Dance of the Starlit Sea BY Kiana Krystle

Welcome to Luna Island, a sensually rendered world where the myth of Hades and Persephone intertwines with the haunting allure of Phantom of the Opera, brought to life in a style reminiscent of Laini Taylor.

Violet, magenta, deep blood red.
Passion, violence, destruction.

Lila Rose Li arrives at her aunt’s cottage with dreams shattered. For years, she strove to become the perfect ballerina her parents envisioned, only to collapse on stage and react violently. Now, exiled to Luna Island—with its sparkling blue waters and rose-covered boutiques—Lila grapples with the belief that she, a natural disaster, deserves anything good or gentle.

As the islanders prepare for the beloved Angel of the Sea pageant, Lila resolves to stay on the sidelines. Yet, the more she uncovers about the island's lore, the more suspicious she grows. Once a failed fishing village, Luna Island was supposedly blessed by angels, bringing abundance. The pageant seeks a High Priestess for their commune, offering love and adoration to the victor—the ultimate blessing.

However, the Angel of the Sea is meant to reign for seven years, but the previous winner lasted only one. Something haunts the island, disturbing the balance the pageant ensures. An eerie voice calls to Lila, drawing her toward the ocean’s depths, making her fear it's haunting her too. To uncover the truth and protect herself, Lila must win the pageant. But how can a monstrous girl like her ever hope to be crowned by angels?

Kiana Krystle's enchanting debut simmers with forbidden romance and dark secrets. This lush and sinister blend of paranormal mystery and mythology wraps a fairytale around a teen girl's hard-earned journey to love every part of herself.