Bloody Spade (Book #1 of the Cardplay Duology)

A girl full of heart
A thief touched by darkness
A wayward golden boy
An unwitting servant of evil

The era of magic was once thought to be a myth, but after the Reemergence ushered forces both dark and light into the mundane world, it has since become a harsh reality. Now those affected by this strange power-a specialized group of Empowered called Jokers, known collectively as Cardplay-must protect their world from the darkness that threatens to consume it, all the while fighting for equality in a society clinging to normalcy.

But the Reemergence was only the beginning.

When another influx occurs on the seventh anniversary of that fateful event, an unfortunate encounter at ground zero lands Iori Ryone, a teenage boy in possession of a corrupt and legendary magic, in the care of recent Joker graduate Ellen Amelia Jane. From him, she learns the Reemergence may not have been the inevitable natural disaster it first seemed.

Someone is trying to tear down the barrier that separates the magical realms from the mundane. The question is, can Cardplay stop them before it's too late?

Bloody Spade is the first installment in an urban fantasy duology that follows a cat-eared thief and a spirited girl as they try to navigate his wild magic, her hotheaded brother, a sinister plot, and the feelings they're developing for each other.

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Content Warning:  Coarse language; blood and violence, some gore; on-page character death; body horror; harassment/bullying; vomiting; poisoning; grief/bereavement; amnesia; anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks; trauma related to kidnapping/physical abuse; parent death (discussed, glimpsed in flashbacks); car accident (discussed, glimpsed in flashbacks); one instance of a forced kiss (not intended to be romantic or sexual.

Publishing date: September 15th, 2021
Length: 431 pages, 116k words (excluding front/back matter)

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ACHIEVEMENTS

• Featured in RainbowCrate's 2021 November book box
• BBNYA 2022 Semifinalist
• Indie Ink Awards 2022 finalist

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PRAISE FOR BLOODY SPADE

A magical explosion of dark magic, tragedy, hope, and found family — this is a story full of characters you’ll want to protect and secrets you’ll want answers for. —CG Drews/Paperfury, author of Don't Let the Forest In

"An evident labor of love with a carnival of color characters, Bloody Spade is a story that dares to ask the question: OH GOD WHAT IS THAT WHY DOES IT HAVE SO MANY TEETH. Perfect for fans of urban fantasy, anyone wishing magical girls weren't so gender locked, or the reader who wants something infinitely unique and fantastical." —Alice Scott, Senior Barnes & Noble Bookseller

"Brittany M. Willows brings her characters leaping off the page. With a complex magic system and prose that will take your breath away, Bloody Spade is a whirlwind of edge-of-your-seat action, interspersed with moments of tenderness and humor. Her diverse cast and unique worldbuilding will sweep you away into a world where magic slumbers—and is about to be awoken." —E.M. Wright, author of Sedition

"BloodySpade is a delightful anime-inspired adventure anchored by one of the most adorable main characters you're likely to meet, a cat-eared thief who's hiding a wealth of mysteries. There is so much to love here—sharp, complex worldbuilding, intense action, and an incredible supporting cast. What really stole my heart was the central relationship, which is nuanced, believable, and complex. But be warned, your emotions might not be the same when you reach the end." —S.J. Whitby, author of the Cute Mutants series

"It's been a while since I've had this much fun reading a fantasy book. Witty humour, interesting lore, likeable and diverse characters for pretty much every taste. I loved the magical feeling throughout, the intense fight scenes, the intimate tender moments and nuanced relationships between the characters. Looking forward to seeing this adventure to its completion!" —Maf, creator of the Webtoon Stray Souls

"A delightful, action-packed adventure featuring a charming cast, a fun magic system, and a story that pulls at all the heartstrings. I loved every moment of it!" —Chelsea Abdullah, beta reader

"How do you describe a book you fell instantly in love with? Bloody Spade sucks you in and holds on tight, presenting you with a buffet of fierce characters, moral greyness, action, comedy, and friendship to delight every sense." —Erin Kinsella, author of the Olympian Confessions duology

"Magic, misfits, and mayhem? Check. Realistic representation that feels natural? Check. Characters that you bond with and love (though you also want to smack them sometimes)? CHECK. READ THIS BOOK." —J. Breeden, beta reader and bookseller

"It's a thrilling roller coaster of emotions. A wild ride. Non-stop. Breathtaking. Brilliant. Everything I want and need in a book." —Mary Lynne Gibbs, author of The Princess and the Thief