The Sleepless: The first in an epic slow-burn fantasy duology from the award-winning author

Welcome to a world where gods and monsters roam the earth . . . 'Incredible heroines... incredible fantasy... Escapism at its finest' - Stylist on The Bitter Twins

'One of the great original voices of fantasy' - Adrian Tchaikovsky on Talonsister 'I can't wait for the sequel!' - Reader review Get ready to fall in love with The Sleepless, the first in an epic slow-burn YA fantasy duology from multi-award-winning author Jen Williams. Elver is the guardian of the wild and dangerous monster forest. Saved from the brink of death by a god, her skin will poison anyone she touches. Artair is on a mission - one that takes him face-to-face with Elver at her most ruthless. But her defenses are useless when she discovers he's the only human impervious to her deadly gift. For Artair isn't human: he's one of the Sleepless, cursed to share his body with an evil spirit.

Lucian inhabits their body while Artair sleeps, and he is hell-bent on manipulating Elver for his dark purposes. But Elver is harbouring secrets too, and she has her own reasons for feigning an alliance with these two souls.

Caught in the crossfire of gods, monsters, and a dangerous magic they can barely understand, it is only a matter of time before the paths the three of them choose to take will set alight the very foundations of their world. 'Beautiful writing, solid world building, interesting characters and a truly unique magic system' - Reader review

© 2025 First Ink (Audiobook): 9781035058075

Release date

Audiobook: 22 May 2025