Kacen Callender

From bestselling and award-winning author Kacen Callendar comes a tender and moving novel about two boys who find solace in each other while their worlds fall apart, perfect for fans of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe You stood still. Stared out at the ocean. Like you were searching for something. Maybe the same thing I was searching for, too. Something that belongs in my chest. Warm and bright. Kole has mastered the art of deflection. He explains away the real reason why he had to move to St. Thomas to live with his father and his new family. He makes excuses for any bruises or limps people notice. He starts dating a girl at his new school to avoid questions about who he's really attracted to. But he can't seem to hide how drawn he is to Gabriel. Gabriel wishes he could disappear. But everywhere he goes on the island he calls home, he can't escape the people who misgender him, who threaten him. He's haunted by the memories of a painful past. And with his single mother barely making ends meet, he knows there's no hope for a better life after high school. As Kole and Gabriel slowly start to share their struggles with each other, their connection becomes a lifeline. But can a young love survive in a world determined to tear them down? Are there some wounds that can never be healed?

From bestselling and award-winning author Kacen Callendar comes a thrilling, dark academia YA about murder, blackmail, and the one person determined to discover the truth, no matter the cost What happened to Arianna Reynolds? Ari's death was ruled an accident, but for her best friend, Milo, it's shrouded in mystery. Why was she in the woods on the night of the fire? Had she been alone? Figuring out what happened the night Ari died is the only reason Milo returns to Yates Academy, even knowing he'll be in constant danger . . . Liam is the King of Yates, a role he keeps hold of through his family's old money--and the threat of violence. So when he begins receiving ominous letters from another student accusing him of murdering Ari, the suspect list is long. Desperate to prove his innocence before the accusation ruins his reign, Liam enlists Milo's help to find the blackmailer. But the more Milo helps Liam, the more he becomes certain that Liam has something to hide. As Milo comes closer to the truth, he uncovers secrets that everyone wants to keep buried . . . Featuring a cast of queer characters of color, We Are Villains is an electrifying mystery that will keep readers guessing.

WHEN THE WORLD BURNS, ASH WILL RISE.The explosive sequel to instant New York Times bestselling YA debut Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender. Ever since he rose up against his father and saved New Anglia from destruction, Ash has been struggling to adapt to his new life. He has nightmares every night, haunted by strange black orbs and his screaming dead mother. Ash is sure she's trying to warn him that the world is still in danger, and becomes determined to find a way to speak to her again--but communicating with the dead isn't easy, even for an alchemist as powerful as Ash. It doesn't help that violent anti-alchemist sentiment is spreading across New Anglia. When Ash is captured by a radical group, inspired by his father's legacy, he must decide if alchemist rights can be trusted in the hands of the Houses, along with his partners Callum and Ramsay--or if Ash must follow the path his father laid for him, and become the leader of an alchemist revolution. Can Ash keep his relationships together and stop the world from falling apart? "Spellbinding." --Aiden Thomas - "Brims with possibility." --A. R. Carpetta - "A thrilling, expansive adventure." --Elana K. Arnold - "A blast of heart-racing magic." --Andrew Joseph White

WHEN THE WORLD BURNS, ASH WILL RISE.The explosive sequel to instant New York Times bestseller Infinity Alchemist.Ever since he rose up against his father and saved New Anglia from destruction, Ash has been struggling to adapt to his new life. He has nightmares every night, haunted by strange black orbs and his screaming dead mother. Ash is sure she's trying to warn him that the world is still in danger, and becomes determined to find a way to speak to her again - but communicating with the dead isn't easy, even for an alchemist as powerful as Ash.It doesn't help that violent anti-alchemist sentiment is spreading across New Anglia. When Ash is captured by a radical alchemist group, inspired by his father's legacy, he must decide if alchemist rights can be trusted in the hands of the Houses, along with his partners Callum and Ramsay - or if Ash must follow the path his father laid for him, and become the leader of an alchemist revolution.Can Ash keep his relationships together and stop the world from falling apart?From the the Stonewall and Lambda winning author comes a magical story of dark alchemy and revolutionary romance. 'A spellbinding, fast-paced and deeply romantic fantasy.' Aiden Thomas'A blast of heart-racing magic you won't want to miss.' Andrew Joseph White'Story alchemy unlike any other.' A. R. Capetta

