This Fatal Kiss

Gr 8 Up–Gisela is a rusałka, a water nymph of Slavic folklore, transformed after her violent death near water, and now existing among her fellow drowned spirits in the river kingdom of Wojciech, the irritable old water goblin. She can only regain her humanity and life, if she can earn a kiss from a living human, or avenge her untimely death. Kazik is the local exorcist, whose quest to stop evil spirits in their European spa town brings him into constant conflict with Gisela and the other rusałki. They are unlikely allies, but when Aleksey, the strange new boy in town, draws both of their attention, they find themselves working together to get Gisela her kiss. The rich Slavic fantasy world unfurls throughout, weaving folklore with fairy-tale, as it reimagines elements of “The Little Mermaid” into something entirely new. The almost completely queer cast of characters includes pansexual and genderfluid representation which, while transgressive within the “old world” religious setting of the book, is fully accepted and celebrated by all the characters involved. The multiple points of view build suspense as each character learns that in this world of magical spirits, not everyone is as they seem. While resolving the main plot, the ending clearly sets the stage for a sequel for Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey.