WHAT WAKES THE BELLS by Elle Tesch
HARDCOVER
Author: Elle Tesch
Dark, atmospheric, and gorgeously gothic, WHAT WAKES THE BELLS is a haunting YA fantasy inspired by Prague legends - perfect for fans of Adalyn Grace, Margaret Rogerson, and V.E. Schwab.
The ancient city of Vaiwyn is alive - literally. Built by long-vanished Saints, it breathes, remembers, and depends on the bell keepers to protect it. For a thousand years, Mina’s family has carried one responsibility: keep the Vespers silent, or risk awakening something terrifying. But one afternoon, Mina’s bell rings thirteen times. And everything changes. As night falls, the city itself begins to turn hostile, and a long-dormant Saint - twisted by power - escapes into the world by hiding inside an unsuspecting citizen. Now, anyone around Mina could be the enemy.
To save her sentient city and everyone she loves, Mina must uncover which person is hiding the Saint’s spirit and stop the growing corruption before it destroys Vaiwyn from the inside out. But finding the truth means facing impossible choices; including who she can trust… and who she may need to sacrifice.
Why this book deserves a spot on your shelf:
- A lush, eerie city alive with magic, lore, and danger; with strong gothic vibes with gargoyles, legends, and creeping dread
- A high-stakes mystery where every character is a suspect
- Perfect for readers who love beautifully dark fantasy with emotional depth