we smile at the moon

Honoria Song was at Bridewater College with goals: good academic grades, a strong social network, to improve her magic and to try things she'd never dared to back home. Gone was the obedient, perfect daughter who'd never dared to venture out of her social circle. In her place was the new and improved Honoria, someone willing to take risks and push herself to her very limits in her pursuit of excellence.

But England was no Hong Kong, and between the culture shock and change in environment, alongside the never ending stress of her JCMs (the magician's version of the GCSEs), she'll have to juggle the constantly evolving social scene of her new school alongside her newfound friendships and commitments.

Her new friends were nothing like she'd expected. There's the shy and bitter Luo Yunji, a girl whose best friends were the instruments she held in her hand; rich and charismatic Adelina Roche, the envy of all, yet struggling with her family's crushing expectations and standards; James Withington, Adelina's childhood rival, a constant thorn in their side; James Taylor, quiet and observant and brilliant (but only in certain areas); the charming and cocky Sebastian Hong, who confuses her to no end; and mysterious and reserved Theodore Yu, the constant observer.

But what was she here for, if not a challenge?

karlie nyx 2022 summer project - completed
book 1 of the bridewater college duology
[90,000 - 100,000 words]