The Goblins of Bellwater
A novel inspired by Christina Rossetti’s spooky, sensual poem “Goblin Market”…
Most people have no idea goblins live in the woods around the small town of Bellwater, Washington. But some are about to find out. Skye, a young barista and artist, falls victim to a goblin curse in the forest one winter night, rendering her depressed and silenced, unable to speak of what happened. Her older sister, Livy, is at wit's end trying to understand what's wrong with her. Local mechanic Kit would know, but he doesn't talk of such things: he's the human liaison for the goblin tribe, a job he keeps secret and never wanted, thrust on him by an ancient family contract.
Then Kit starts dating Livy, and Skye draws Kit's cousin Grady into the spell through an enchanted kiss in the woods. Skye and Grady are doomed to become goblins and disappear from humankind forever, unless Livy, the only one untainted by enchantment, can unravel the spell by walking a dangerous magical path of her own.
Content warnings: Magic used nonconsensually on people's minds, including a lust/attraction spell (would get the "sex pollen" label if we were on AO3); some violence; facing fears including heights, deep water, fire, and being underground.
Download below:
The first two chapters
Press kit for the book
ORDER:
Bookshop (supports independent booksellers)
REVIEWS
“Forget true love’s kiss to break a spell, or slaying a dragon to rescue the princess; Ringle employs familiar fairy tale tropes but turns them on their heads to deliver something wholly unexpected and fresh.” - Publishers Weekly
"It's wild and rich and dangerous and beautiful—and it made me long to visit Puget Sound, Washington.” - Rachel Morgan, bestselling author of the Creepy Hollow series
"Ringle's novel is fast-paced and sparkling, with dangerous spells and unexpected delights.” - Kate Ristau, author of Shadow Girl and Clockbreakers
"I did not want to set this novel down after I picked it up; it was a warm and encompassing experience. The world and the characters lingered with me afterward, like old friends I will want to revisit over and over.” - Olivia Fields, author of Jewel of the Naga and Her Heart’s Liege