WHEN THE WORLD BURNS, ASH WILL RISE.The explosive sequel to instant New York Times bestselling YA debut Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender. The hardcover edition features a beautiful jacket with silver foil, a case stamp, an in-world map and illustrated endpapers.Ever since he rose up against his father and saved New Anglia from destruction, Ash has been struggling to adapt to his new life. He has nightmares every night, haunted by strange black orbs and his screaming dead mother. Ash is sure she's trying to warn him that the world is still in danger, and becomes determined to find a way to speak to her again--but communicating with the dead isn't easy, even for an alchemist as powerful as Ash. It doesn't help that violent anti-alchemist sentiment is spreading across New Anglia. When Ash is captured by a radical group, inspired by his father's legacy, he must decide if alchemist rights can be trusted in the hands of the Houses, along with his partners Callum and Ramsay--or if Ash must follow the path his father laid for him, and become the leader of an alchemist revolution. Can Ash keep his relationships together and stop the world from falling apart? "Spellbinding." --Aiden Thomas - "Brims with possibility." --A. R. Carpetta - "A thrilling, expansive adventure." --Elana K. Arnold - "A blast of heart-racing magic." --Andrew Joseph White

From bestselling and award-winning author Kacen Callendar comes a thrilling, dark academia YA about murder, blackmail, and the one person determined to discover the truth, no matter the cost What happened to Arianna Reynolds? Ari's death was ruled an accident, but for her best friend Milo, it's shrouded in mystery. Why was she in the woods on the night of the fire? Had she been alone? Figuring out what happened the night Ari died is the only reason Milo returns to Yates Academy, even knowing he'll be in constant danger. . . Liam is the King of Yates, a role he keeps hold of through his family's old money--and the threat of violence. So when he begins receiving ominous letters from another student accusing him of murdering Ari, the suspect list is long. Desperate to prove his innocence before the accusation ruins his reign, Liam enlists Milo's help to find the blackmailer. But the more Milo helps Liam, the more he becomes certain that Liam has something to hide. As Milo comes closer to the truth, he uncovers secrets that everyone wants to keep buried . . . Featuring a cast of queer characters of color, We Are Villains is an electrifying mystery that will keep readers guessing.

From National Book Award winner Kacen Callender, a contemporary YA that follows Lark's journey to speak the truth and discover how their own self-love can be a revolution Lark Winters wants to be a writer, and for now that means posting on their social media accounts--anything to build their platform. When former best friend Kasim accidentally posts a thread on Lark's X declaring his love for a secret, unrequited crush, Lark's tweets are suddenly the talk of the school--and beyond. To protect Kasim, Lark decides to take the fall, pretending they accidentally posted the thread in reference to another classmate. It seems like a great idea: Lark gets closer to their crush, Kasim keeps his privacy, and Lark's social media stats explode. But living a lie takes a toll--as does the judgment of thousands of strangers on the internet. Lark tries their best to be perfect at all costs, but nothing seems good enough for the anonymous hordes--or for Kasim, who is growing closer to Lark, just like it used to be between them . . . In the end, Lark must embrace their right to their messy emotions and learn how to be in love.

