Dhonielle Clayton, a prolific author celebrated for her young adult (YA) and middle-grade literature, is poised to make her mark in the adult fiction realm with her upcoming novel, *Conjure the Bones*. Scheduled for release on 2nd March 2027, this romantic fantasy will introduce readers to a compelling new series, set amidst the enchanting backdrop of New Orleans.
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Clayton, who has garnered acclaim for series such as *The Marvellers* and *The Belles*, inadvertently found herself venturing into adult storytelling. After crafting several short stories set in the intriguing fantasy wards of New Orleans, she realised that her readers were eager to explore this world further. “I was attempting to frame it through a young adult lens, but then I realised, ‘Oh no, an adult story is emerging — a romance,’” she remarked in a recent interview. This unforeseen creative journey has given rise to her adult debut, *Conjure the Bones*.
The book’s stunning cover art, designed by Claire Sullivan, features an impressive arsenic green hue and draws inspiration from the works of legendary author Anne Rice. Clayton expressed her delight with the cover, describing it as possessing a “witchy-women’s fiction vibe,” which perfectly encapsulates the themes of magic and romance that readers can expect. “I want readers who enjoy witchcraft and romantic stories to be excited about the vibrant world within,” she added, noting that the cover’s mystical aesthetic reflects her deep appreciation for New Orleans.
Clayton has long held a fascination for New Orleans, a city she explored during her childhood. The unique atmosphere, with its iconic above-ground graves, intricate wrought ironwork, and tantalising scents of Creole spices, has profoundly influenced her literary creations. “New Orleans captured my imagination, and I’ve always sought to convey that haunting beauty in my work,” she stated. With *Conjure the Bones,* she returns to the city that inspired her middle-grade series, eager to unveil a new layer of its enchanting culture.
The narrative is set in five distinct wards of New Orleans, which Clayton has artfully conceived as “Immortal Wards.” Each ward represents a unique magical society, including ‘the Marrow,’ home to powerful witches, the ‘Eternal Ward’ for vampires, and a fairy-inspired district. Additional realms, such as the ‘Shadow Ward’ representing the underworld and the ‘Twilight Ward’ filled with unsavoury characters like werewolves, offer rich storytelling possibilities. Clayton likened her thematic exploration of New Orleans to that of V.E. Schwab’s interpretation of London, stating, “Mine is styled like a king cake, beautifully layered and rich with flavour.”
The protagonist of *Conjure the Bones* is Collette Marchand, the daughter of New Orleans’ most formidable witch. The plot unfolds as she returns to her home, confronting her childhood love, Téo Baptiste, who is determined to rekindle their past romance. This interplay of love, magic, and personal growth underlines the novel’s allure, promising a captivating read for audiences.
Despite the shift to adult fiction, Clayton remains committed to her younger audience. She shared her intention to continue creating literature for children and YA readers, indicating plans for new projects in these genres. “I have a special place in my heart for children’s literature and young adult books,” she explained. “My ambition is to bridge the gap between young and mature readers, injecting darker and more romantic elements into my stories while ensuring every age group has something meaningful to engage with.”
As *Conjure the Bones* approaches its publication date, excitement is building among literary circles. Pre-orders for the book are already available at numerous retailers, allowing eager fans a chance to dive into Clayton’s fresh and enchanting narrative.
In a landscape rich with imaginative storytelling, Dhonielle Clayton’s upcoming adult novel exemplifies her skill in weaving fantastical worlds filled with romance and complexity. With its New Orleans setting and multi-dimensional characters, *Conjure the Bones* is anticipated to captivate both new and seasoned readers alike, further establishing Clayton’s versatility as a writer.