Fans of OF FIRE AND STARS by Audrey Coulthurst will love THE OTHER SIDE OF MAGIC, an LGBTQ fantasy debut from Ester Manzini.
In a world reminiscent of 16th century Italy, magic is a common occurrence. Everyone in the realms of Epidalio and Zafiria is gifted with it at birth, but with every spell cast, their power wanes. br>
Gaiane Asares is the result of an accurate selection by her mother, the queen of Zafiria. She’s infinitely powerful—a weapon of mass destruction kept isolated in a tower and used against her will to conquer Epidalio.
Meanwhile, in Epidalio, Leo was born with no magic at all—a rarity. She lost her home and family when Zafiria attacked, and her resentment toward the invaders still burns.
Gaiane manages to escape her gilded cage and crosses paths with Leo, but when war threatens the land again, their loyalty will be put to the test.
Will they manage to overcome their differences in the name of freedom?
I was born in Italy’s lakes region in 1985, which sounds cool until you realize it means fog and cold or mosquitos and sweat. I’m the daughter of a family of doctors, scientists and nerds. And it shows. My passion for writing landed me my latest—and up to now most important—job. I work as lead scriptwriter for Bad Seed, an indie Italian game studio.