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND INDIE BESTSELLER Infinity Alchemist is a spellbinding fantasy novel about a quest that leads three young alchemists toward dangerous truth, legendary love, and extraordinary power. With their signature "prowess" (FIYAH) and "unbridled creativity" (New York Times Book Review), acclaimed author Kacen Callender turns their formidable skill to young adult fantasy for the first time. For Ash Woods, practicing alchemy is a crime. Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic--so when Ash is rejected by Lancaster College of Alchemic Science, he takes a job as the school's groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret. When he's discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he's about to be arrested--but instead of calling the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash's secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power. As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined, pitting them against influential and powerful alchemists--Ash's estranged father included. Ash's journey takes him through the cities and wilds across New Anglia, forcing him to discover his own definition of true power and how far he and other alchemists will go to seize it. Featuring trans, queer, and polyamorous characters of color, Infinity Alchemist is the hugely anticipated young adult fantasy debut from the extraordinary author of Felix Ever After, King and the Dragonflies, Queen of the Conquered and more. "Spellbinding." --AIDEN THOMAS - "Thrilling." --ELANA K. ARNOLD - "A blast of heart-racing magic." --ANDREW JOSEPH WHITE - "Expands the possibilities of YA fantasy." --A. R. CAPETTA Most Anticiptated from Goodreads, Publishers Weekly, Book Riot, Bookpage, The Nerd Daily, and more

Kacen Callender, National Book Award winner of King and the Dragonflies, delivers a stunning novel that invites readers into a child's struggles with mental health, and their journey to wholeness. Moonflower joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content Moon's depression is overwhelming. Therapy doesn't help, and Moon is afraid that their mom hates them because they're sad. Moon's only escape is traveling to the spirit realm every night, where they hope they'll never return to the world of the living again.The spirit realm is where they have their one and only friend, Wolf, and where they're excited to experience an infinite number of adventures. But when the realm is threatened, it's up to Moon to save the spirit world.With the help of celestial beings and guard-ians, Moon battles monsters and shadows, and through their journey, they begin to learn that a magical adventure of love and acceptance awaits them in the world of the living, too.This story of hope shows readers that our souls blossom when we realize that we are as worthy and powerful as the universe itself.

'Spellbinding, fast-paced and deeply romantic.' Aiden Thomas'A blast of heart-racing magic you won't want to miss.' Andrew Joseph White'Story alchemy unlike any other.' A. R. Capetta'A thrilling, expansive adventure.' Elana K. Arnold'Standout fantasy.' Publisher's WeeklyThree young alchemists embark on a quest leading them towards unexpected love and unimaginable power - the debut YA fantasy from the bestselling and award-winning Kacen Callender.Ash Woods isn't supposed to perform alchemy - he'll be arrested if anyone ever finds out. But when he's caught by the condescending Ramsay Thorne, instead of handing him over to the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash's secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power.As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined, pitting them against influential and powerful alchemists - Ash's estranged father included. Ash's journey takes him through the cities and wilds across New Anglia, forcing him to discover his own definition of true power and how far he and other alchemists will go to seize it.Fans of Cemetery Boys and Iron Widow will love this LGBTQ+ romantasy reminiscent of A Deadly Education meets Six of Crows - the beginning of a powerful fantasy adventure.

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND INDIE BESTSELLER Infinity Alchemist is a spellbinding fantasy novel about a quest that leads three young alchemists toward dangerous truth, legendary love, and extraordinary power. With their signature "prowess" (FIYAH) and "unbridled creativity" (New York Times Book Review), acclaimed author Kacen Callender turns their formidable skill to young adult fantasy for the first time. The hardcover edition features a beautiful jacket with gold foil and a foil case stamp, an in-world map, and special illustrated endpaper. For Ash Woods, practicing alchemy is a crime. Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic--so when Ash is rejected by Lancaster College of Alchemic Science, he takes a job as the school's groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret. When he's discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he's about to be arrested--but instead of calling the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash's secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power. As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined, pitting them against influential and powerful alchemists--Ash's estranged father included. Ash's journey takes him through the cities and wilds across New Anglia, forcing him to discover his own definition of true power and how far he and other alchemists will go to seize it. Featuring trans, queer, and polyamorous characters of color, Infinity Alchemist is the hugely anticipated young adult fantasy debut from the extraordinary author of Felix Ever After, King and the Dragonflies, Queen of the Conquered and more. "Spellbinding." --AIDEN THOMAS - "Thrilling." --ELANA K. ARNOLD - "A blast of heart-racing magic." --ANDREW JOSEPH WHITE - "Expands the possibilities of YA fantasy." --A. R. CAPETTA Most Anticiptated from Goodreads, Publishers Weekly, Book Riot, Bookpage, The Nerd Daily, and more

