The stunning conclusion to the Ouroboros series, a contemporary fantasy duology of reincarnated gods, past lives, and intoxicating villains, perfect for fans of Aiden Thomas.
The day Gem Echols killed someone changed everything, and not just because they’d been betrayed. After Zephyr kidnapped their parents, Gem was forced to use the Ouroboros knife to kill the God of Air, absorbing their power in the act.
While for any other god things might work out okay, the Magician―whose role is to maintain balance―having the power of another god has thrown everything into chaos. The Goddess of Death can now reanimate corpses; the God of Art's powers have become corrupted and twisted, giving life to his macabre creations; and, while the God of Land has always been able to communicate with creatures of the Earth, now everyone can hear their cries.
As Gem, Rory, and Enzo search for a way to restore the balance without sacrificing themselves, new horrors make them question how far they're willing to go. In the end, Gem may be forced to fully embrace their merciless nature and kill off their own humanity―if it ever really existed in the first place.
Review
Sharp as a blade, twice as vicious, and an outstretched hand all at once; a reminder to messy, angry kids that they can find their power no matter what they must do to survive. Absolutely unhinged and utterly unforgettable.
-- Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed with Us
This is the kind of book that changes young lives. The kind readers will force into their friends' hands and shout, 'Read this now!'. The kind where readers will fall in love with every character who is messy and sexy and terrible in their own way. The worldbuilding is fun and creative, the twists are satisfying, and it is super queer in the best way. There is plenty here to love. If only all the villain stories in YA could be this good!
- Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling author of Black Sun
Vile, nasty, ill-behaved queerness and I LOVED it. Godly Heathens takes the evil stereotype of queers as monsters particularly ones in trans bodies and embraces monstrosity with power and agency. A country-fried horror extravaganza you cannot miss!
- Adam Sass, award-winning author of Surrender Your Sons and The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers
Godly Heathens is as whip-smart as it is delightfully unhinged, oscillating between heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant discussions of identity. Paired with its baked-in layers of queer teen messiness, it's safe to say this series is off to an explosive start. Edgmon does not miss.
-- Kayla Cottingham, New York Times bestselling author of My Dearest Darkest
Rich with complex and morally gray characters especially its lovably unreliable narrator this duology starter will delight fans of horror and dark fantasy through its twisty conclusion...this is definitely the book for anyone who claims to support trans rights and trans wrongs.
- -Booklist
Fast-paced and engaging, the novel addresses queer identity, mental health, and belonging to and disconnection from one's land and language, while weaving a vivid magic realm with its own logic. A thrilling fantasy series opener.
-- Kirkus
About the Author
H.E. Edgmon (he/they) is a questionable influence, a dog person, and an author of books both irreverent and radicalizing. Born and raised in the rural south, he currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with his eccentric little family. His stories imagine Indigenous worlds and center queer kids saving each other. H.E. has never once gotten enough sleep and probably isn’t going to anytime soon. His highly acclaimed debut, THE WITCH KING, is out now.
