Heart's Gambit

By: J.D. Myall

Narrated by: Alaska Jackson, Eric Lockley, Khaya Fraites

A thrilling and romantic debut fantasy where competitors from two prominent, time-traveling Black families must fight in a deadly magical duel—and find themselves falling in love. This program features multicast narration.

"A high-stakes fantasy that’s impossible to put down... the dangerous romance between Emma and Malcolm kept me on the edge of my seat. Don’t miss this beautiful, powerful debut." - Kristen Ciccarelli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Heartless Hunter

The Baldwins and the Davenports have been sworn enemies for centuries. Ever since Venus Davenport and Titus Baldwin, two enslaved kids, fell in love, tried to run away, and got caught by their mistress, Sabine, a powerful witch. Desperate for freedom, they struck a bargain, and she gifted their families the ability to exist outside of time, along with magic to survive and thrive.

Those gifts came at a price.

Once a generation, their families must put forth a competitor for a magical duel to the death to feed Sabine's immortality. This time, Emma Baldwin–a wish spinner–and Malcolm Davenport–a maker of illusions–are chosen.

But when they meet to check out the competition, sparks fly. Soon, the two are exchanging letters, having secret meetings, and fighting off their cursed urges to hurt one another, all while trying not to fall in love. And if they are ever going to have a chance to be together, they only have one choice: to put an end to Sabine’s curse, once and for all.

J.D. Myall's Heart's Gambit is an irresistible journey of dazzling magic, unforgettable first love, and daring to dream of something more.

"Heart's Gambit is positively magic. Readers will fall in love across time and place as they follow Emma and Malcolm through the terror, danger, and redemption of the family curse keeping them bound. It felt like the perfect mix of Caraval and The Night Circus, stamped with Myall's personal brand of hope and rage." - Nisha J. Tuli, USA Today bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books

Critic reviews

"Black teens from rival magical families opt to fight fate instead of each other in debut author Myall’s extravagantly imagined series launch… a vibrantly wrought portrayal that celebrates Black culture and community while illustrating the legacy of racism and discrimination in the United States." - Publisher's Weekly

"Deadly duels and time-travelling enemies make Heart’s Gambit a high-stakes fantasy that’s impossible to put down. Myall’s writing is breathtaking, the world she’s created is vivid and unique, and the dangerous romance between Emma and Malcolm kept me on the edge of my seat. Don’t miss this beautiful, powerful debut." - Kristen Ciccarelli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Heartless Hunter

"Heart's Gambit is positively magic. J.D. Myall has created a completely immersive fantasy world with realer-than-life characters who sparkle on the page. Readers will fall in love across time and place as they follow Emma and Malcolm through the terror, danger, and redemption of the family curse keeping them bound. It felt like the perfect mix of Caraval and The Night Circus, stamped with Myall's personal brand of hope and rage." - Nisha J. Tuli, USA Today bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

"Filled with luscious prose, dazzling magic, and stark glimpses of real history, J.D. Myall’s Heart’s Gambit, hooked me from the beginning and didn’t relent with its beautifully tragic and hopeful story full of characters that will make you laugh and cry and cheer (and one that will make you give a sigh in the best way possible). If you like your fantasy romance both spicy and sweet and peppered with magical delights, this is the book for you." - Mindee Arnett, author of Onyx & Ivory

Masterpiece!

This was a beautiful love story that was unique from anything I’ve read. I loved Emma and Malcolm’s story and the time jumping added elements of history to the plot. Just when I thought it was over the author pulls me back in again and left me on a serious cliffhanger, I can’t wait for book two!!!!

Lush and addictive!

So beautifully written! I was swept into this magical world from the first page. What an incredible debut!