The Alchemy of Moonlight -- David Ferraro, Hardcover

In this queer gothic romance, a young marquis caught between freedom and passion, honor and love will have to unravel a centuries-old curse to find his own happy ending.

Trapped in a world of straight expectations, queer marquis Emile longs for independence. So, when his aunt declares he must marry to produce an heir or be disowned, he runs away disguised as a servant until he can come of age and reclaim his inheritance.

All Emile needs to do is keep his head down and bide his time, but he quickly stumbles into a mystery beyond his imagination. While working in the service of the intimidating Count Montoni and his family, Emile learns that they suffer from a strange affliction every full moon, which requires full sedation. And when he discovers a mangled corpse on the estate the same night as suspicious family arguments break out, he reports it. But Emile cannot guess what lengths Count Montoni is willing to go to to keep his family's secrets safe. As Emile becomes more entangled in the household and its paranormal origins, his inquiries draw the attention of the handsome doctor, Bram, and the count's charismatic nephew, Henri.

But how can Emile earn the esteem of the earnest doctor, while keeping his own identity and desires a secret? And how can he trust--let alone love--Henri, a man as mercurial as the ever-changing moon? To find the love he deserves and survive the Montoni family, Emile will have to risk his title as well as his life.

Author: David Ferraro
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Published: 05/30/2023
Pages: 384
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 7.90h x 6.00w x 2.00d
ISBN: 9781645679721
Age Range: 14-UP

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2023
Publishers Weekly 03/06/2023
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2023
Booklist 05/01/2023 pg. 42

About the Author
David Ferraro won Library Journal's SELF-e Award for Best Fantasy in 2015. He currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Alchemy of Moonlight is his debut novel.