A Far Wilder Magic

Margaret Welty knows the Halfmoon Hunt is coming when she sees the fabled hala, the final extant mythological monster. Killing the hala will provide fame, fortune, and the ability to discover a long-kept magical secret. Margaret's mother could finally return home if she prevails in the quest. Margaret needs an alchemist, even if she's the finest marksman in town, and only teams of two may register.

As of yet, Weston Winters is not an alchemist. His last opportunity rests on Master Welty accepting him after he was fired from every apprenticeship he attempted. However, the only things Wes discovers at Welty Manor are Margaret and her bloodhound Trouble. Margaret reluctantly agrees to let him remain, but only if he comes along on the hunt.

Wes is in awe of the girl who has survived alone in this creaking mansion of ghosts and misery, on the fringes of a town that doesn't want her, even if they form an unusual team. Margaret finds herself captivated to Wes despite the fact that he disturbs every part of her existence. He, too, knows what it's like to be an outsider. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt - if they survive that long.