A Fate Worse Than Drowning
One deal with the devil makes a fool. Two? A villain…
A year ago, Elle made a deal with the devil to save her sister. Now, they live on a desolate spit of land beyond Halifax harbor. Elle, as lighthouse keeper, steers unsuspecting sailors to their destruction; those are the terms of her bargain. Liney need never know the cost. Her safety is worth every drop of blood.
But a sinner’s pact is not so simple. When the devil returns, demanding more – more shipwrecks, no survivors – Elle knows what she must do to keep Liney safe…
Another ship. Another crew killed in the devil’s name.
Then a woman washes ashore. Is she a soul to be sacrificed, or part of a darker design? As Liney and the stranger grow closer, Elle faces an impossible choice: kill, and break Liney’s heart, or forfeit her own soul.
Danger arises from all sides: the merciless sea, ruthless men on the mainland, and the infernal bargain itself…
Souls and sisterhood, fate and fire – what must be sacrificed for the devil to get his due?
Additional information
| Classification | Fiction |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+ |
| Age | Adult |
| Publisher | Sourcebooks |
| Imprint | Poisoned Pen Press |
| Language(s) | English |
| Format(s) | Trade paperback |
| Author | Sarah L. Hawthorn |
| Release Date | 21-Jul-26 |
| Release Month | July Releases |
| Author Identity | LGBTQIA+ |
| Content Rep | LGBTQIA+ |
About the Author
Sarah L. Hawthorn is a Canadian horror and speculative fiction writer. Her debut novel, A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING, will be published by Sourcebooks in 2026. She holds a bachelor’s in public relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and has worked across federal, healthcare, secondary education, and tech fields. Their short fiction has been featured in The Arcanist and the Queer Blades anthology by From the Farther Trees Press.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys watercolour painting, video games, and swimming. Sarah lives in Halifax/Kjipuktuk, Nova Scotia, a maritime locale full of spooky folklore they’ve been devouring since elementary school. Sarah is represented by Larissa Melo Pienkowski at Azantian Literary Agency.
