Icarus

K. Ancrum is the award-winning author of The Corruption of Hollis Brown, longlisted for the National Book Award and is a Los Angeles Book Prize finalist, Icarus, a Lambda Literary Award winner, and the acclaimed thrillers The Wicker King and Lethal Lit: Murder of Crows. K. is a Chicago native passionate about diversity and representation in young adult fiction. She currently writes most of her work in the lush gardens of the Art Institute of Chicago. Visit her at kancrum.com.

"Via lyrical language that winningly captures the magic and dreamlike aura of young love, Ancrum (Murder of Crows) expertly weaves together brief, propulsive chapters brimming with riveting action, powerful emotion, and deeply felt romance. In this intimate poetic reimagining of the Icarus myth, Ancrum crafts a subversive triumph that is a love letter both to healing from trauma and to the importance of connection and empathy." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)"In her extraordinary fifth novel, Icarus, K. Ancrum performs a confident high-wire act, balancing the weighty manifestations of connection, desire and contradiction." (starred review) — BookPage“Gradually, many secrets are revealed, suspense builds, and the romantic tension between the characters ratchets up—all of it enhanced by the vivid prose in this refreshingly succinct novel.” — Horn Book Magazine"Both romance and thriller fans will likely be gripped by this memorable love story, tinged with mythology, built around a mystery made up of bitter secrets between the two families" — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)In Ancrum's character-driven Icarus, flying too close to the warmth of the sun, to the unique light offered by each person, is not a matter of gross overreach but is, in fact, a necessity, a basic condition of humanity and interconnectedness, even at the risk of violent crash and burn. — BookBrowser Review"Ancrum weaves themes of socio-economic class, love, gender, and revenge, making this a compelling read. A poignant exploration of family, identity, and self-discovery." — School Library Journal"With stunning prose and a deft hand, Ancrum doesn't simply rise to the challenge of navigating a compelling tale of love, trauma and vengeance, she soars. An instant classic for those who desire complex stories, beautiful writing, and engaging storytelling." — Kosoko Jackson, Lambda Award Winning Author of I'm So Not Over You"Icarus is a masterpiece. A passionate, heartrending story on the value of emotional intimacy and human connection. K. Ancrum's concise flash-fiction style allows readers to devour the story in one sitting, or savor each word like individual brush strokes on a work of art." — Erik J. Brown, author of All That's Left in the World and Lose You to Find Me“Beautiful, brilliant, and bold, K. Ancrum proves once again that not only is she one of the best storytellers of this generation, but a true poet, as well. Icarus is the perfect blend of an exciting heist, poetic prose, and an aching romance between two star-crossed lovers. Absolutely unputdownable!” — Aiden Thomas, Three-Time New York Times Bestselling Author  of Cemetery Boys, The Sunbearer Trials, and Lost in the Never Woods"The sparse prose in this unconventional, must-read of a trauma-infused borderline thriller is packed with emotional breadth." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“It's a myth that inspires even today. K. Ancrum remodels it entirely in a young adult fantasy that's easily one of the most acclaimed titles of the year (and it's only March).” — Parade"Beautifully written...Psychologically acute, subtle, and sophisticated." — Booklist (starred review)“Rhythmic. Moody. A book of aching. K. Ancrum tells a story you can't get out of your skin.” — Olivia A. Cole, author of Dear Medusa