We Unleash the Merciless Storm

Tehlor Kat Mejia is a bestselling and award winning author of young adult and middle grade fiction.Their debut young adult novel, We Set the Dark on Fire, received six starred reviews, as well as the Oregon Spirit Book Award for debut fiction, and the Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award runner up honor for debut speculative fiction. It has been featured on Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and O by Oprah Magazine’s best books lists, and was a 2019 book of the year selection by Kirkus and School Library Journal. Its sequel, We Unleash the Merciless Storm, followed to continuing acclaim, while Miss Meteor (co-written with National Book Award Nominee Anna-Marie McLemore) was named to the American Library Association’s 2021 Rainbow List, honoring outstanding contributions in LGBTQIA teen fiction.Tehlor’s debut middle grade novel, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, was published by the Rick Riordan Presents imprint at Disney/Hyperion. It received four starred reviews, and was named Amazon’s best book of 2020 in the 9-12 age range. It is currently in development at Disney as a television series to be produced by Eva Longoria.Tehlor lives with their daughter, partner, and two small dogs in Oregon, where they grow heirloom corn and continue their quest to perfect the vegan tamale.

Praise for We Set the Dark on Fire: ★“With its achingly slow-burn romance and incisive examination of power structures, this is a masterfully constructed novel, made all the more impressive as it’s a debut.”— ALA Booklist (starred review)★“A richly constructed world full of fantasy and diversity, with a mystery that will keep them guessing until the very end.” — School Library Journal (starred review)★“This fierce, feminist novel throws memorable characters into a provocative set of circumstances, and the constant twists will leave readers yearning for the conclusion.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)★ ”This well-crafted fantasy offers a mirror that reflects themes in our own difficult world, namely privilege, immigration, and individualism versus the common good. A queer subplot with sensual tenderness adds rich complexity to the story. Thrilling and timely.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“Tehlor Kay Mejia has fashioned a gripping tale of romance and rebellion. Dani captivated me and held my heart in a vice grip all the way to this book’s stunning conclusion.” — Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Beasts Made of Night“We Set the Dark on Fire simmers with political revolution and forbidden love between two powerful young women—I couldn’t put it down.” — Audrey Coulthurst, author of Of Fire and Stars"A fast-paced journey, complete with daring escapes, assassinations, and a few steamy encounters." — Horn Book Magazine“An incredible sequel to a fantastic debut.” — The Nerd Daily"Where the first volume was subtlety and shadows, this is emotion and adrenaline, and it will carry readers through to an ending that feels entirely earned." — Booklist (starred review)"A second—and final—volume that not only surpasses the accomplishments of its celebrated predecessor, but takes it to a higher, brighter level. Thrilling, timely, and terrific." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"With a Latinx cast, a queer romance, and a timely challenge to a corrupt government, readers will be clamoring for this story about finding home, purpose, and family–and taking down a patriarchal dictatorship along the way." — ALA"A powerful series that defies the tropes of dystopian young adult fiction." — Tor.com"Timely, powerful, and moving, We Unleash The Merciless Storm is a stunning conclusion to a dynamic duology." — TheYoungFolks.com"Carmen's struggle to save Dani is fast-paced, the plot full of arresting events that mirror current political and racial divides, and readers will surely root for the couple as Carmen fights for a happy ending. Mejia writes an utterly captivating and thoroughly satisfying ending for the two young women." — Shelf Awareness“A vivid tale of political intrigue, power, and resistance that will thrill the hearts of readers.” — New York Times bestselling author Traci Chee“A stunning debut. Tehlor Kay Mejia weaves a gorgeous narrative where etiquette can be wielded like a weapon and where wit can be just as powerful as a sword.” — Rin Chupeco, author of The Bone Witch