Cozy fantasy author RK Ashwick (she/her) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about the rewards and challenges of wrapping up a series with her latest novel The Spirit’s Curse, the conclusion to the Lutesong trilogy.

The spirits have awoken- and can never sleep again.

After being roused to defend against a magical disaster, the nature spirits of Thalis have begun to leave their groves and mingle with humans. Eager to welcome their verdant new friends, Emry, Cal, and Aspen take center stage once more: they throw the country’s first spirit festival.

Music and merriment abound—but when an angry lynx attacks Aspen onstage, demanding to know how to go back to sleep in his grove, Emry realizes that not every spirit wants this new life…and he has no idea how to return them to their old one.

The trio and their allies venture into an old-growth forest, seeking answers from Yarrow, the country’s oldest spirit. But Yarrow has grown treacherous—instead of helping them, it traps them in Raven’s Rest, a stubborn little village fighting for its place in the forest.

As Yarrow’s malice grows and the spirits question their place in the world, Emry, Cal, and Aspen must join forces with the village to subdue Yarrow—even if it means destroying the very answers they seek.

RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Sidequest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King, the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, and the historical romance Mr Warren's Profession, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com