her nights writing and hanging upside down from the trapeze and aerial hoop. She is the author of The Dark Tide and The Midnight Girls. Visit her at aliciajasinska.com.

Also by Alicia Jasinska

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Praise for The Midnight Girls

Dark and delectable, you'll sink into this tale with utter delight. A magical, immersive and feminist fantasy – I wanted it to last forever. Keep your eyes on Alicia Jasinska.

New York Times, USA Today and internationally bestselling author, Amie Kaufman

Alicia Jasinska is a master of dark, atmospheric fantasy. The Midnight Girls reads like a modern-day Grimms' fairytale with a dash of historical fiction and a compelling Sapphic romance. I loved the unique magic system, the wintry world, the fragments of Slavic folklore. It’s evocative and enchanting, and it completely swept me away.

Tobias Madden, Author of Anything But Fine

Alicia Jasinska’s The Midnight Girls will be eagerly devoured by fans of her dark fantasy YA debut The Dark Tide . . . Jasinska’s creative use of Polish history and culture is dazzling, and the dark fairytale ambience of the novel will appeal to readers of retellings such as Erin A Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows.

Ilona Urquhart, Books + Publishing

Bewitching from the first page! Alicia Jasinska has given us a dark and stunning tale, steeped in vicious magic. Watch out for these monster girls—you’ll be begging them to eat your heart.

Heather Walter, author of Malice

Bad girls steal hearts – literally – in this Sapphic sophomore novel . . . fans of Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy and readers craving morally gray queer characters will happily make room on their shelves for this one.

Kirkus Reviews

Within a fiercely beautiful, cruel world, three young servants of three deadly witches change each other's lives forever. Alicia Jasinska's lush, darkly romantic The Midnight Girls is the subversive sapphic monster girl fantasy you've been waiting for.

Maya Gittelman, Tor.com

Two girls who discover that true power rests in alliances, whether witchy or romantic.

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Jasinska delivers a sharp, satisfying crash of mutual pining wrapped in bloodstained teeth and ruthless competition...This is a glittering, compelling, richly rewarding read.

Tor.com

A slow-burn romance with murderous heat that fans of BBC's Killing Eve will devour.

Booklist

Jasinska mingles human fears and goals... drawing from Slavic fairy tales to craft an intriguing tale of bitter rivals exploring their bond.

Publishers Weekly, STARRED

Awards & recognition

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2022  •  Older Readers