Amanda Foody and C. L. Herman: A Destiny So Cruel

Join us at Brookline Booksmith to celebrate the release of A Destiny So Cruel with authors Amanda Foody and C. L. Herman.

Register for the event!

RSVP to let us know you're coming! Depending on the volume of responses, an RSVP may be required for entrance to the event. In the event that we reach capacity and have to close RSVPs, there will not be a waiting list.

Get your copy!

EVENT ATTENDEES: Preorder your copy of A Destiny So Cruel through this page. Books will also be available for purchase at the event. Books can be picked up 30 minutes before the event in the event space.

CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE EVENT? Preorder the book here to have it signed, and choose to have it held for pickup or shipped from the store!

Book orders are processed for pickup or shipping after ticket sales have closed.

Event accessibility

• This event will take place at street level.
• If possible, events are livestreamed. Check out our store YouTube channel for livestream updates.
• ASL interpretation may be provided (based on the availability of interpreters) but must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance of the event.
• Please email us at ticketing@brooklinebooksmith.com as soon as possible if you require ASL interpretation, guaranteed seating, or other accommodations. Seats are limited.We will do our best to serve your needs!

A Destiny So Cruel

A Destiny So Cruel is the heart-wrenching epic finale to the blockbuster fantasy duology that started in A Fate So Cold, from Amanda Foody and C. L. Herman, the New York Times bestselling authors of All of Us Villains.

“From now on, it’s destiny that has to defy us.”

After a millennium, Summer’s reign over Alderland has ended. Now it is Winter magicians and their Living Wands who lead the country, and it is Summer’s brutal storms and deadly monsters the nation fears. All thanks to Ellery Caldwell, the Chosen One who thwarted the cataclysm—by slaying Domenic Barrow, the boy she loved.

Not that Alderland knows that. As far as the public is concerned, Ellery was their lone hero, and Domenic a failure.

Yet rather than celebrate her victory, Ellery has spent the past four months shut away in mourning. Until Domenic is mysteriously resurrected on the first day of Summer. Immediately, he and Ellery both are given a new prophecy to repeat their duel, or this time, it will be Summer’s cataclysm that destroys Alderland.

Except not even their duel to the death has erased Ellery and Domenic’s feelings for each other—only complicated them. But that doesn’t change the fact that they’re destined enemies. Yet what if destiny isn’t actually all-powerful? And if so, what price are they willing to pay for a happy ending?

Amanda Foody has always considered imagination to be our best attempt at magic. She is a New York Times, USA Today, and indie bestselling author of fantasy novels, including the All of Us Villains duology, the Wilderlore series, The Shadow Game series, and more.

C. L. Herman is the New York Times, USA Today, and indie bestselling author of atmospheric, magical novels, including the All of Us Villains duology, The Devouring Gray duology, and The Drowning Summer. Currently, they reside in Massachusetts with their partner and cat. To learn more, follow them on Instagram or visit their website.

About Brookline Booksmith

Brookline Booksmith, thriving in the heart of Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Massachusetts, since 1961, is one of New England’s premier independent bookstores. We offer a vast selection of books, ranging from current bestsellers to the most eclectic titles. We are also known for our beautiful and inspired gifts. Customers buy and sell gently used books in our treasured Used Book Cellar and enjoy our bountiful bargain book selection. We host award-winning events series (including our groundbreaking Transnational Literature Series), offering more than 300 author talks, community conversations, and book clubs annually. Find more at brooklinebooksmith.com!