Happy Publication Day to D.L. Taylor! Her debut novel, THE BEASTS WE BURY publishes today from Henry Holt. World English rights were acquired in a six-figure pre-empt. Translation rights have sold in Germany, France, Brazil, Italy, Poland, and Hungary.
The first in The Broken Citadel duology, THE BEASTS WE BURY was named one of 2025’s Most Anticipated Romantasy Titles by Goodreads readers!
Described as an electric enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy, the heir to the throne falls for a thief who plans to manipulate her into helping him steal from her father in an act of revenge.
Daughter and heir to the throne, Mancella Cliff yearns for a life without bloodshed. But as a child, she emerged from the Broken Citadel with the power to summon animals―only after killing them first. Her magic is a constant reminder of the horrors her father, the ruler of the realm, has forced upon her to strengthen their power.
Silver is a charming thief struggling to survive in a world torn apart by Mancella’s father’s reign. When a mysterious benefactor recruits him for the heist of a lifetime, a chance to rob the castle, Silver relishes the opportunity for a real future―and revenge. But he’ll have to manipulate Mance and earn her trust to pull it off.
As the deception and carnage mount, Mance must find a way to save her realm without becoming the ruthless monster she’s been bred to be. And when Silver discovers that his actions are fueling the violence that Mance wants to prevent, he’ll have to choose between his ambition and the girl he’s falling for.
It’s received some wonderful praise:
‘Court intrigue and humorous banter propel Taylor’s whirlwind romantic fantasy debut.’ —Publisher’s Weekly
“A fun, classic YA fantasy romp that I absolutely raced through.”—Sarah Underwood, New York Times-bestselling author of Lies We Sing to the Sea
“The Beasts We Bury captured me with its world of unique and terrible magic . . . Enchanting debut.” —Erin Beaty, author of the Traitor’s Kiss trilogy and the Blood and Moonlight duology
“Full of compelling twists and high-stakes magic, The Beasts We Bury is a captivating romantic fantasy that had me rooting for the protagonists from the very first page.” —Kelly Andrew, New York Times-bestselling author of Your Blood, My Bones