Sad Swamp Lesbians.
The clans of the fens enjoy a tenuous peace, and it is all thanks to Agnir, ward and hostage. For as long as she can remember she has lived among the enemy, learning their ways, growing strong alongside their children. When a burgeoning love for the chieftain's daughter lures them both to a hidden spring, a magic awakens in them that could bind the clans under one banner at last--or destroy any hope of peace. By working their intentions into leather, they can weave misfortune for their enemies... just like the Fate's Bane that haunts the legends of the clans.
Ambitions grow in their fathers' hearts, grudges threaten a return to violence, and greedy enemies wait outside the borders, seeking a foothold to claim the fens for themselves. And though their Makings may save their families, the legend that gave them this power always exacts its price.
Bri, goodreads
“Lyrical, tragic, cyclical, C.L. Clark has written one of my favorite kinds of books: about storytelling itself.
“Clark’s prose in this novella is deliberate and studied, finger on the pulse of queer fantasy writers that have come before. (I know they’re especially a fan of Sofia Samatar’s work and The Winged Histories should be honored to have such a descendent; I could see the inspiration and it was a beautiful homage.) Its voice dances to a unique and noticeable rhythm, forming an effortless and enjoyable immersion into the world and tale at hand.” [Fate’s Bane]
Grace Curtis, author of Heaven’s Graveyard
“Fate's Bane was everything I wanted: a wildly romantic bogland fable, tough and tender by turns, gripping to the last moment. This book is a wonderful well-crafted little thing and I'd recommend it to pretty much everyone.”