Nocturna: A sweeping and epic Dominican-inspired fantasy!: A Forgery of Magic

Perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes or VE Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic, Nocturna similarly delivers a richly-imagined world steeped in magic and adventure and it deserves to be embraced by fans of YA fantasy the world over
This fantasy set in a Latinx kingdom explores the lasting effects of childhood trauma, the destructive potential of grief, and the redemptive power of love . . . the stakes are high, Finn and Alfie's reluctant attraction rings true, and a gratifying conclusion paves the way for book two.
An exhilarating adventure, bursting with lively, inventive magic and characters who charmed me the instant they appeared on the page. If you want to get swept up in a story, pick this one
An interesting premise, likable characters, and high adventure
This searing, magical Latinx-inspired fantasy pulled me in from the first page and did not let me go. I loved adventuring with brave Alfie and brash Finn, and I held my breath until the end. NOCTURNA is a magnificent debut, powerful and true
Fantasy fans will embrace the creative worldbuilding and welcome these flawed and multi-layered characters into their hearts'
Singular and special . . . Cinematic, plentiful action as well as intriguing protagonists will pull many a fantasy reader, and the richly detailed world will keep them reading
Nocturna is an exciting debut presenting a unique magic system that is as powerful and flawed as the characters who are granted its usage
Utterly amazing . . . The world Maya created is unique and rich, and her vivid take on magic absolutely blew me away. It is so individual and beautiful, a step above the magic we see in so many YA books. Maya's lyrical writing and world-building were reminiscent of Laini Taylor.
A gripping story of unlikely partners and dark magic
Magia Para Todos
Magic for all.

To Finnian Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the throat of anyone who crosses her, and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks. As a talented shifter, it's been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that's exactly how she likes it. But when she gets caught by a powerful mobster, she's forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan's royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.

To Prince Alfehr magic is an escape, but one that comes with a price. First in line for the throne after the disappearance of his older brother, Alfie is desperate to find him and bring him home, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic

And when Finn and Alfie's fates collide, they realise magic can be other things too, and the type they accidentally release into the world is something neither expects, or understands.

It's hungry.

'A richly-imagined world steeped in magic and adventure and it deserves to be embraced by fans of YA fantasy the world over' CultureFly

'An exhilarating adventure, bursting with lively, inventive magic and characters who charmed me the instant they appeared on the page' NYT bestselling author Margaret Rogerson


Photo © Tochi Mgbenwelu

Maya Motayne decided to be a writer when she was four years old and hasn't stopped writing since. She lives in New York City, where she pursues her passions of petting as many dogs as possible and buying purses based on whether they can fit a big book in them. Nocturna is her first novel.
Twitter: @MayaMotayne

To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her . . . and a disguise she shrugs into as easily as others pull on cloaks. As a talented faceshifter, Finn hasn’t seen her own face in years, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when she gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legend-ary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.
After the murder of his older brother, Dezmin, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But he can’t help feeling that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring Dez back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.
But when Finn’s and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, the two must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, though it will mean facing the deepest darknesses in their pasts.