With Balm & Blade
New Adult Romantic Fantasy
As the corrupt empire of Armathrone exterminates its magic-born, Aylee Ashbourne, an apprentice healer with newly discovered powers of her own, must infiltrate the capital under the guise of a fake marriage to rebel strategist Finn d’Arlowe to assassinate the High Chancellor before his murderous campaign consumes the continent.
For lovers of Rebecca Ross and Rachel Gillig, With Balm and Blade is Callie Fowler’s debut novel and will be on submission to publishers in 2026.
Book Details
Genre: Romantic Fantasy, Romantasy
Word Count: 95,000
Status: On Submission
Content Warnings
With Balm and Blade is a thrilling, high-stakes fantasy set in the fictitious totalitarian nation of Armathrone. The story includes elements regarding war, death, murder, battlefield trauma, hand-to-hand combat, graphic language, alcohol use, chronic illness, depictions of medical procedures, public executions, political and religious corruption, references to genocide and suicide, and sexual activity that happen on the page.
Tropes
- Fake marriage
- Forced proximity
- Loathing-to-lust
- Slow-burn romance
- Corrupt empire
- Forbidden magic
- Found family
- Reluctant heroine
- Feminine rage
- Controlling empire
KIND WORDS FROM EARLY READERS
“This didn’t feel like a draft to me, this felt like a published book. Hooked me immediately!”
“I know you will capture the hearts and minds of SO many romantasy fans with this one!”
“This is all signature Callie. Beautiful writing, amazing characters, and an addictive story!”
