Nightshade and Oak
By (Author) Molly O'Neill
Little, Brown Book Group
Orbit
3rd February 2026
United Kingdom
Paperback
304
Width 126mm, Height 198mm, Spine 22mm
An Iron Age goddess must grapple with becoming human in this delightful historical fantasy of myth and magic from the author of Greenteeth.
When Malt, the goddess of death, is accidently turned human by a wayward spell, she finds she's ill-equipped to deal with the trials of a mortal life. After all, why would a goddess need to know how to gather food or light a fire Unable to fend for herself, she teams up with Bellis, warrior daughter of Boudicca, on a perilous journey to the afterlife to try to restore her powers. Frustrated by her frail human body and beset with blisters, Malt might not make the best travelling companion. But as animosity slowly turns to attraction, these two very different women must learn to work together if they are to have any hope of surviving their quest.Praise for Greenteeth:'A charmingly monstrous debut' T. Kingfisher, author of Nettle and Bone'I loved every second of this wonderful, delicious book!' Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop'A masterclass in the art of storytelling' Tom Holt'Full of magic, but even more heart' KirkusI loved every second of this wonderful, delicious book! -- Sarah Beth Durst on GREENTEETH
A masterclass in the art of storytelling -- Tom Holt on GREENTEETH
A joyful, warm-hearted adventure, riddled with unique characters and poignant friendships, rooted deep in old magic and myth. -- H. G. Parry on GREENTEETH
Molly O'Neill was born in the UK and moved to Australia in 2019. She works as a geologist, building roads and rail tracks, and she also runs Book Fair Australia, a literature festival in Sydney.