'An author with a powerful point of view' Casey McQuiston, New York Times bestselling author of Red, White, and Royal BlueThe adult romance debut from Kacen Callender, National Book Award-winning and bestselling author of Felix Ever AfterLogan Gray is Hollywood's bad boy - a talented but troubled actor who the public loves to hate. Mattie Cole is an up-and-coming golden boy, adored by all but plagued by insecurities.When Logan and Mattie are cast as leads in a new romantic film, Logan claims that Matt has 'zero talent', sending the film's publicity into a nosedive. To create positive buzz, the two are persuaded into a fake-dating scheme - but as the two actors get to know their new characters, real feelings start to develop. As public scrutiny intensifies and old wounds resurface, the two must fight for their relationship and their love.A raw, real and achingly romantic story of two Hollywood actors looking for their big break - without breaking each other.

Lark tries their best to be perfect at all costs, but nothing seems good enough for the anonymous hordes - or for Kasim, who is growing closer to Lark, just like it used to be between them .

From National Book Award-winner Kacen Callender, Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution is a contemporary YA that follows Lark's journey to speak the truth and discover how their own self-love can be a revolution. "A hilarious and bold love story for the ages."--Mason Deaver, bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best Lark Winters wants to be a writer, and for now that means posting on their social media accounts--anything to build their platform. When former best friend Kasim accidentally posts a thread on Lark's Twitter declaring his love for a secret, unrequited crush, Lark's tweets are suddenly the talk of the school--and beyond. To protect Kasim, Lark decides to take the fall, pretending they accidentally posted the thread in reference to another classmate. It seems like a great idea: Lark gets closer to their crush, Kasim keeps his privacy, and Lark's social media stats explode. But living a lie takes a toll--as does the judgment of thousands of Internet strangers. Lark tries their best to be perfect at all costs, but nothing seems good enough for the anonymous hordes--or for Kasim, who is growing closer to Lark, just like it used to be between them . . . In the end, Lark must embrace their right to their messy emotions and learn how to be in love.

Kacen Callender, National Book Award winner of King and the Dragonflies, delivers a stunning novel that invites readers into a child's struggles with mental health, and their journey to wholeness. Moon's depression is overwhelming. Therapy doesn't help, and Moon is afraid that their mom hates them because they're sad. Moon's only escape is traveling to the spirit realms every night, where they hope they'll never return to the world of the living again.The spirit realm is where they have their one and only friend, Wolf, and where they're excited to experience an infinite number of adventures. But when the realm is threatened, it's up to Moon to save the spirit world.With the help of celestial beings and guard-ians, Moon battles monsters and shadows, and through their journey, they begin to learn that a magical adventure of love and acceptance awaits them in the world of the living, too.This story of hope shows readers that our souls blossom when we realize that we are as worthy and powerful as the universe itself.

Kacen Callender, National Book Award winner of King and the Dragonflies, delivers a stunning novel that invites readers into a child's struggles with mental health, and their journey to wholeness.Moon's depression is overwhelming. Therapy doesn't help, and Moon is afraid that their mom hates them because they're sad. Moon's only escape is traveling to the spirit realms every night, where they hope they'll never return to the world of the living again.The spirit realm is where they have their one and only friend, Wolf, and where they're excited to experience an infinite number of adventures. But when the realm is threatened, it's up to Moon to save the spirit world.With the help of celestial beings and guard-ians, Moon battles monsters and shadows, and through their journey, they begin to learn that a magical adventure of love and acceptance awaits them in the world of the living, too.This story of hope shows readers that our souls blossom when we realize that we are as worthy and powerful as the universe itself.