In a significant literary development for young adult fiction, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers is set to release Lindsey Olsson’s debut novel, To Drown a Witch, on July 14th. The highly anticipated romantasy novel plunges readers into the city of Gadore, a realm gripped by fear and superstition surrounding a recurring figure known as the Witch. This excerpt offers a compelling glimpse into the novel’s intricate world-building, its central conflict, and the burgeoning tension between its protagonists.
Unveiling the World of Gadore
To Drown a Witch introduces readers to Gadore, a city where magic is both revered and deeply feared. The narrative is anchored by the legend of the Witch, a being reborn into each generation, possessing innate magical abilities that set her apart from all others. This inherent power makes her the sole conduit for wielding magic through sheer thought, a capability that fuels both awe and terror.
The core of the novel’s immediate conflict arises from a series of brutal murders that plague the city. Guards are found dead, victims of violent and potent magic, leading to the widespread belief that the Witch has returned. This resurgence of dark magic ignites a city-wide panic, and the narrative is propelled by a desperate urgency to neutralize this perceived threat before further devastation occurs.
Toran and Nes: An Unlikely Alliance
Central to the unfolding drama are two key characters: Toran, the Prince’s Crown and a highly skilled fighter within the King’s Guard, and Nes, a resourceful thief with an extraordinary ability to detect magic. Toran is tasked with leading the hunt for the Witch, a mission that forces him to confront the specters of his past while navigating the present danger.
His pursuit leads him to Nes, whose unique talent for sensing magic makes her an invaluable, albeit reluctant, asset. Toran’s forceful recruitment of Nes marks the beginning of a complex dynamic. Initially bound by mutual dislike, their shared journey through perilous magical encounters and otherworldly threats gradually ignites an undeniable, electric chemistry. This burgeoning romance adds another layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes narrative, as their developing connection faces immense pressure from the surrounding chaos and the secrets threatening to unravel their fragile trust and the very fabric of Gadore.
A Glimpse into the Witch’s Past and Present
The provided excerpt also offers a poignant and atmospheric prelude titled "Before The Witch." This section delves into the personal struggles of a character who is revealed to be the Witch herself. The narrative voice is imbued with a deep sense of fear and shame associated with her magical nature. She describes magic as a dangerous entity residing within the trees, a force she cannot control and one that she desperately tries to suppress.
Her ritualistic attempts to expel excess magic into a river, resulting in immediate and dramatic environmental changes – ice formation, instant plant growth, and the death of fish – vividly illustrate the raw power she possesses and the terrifying consequences of its uncontrolled release. This intimate portrayal of her internal conflict and the societal ostracization she faces sets a somber and compelling tone, highlighting the personal cost of her unique existence. The passage concludes with her harrowing self-identification: "I am the Witch they hunt."
The Underbelly of Gadore: Nes’s World
Part I of the novel, titled "The Strangers," introduces Nes more fully through the chapter "Nes." This section provides a stark contrast to the regal setting of the King’s Guard and the mystical lore of the Witch. Nes operates in the Ditch, one of Gadore’s six sectors, characterized by its ramshackle structures and an atmosphere thick with the scent of decay and desperation.
Her current mission involves escorting a timid girl named Marnie Sorphel, whom Nes has evidently helped secure employment. The description of the Ditch’s market, the Valley, is rich with sensory details, showcasing vendors selling both mundane and fantastical goods – enchanted threads, magically enhanced snakes, and even prosthetic fingers. This vibrant yet dangerous environment is where Nes navigates her own survival, utilizing her sharp wit and a flask bearing the mark of "Phineas" as a deterrent.
The encounter with a dead boy in the Valley, clutching a piece of pure magic, underscores the deadly nature of magic in Gadore. The boy’s self-inflicted wounds, an attempt to expel the magic that ultimately claimed his life, serve as a chilling reminder of the risks involved in dabbling with such forces. Nes’s pragmatic response – a whispered curse and prayer, "For magic’s end" – reveals her complex relationship with the very power that defines her world. Her warning to Marnie about the guards and the fear of being mistaken for the Witch highlights the pervasive paranoia and the dire consequences of being associated with magic.
Phineas and the Shadow Economy of Magic
The narrative then transitions to the Siren’s Hair, a seedy gambling den that serves as a front for Phineas Wraw, the city’s underlord. Nes’s arrival here is not for leisure but for a crucial meeting to fulfill her contractual obligations. The den, like much of the Ditch, is deliberately run-down, a facade to conceal Phineas’s true wealth and influence.
Nes’s two-year service to Phineas is revealed to be a pact to secure passage into Gadore and, more importantly, to arrange for her father’s release from the Walled Prison. Phineas, a character described as sleek and alluring with an unnerving sharpness, controls a network that thrives on magic. He hoards individuals who, after consuming diluted magic, exhibit unique abilities, referring to them as his "recruits" or, more ominously, his "dogs." Nes’s own talent for sniffing out magic makes her his "prized hound," an irreplaceable asset.
The tension culminates as Nes attempts to fulfill her side of the bargain by presenting Marnie as a potential replacement "bloodhound." Marnie’s unique reaction to diluted magic – emitting a visible green glow – is showcased as a demonstration. However, Phineas dismisses Marnie, asserting that Nes’s ability to locate magic without drawing undue attention is far superior and that Marnie’s glow would be too conspicuous. He refuses to release Nes, stating her services are still required.
A Declaration of Independence
Nes’s confrontation with Phineas marks a pivotal moment. Realizing she has been deceived and that Phineas has no intention of honoring their agreement, Nes declares her independence. She refuses to be his "bitch" any longer and threatens to dismantle his operation if he attempts to betray her. The exchange highlights the power dynamics at play and Nes’s fierce determination to secure her father’s freedom, even if it means defying a dangerous underworld figure. Her parting words, "Try it. And see what’s left of your business when you do," underscore her resolve and the potential consequences for Phineas if he underestimates her.
The excerpt concludes with the affirmation of the novel’s copyright, signaling the formal introduction of this compelling narrative to the literary world. To Drown a Witch promises a blend of high fantasy, intricate world-building, and a compelling exploration of magic, fear, and the enduring bonds of family. The novel is poised to captivate young adult readers with its suspenseful plot, dynamic characters, and the dark allure of its magical setting.
