Books
Sing Me To Sleep
Sing Me to Sleep
Out in paperback June 4, 2024!
Drown Me With Dreams
Out August 20, 2024!
Sing Me To Sleep
Featured in the New York Times, Glamour, Buzzfeed, and more!
Saoirse Sorkova survives on lies. As a soldier-in-training at the most prestigious barracks in the kingdom, she lies about being a siren to avoid execution. At night, working as an assassin for a dangerous group of mercenaries, Saoirse lies about her true identity. And to her family, Saoirse tells the biggest lie of all: that she can control her siren powers and doesn’t struggle constantly against an impulse to kill.
As the top trainee in her class, Saoirse would be headed for a bright future if it weren’t for the need to keep her secrets out of the spotlight. But when a mysterious blackmailer threatens her sister, Saoirse takes a dangerous job that will help her investigate: she becomes personal bodyguard to the crown prince.
Saoirse should hate Prince Hayes. After all, his father is the one who enforces the kingdom’s brutal creature-segregation laws. But when Hayes turns out to be kind, thoughtful, and charming, Saoirse finds herself increasingly drawn to him—especially when they’re forced to work together to stop a deadly killer who’s plaguing the city. There’s only one problem: Saoirse is that deadly killer.
Featuring an all Black and Brown cast, a forbidden romance, and a compulsively dark plot full of twists, this thrilling YA fantasy is perfect for fans of A Song Below Water and To Kill a Kingdom.
Trigger/ Content Warnings:
Murder/ death
Violence
Discrimination/segregation
Alcohol use
Mentions of genocide
Death of a parent
Kidnapping
Descriptions of physical injuries/burns/scars
Praise For Sing Me To Sleep…
A thrilling page-turner. Snappy dialogue, unpredictable plot twists, skillful worldbuilding, strong characterization, and steamy, sensual tension between Saoirse and the prince create an immersive tale with an empowering social justice tone centering a predominantly Black and brown cast. A winning debut
— Kirkus, Starred Review
In Saoirse’s simultaneously ruthless and tender first-person POV, Burton spins an unforgettable debut that boasts impeccable characterizations and fresh takes on well-trod tropes that promise an amorous adventure centering a devoted, rag-tag family, stirring mythos, and sweetly budding romance.
— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Burton's YA fantasy takes place in a neo-noir world inhabited by mythical characters who are predominantly Black and brown. Burton seamlessly covers topics of racism and discrimination and walks morally fine lines, such as positioning her female protagonist as a murderer who kills for pleasure as well as social justice. Burton's evocative imagery makes it easy to picture the gritty, fantastical land of Keirdre and its magical inhabitants, making Sing Me to Sleep an outstanding, darkly adventurous novel.
— Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
Burton’s fast-paced debut is sure to dazzle readers. . . An enthralling read with complex and morally gray characters. . . A fantasy that will hook from the first page and won’t let go until the very last!
—Booklist
In this murder mystery wrapped in fantasy, debut author Burton creates an entire world filled with fae, humans, witches, and a siren… A highly recommended addition to any collection that serves YA readers who enjoy mystery or fantasy.
— School Library Journal, Starred Review
Drown Me With Dreams
Out August 20, 2024
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 1. READ DESCRIPTION AT YOUR OWN RISK
In the second book in this dark and seductive YA fantasy duology, a siren must decide if saving her kingdom is worth betraying the boy she loves.
Saoirse Sorkova is on the run. Accused of several murders, her siren identity compromised, even the newly crowned King Hayes can't protect her if she's caught. The only way to save her life is to send her on a dangerous mission across the magical barrier that surrounds the kingdom.
Forced to travel with Carrick - once her best friend, now her greatest betrayer - she begins to unravel multiple plots that threaten the safety of her family, the livelihood of the entire kingdom, and her future with Hayes. And the more time she spends with Carrick, the harder it is to keep hating him . . .
Soon, Saoirse is forced to what if Hayes isn't the right ruler for the kingdom? And if he's not, is she willing to betray her king - and her heart?
Featuring an all Black and Brown cast, a forbidden romance, and a compulsively dark plot full of twists, this thrilling YA fantasy series is perfect for fans of A Song Below Water and To Kill a Kingdom.
Trigger/Content Warnings:
murder/death
graphic violence
discrimination/segregation
mentions of genocide
imprisonment
descriptions of physical injuries/blood