The Fascinators

A magic-infused YA novel about friendship, first love, and feeling out of place that will bewitch fans of Rainbow Rowell and Maggie Stiefvater.

Living in a small town where magic is frowned upon, Sam needs his friends James and Delia—and their time together in their school's magic club—to see him through to graduation.

But as soon as senior year starts, little cracks in their group begin to show. Sam may or may not be in love with James. Delia is growing more frustrated with their amateur magic club. And James reveals that he got mixed up with some sketchy magickers over the summer, putting a target on all their backs.

With so many fault lines threatening to derail his hopes for the year, Sam is forced to face the fact that the very love of magic that brought his group together is now tearing them apart—and there are some problems that no amount of magic can fix.

Sam’s in love with his best friend and tangled up with a dangerous secret society, all while trying to hold his magic club together. What could possibly go wrong?

• Friends to Lovers: Sam knows he’s falling for his best friend, James. The only question is whether James feels the same way—or if Sam’s secret will tear their magic club apart for good.
• Small Town Magic: In a place where magic is forbidden and secrets are currency, the Fascinators magic club is their only refuge. But this year, it might be the most dangerous place of all.
• Secret Societies: James’s summer mistake wasn’t just a mistake—it was an invitation for a group of dangerous magickers to hunt him and his friends. Now they’re all targets.
• Coming of Age: Senior year is supposed to be about graduation and figuring out the future. For Sam, it’s about surviving the present with his friendships—and his heart—intact.

"The Fascinators is a fascinating exploration of the places where magic intersects with love and friendship, bringing some together while pulling others apart. You won't be able to stop turning the pages of this book once its powerful spell takes hold."  - Christopher Barzak, author of Wonders of the Invisible World

“The Fascinators is a potent brew of magic, romance, betrayal, and the transformative power of friendship—bewitching!” - Elana K Arnold Printz Honor-winning author of Damsel

"Eliopulos, making his YA debut, crafts a world in which magic is part of everyday life, but the narrative follows a more realistic journey as his main characters navigate friendship, first loves, and heartbreaks, all in witty banter... Eliopulos excels with interpersonal relationships, building out the complexities of childhood friends on the precipice of adulthood." - Publishers Weekly

"A magical exploration of queer and religious themes." - Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of what might be called magic-magical realism will find this a compelling read." - Booklist

"Part paranormal thriller, part introspective character study, this title challenges readers to accept themselves, build empathy, and stand strong in the power of personal beliefs. An #OwnVoices title for fans of Becky Albertalli." - School Library Journal