Strange Familiars - by Keshe Chow (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Two scholars of magical veterinary science must put their lust and loathing aside to save the world as they know it in this fantastical, romantic dark academia novel. All Gwendolynne Chan needs is to get through final year. As the top student in the magical familiars stream, she is on track to be awarded Dux of the entire school-as long as the unbearably pretentious Harrisford Briggs doesn't beat her to it. Harrisford Briggs' father, the Chief Financial Officer of Magecorp, a major global distributor of magic, expects him to come top of the year. Harrisford, though, can't help but notice that his father has been acting odd. And there are strange whisperings, too, of uncontrollable surges of excess magic. When these magical surges begin to rock London, causing chaos and explosions and familiars going feral, Gwen and Harrisford find themselves reluctantly involved, putting both of their academic careers at risk. Along with Gwen's snarky cat familiar, Gwen and Harrisford must team up to diagnose the problem. But as the two academic rivals fight their burgeoning feelings, they quickly realize that magic isn't the only thing surging"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Two scholars of magical veterinary science must put aside their lust and loathing to save the world in the first installment of this whimsical, romantic, dark academia duology.

All Gwendolynne Chan needs is to get through final year. As the top student in the magical familiars stream, she is on track to be awarded Dux of the entire school--as long as the pretentious prat Harrisford Briggs doesn't beat her to it.

Harrisford Briggs's father, the chief financial officer of Magecorp, a major global distributor of magic, expects him to come top of the class. Harrisford, though, can't help but notice that his father has been acting odd. And there are strange whisperings, too, of uncontrollable surges of excess magic.

When these magical surges begin to rock London, causing chaos and explosions and familiars going feral, Gwen and Harrisford find themselves reluctantly involved, putting both of their veterinary careers at risk.

Along with Gwen's snarky cat familiar, Gwen and Harrisford must team up to diagnose the problem. But as the two academic rivals fight their burgeoning feelings, they quickly realize that magic is not the only thing surging.

Review Quotes

"My exact brand of catnip, featuring brilliant academic rivals, magical university, and cheeky animal sidekicks stealing every scene. An absolute delight!"--Brigitte Knightley, New York Times bestselling author of The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy

"Between the burning enemies-to-lovers tension, the incredible world-building, and loveable creatures--of both the human and four-legged variety--readers will find themselves utterly charmed." --Nisha J. Tuli, USA Today Bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

"Romantic, mysterious, and totally magical, I couldn't put Strange Familiars down! Can't wait for the sequel!" --Mai Corland, New York Times bestselling author

"Keshe Chow has brewed a potion for the perfect rivals to lovers fantasy romance: richly crafted light academia world building, swoon-worthy, cheek-heating banter, and a twisty central mystery that never lets up."--Kate Golden, USA Today bestselling author

"The ideal read for everyone who fell in love with magical schools as a child and wished for a version for adults. Strange Familiars is sure to become your next fantasy obsession!"--M. Stevenson, author of Behooved

"Rivals to lovers has never been quite this exquisitely aching and delightful." - Andrea Stewart, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Drowning Empire Trilogy

"Supremely enjoyable and addictive reading. I can not wait for the sequel! Highly recommended."--India Holton, international bestselling author
"A world so vivid, charming, and wildly creative that I felt completely swept away. This book is perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Olivia Atwater--the cast is vibrant, the magic is inventive, and the entire world feels alive on every page--I couldn't put it down! "--Emily Varga, internationally bestselling author of For She Is Wrath and The River She Became

"Readers will swoon over the sizzle between heroine Gwendolynne Chan and her rival Harrisford Briggs, but familiars Percy and Pudding are liable to steal their hearts. A delight from start to finish."--Jaleigh Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The Reimagining of Thornwood House

" The romance simmers with tension, the action is pulse-pounding, and the world is detailed, beautiful, and original. Add in one very grumpy (adorable) cat familiar, and I'm utterly obsessed."--Sarah Hawley, USA Today bestselling author of Servant of Earth

"A smart, sizzling, and highly original fantasy about two rival magical vets."--Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times Bestselling author of The Book Eaters

"This is a true comfort read--fun and magical, with a delightful academic rivals-to-lovers romance, whimsical worldbuilding and heart-pounding stakes (and my new favourite character, a sardonic cat named Percy!) Don't miss this one!"--Vanessa Len, international bestselling author of the Only a Monster series

"Smart, suspenseful, and overflowing with passion"--S.A. MacLean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Phoenix Keeper

"A wonderfully fun fantasy romp featuring a delightful cast of characters and the most hilarious cat companion ever. I would die for Percy."--Frances White, USA Today bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned

"Strange Familiars is the most refreshing and unique fantasy I've read in years. I was kicking my feet and giggling the entire way through! Deliciously intelligent, hilarious, real characters that I'll be rooting for always. Everyone needs to read this!!" --Analeigh Sbrana, international bestselling author of Lore of the Wilds

About the Author

Keshe Chow is a multi-award-winning Chinese Australian author of fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction. Born in Malaysia, Keshe moved to Australia when she was two years old. Currently she resides in Naarm (Melbourne) with her partner, two kids, one cat, and way too many houseplants.