A Wish So Deadly

By Author / Illustrator

Marilize Loxton

Genre

Romance & Relationships

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Scholastic

ISBN

9780702341182

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

12-03-2026

Synopsis

An epic, heart-racing fantasy romance, for fans of Powerless, about the battle to survive a deadly tournament to win the wish your heart most desires.

When Talia unwittingly steals cursed jewels from a powerful Soulreaper, she pays the ultimate price: the Soulreaper takes her sister's soul. Desperate to save her sister, Talia strikes a deal. She will enter a deadly, magical tournament and if she survives, she will claim the prize of a wish - the only payment the Soulreaper will accept in exchange for the return of her sister. But the tournament can only be won in pairs. Talia is paired with Taron who is brooding, mysterious and harbouring secrets of his own. But they must find a way to work together if they are going to make it through the deadly trials alive. And as Talia's feelings for Taron grow, the stakes get even higher - and the ultimate price might just be her heart.

This is a heart-pounding YA romantasy about a girl who is willing to sacrifice everything to bring her sister back from the dead. Prepare for swoon like no other, with slow-burn #EnemiesToLovers tension throughout. Perfect for fans of Powerless

"Loxton's debut is a thrilling blend of deadly trials, dazzling world-building, and swoon-worthy romance. With adventure teeming around every corner, readers won't want to put this one down." - Kiera Azar, Sunday Times and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Thorn Season.

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Reviews

Linda

A Wish So Deadly has The Hunger Games vibes, but with a unique twist: the contestants have elemental powers. Will these abilities be enough to help them survive the Reckoning trials and win the ultimate prize, a single wish . . . ?

Talia, who cleanses negative energy from empty homes, steals some cursed jewels during her latest job. She quickly learns the consequences of taking what isn’t hers . . . her sister Elara's life is taken as punishment. Desperate to get her sister back, Talia strikes a deal with Madame Vera, a powerful soulreaper. To save Elara, she must enter the Reckoning, win the trials, and claim the wish.

However, to complicate matters even further is Taron, a servant of the soulreaper, who joins her in the competition. How can she trust him when he played a role in taking her sister's soul? As they work through the deadly trials, Talia and Taron form a fragile truce but unexpected feelings begin to grow. Can she survive the tournament, save her sister, and risk her heart at the same time?

A Wish So Deadly is an addictive debut fantasy novel, packed with action and adventure, that keeps the reader fully engaged. The elemental magic adds a fresh and exciting layer and the author's creative imagination shines in how these powers are used throughout the trials. It's a fast-paced, rollercoaster read but due to some violence, is best suited for readers aged 13+.

I'm already looking forward to the sequel, especially after that unexpected ending that I just didn't see coming. This is an easy recommendation: definitely worth picking up.

416 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian