The Second Death of Locke

Coming out September 23, 2025, this fantasy from the author of My Throat Is an Open Grave was a bright spot after some disappointments—it wasn't my all-time favorite but delivered exactly what I needed. It features best friends, one a mage and one a well (source of power), in a military setting tasked with rescuing a girl believed to be the last heir to the lost kingdom of Locke, source of all magic, amid kingdoms, missing islands, and self-sacrificing characters. I loved the give-and-take magic system requiring deep trust, the strong relationship and side characters in their posy, though the beginning was bumpy and the end weaker with a tonal shift. The ambiance of knights, quests, and fading magic hooked me completely. I'd recommend it if you enjoy atmospheric fantasies with dual protagonists and magical bonds.