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Dear Ms. Aster,

Warm greetings from the Goodreads Librarians Group,

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the Rising Reader Choice Award, a reader-centered literary challenge created to celebrate books that captivate readers through imaginative world-building, emotional intensity, and unforgettable storytelling.

Your debut novel, Obsidian Sky, immediately stood out for its ambitious scope and richly layered fusion of epic fantasy and slow-burn romance. From the elemental magic system and ancient prophecies to the high-stakes political tension and dragon-rider lore, you have crafted an immersive world that feels both expansive and intimate. Thaelyn Marren’s journey, marked by power she does not yet understand and a destiny she never sought, is compelling, fierce, and deeply human.

The dynamic between Thaelyn and Prince Thorne Dareth is particularly striking. Their enemies-to-lovers tension, shaped by duty, mistrust, and undeniable attraction, unfolds with patience and emotional weight. Your background in education and curriculum design shines through in the clarity of your world-building, the discipline of your pacing, and the depth of your character development. The dragons themselves feel ancient, sentient, and alive far more than creatures; they are forces that shape fate.

Obsidian Sky exemplifies the kind of bold, emotionally resonant storytelling the Rising Reader Choice Award seeks to honor stories that pull readers into another realm and refuse to let go.

The Rising Reader Choice Award will run from January 2 through February 10, during which selected titles will be featured for reader engagement and open voting. Final recognition is determined entirely by readers, making this a truly community-driven distinction.

Warm regards,

Lee Smith

Goodreads Librarians Group