Blackthorn

Merrideath Blackthorn is a new student at the prestigious St. Barts University. A school that loathes giving out scholarships. She shares her world with powerful and intelligent creatures. Some of them dream of eating humans. To her annoyance, Merrideath finds she resembles a popular anime character who slays creatures similar to those who ate her parents when she was twelve.

As a twelve-year-old, Merrideath proved that underestimating her is a terrible mistake. Some are determined to test that again.

Discover the Unforgettable World of Blackthorn by David S. Grunwell

What if the monsters in the dark were real—and the only thing standing between them and you was a determined young woman with nothing left to lose?

Step into the gripping, genre-bending world of Blackthorn, a contemporary fantasy from acclaimed storyteller David S. Grunwell. With a voice that's sharp, witty, and deeply human, Grunwell introduces readers to Merrideath Blackthorn—a survivor, a fighter, and a reluctant hero in a world where humans live uneasily alongside powerful, hungry creatures.

Why You'll Love Blackthorn:

• A Heroine Like No Other: Meet Merrideath, a young woman whose family was legally "culled" by monsters—and who fought back. Seven years later, she's trying to build a life at a prestigious university, but trouble—and destiny—aren't done with her yet.
• A World Both Familiar and Fantastical: Grunwell's universe is our own, but with a twist: hundreds of sentient species, uneasy truces, and a bureaucracy that's as dangerous as any demon.
• Smart, Darkly Funny, and Fiercely Original: With razor-sharp dialogue, heart, and a dash of gallows humor, Blackthorn is perfect for fans of urban fantasy, contemporary adventure, and stories about finding your strength when the world wants you to stay small.
• A Story of Survival and Found Family: Beyond the monsters and magic, this is a tale about resilience, friendship, and carving out a place in a world that doesn't want you to belong.