Bestselling author Sheila Masterson is set to release her latest standalone novel, *The Poison Daughter*, this summer, which promises to delve into the complex realities of women’s experiences with emotional burdens and violence. The cover of the novel has been exclusively unveiled by *PEOPLE*, showcasing a captivating design by Charlotte Slegers.
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Scheduled for publication on August 18, *The Poison Daughter* will be available through the Zando imprint, Slowburn. It revolves around Harlow Carrenwell, a member of an elite family of assassins who possesses a chilling gift—any man she kisses dies shortly thereafter. Harlow has come to embrace this ability, using it to identify and hunt down abusive individuals, a pursuit that resonates with the novel’s broader themes.
The narrative takes a significant turn when Harlow’s latest target, Henry Havenwood, survives their encounter, complicating her mission. Not only does Henry discover her secretive role, but he also becomes betrothed to her, compelling Harlow to navigate a maze of familial relationships and societal expectations to protect her hidden identity.
Masterson, known for her previous works such as *Song of the Dark Wood* and the *Lost God* series, explains that *The Poison Daughter* reflects the dual nature of romantasy, intertwining contemporary challenges with fantastical elements. “I’ve always loved how romantasy holds a mirror up to society and reflects modern-day struggles using more literal and magical power dynamics,” she states.
The novel presents a deeper exploration of how women often bear the psychological weight of emotional labour and threats, and how these experiences can profoundly affect their mental and physical health. “At its core, *The Poison Daughter* explores the ways that women are conditioned to silently absorb emotional labour, threats and violence,” Masterson elaborates.
Crafting Harlow as the protagonist was a personal journey for Masterson. She identified with Harlow’s struggles, which resonate with many readers. Harlow embodies a character shaped by the toxicity of the world around her, channeling that pain through her unusual ability. “Harlow is a character who has absorbed a lot of the world’s toxicity, but she uses her poison kiss to spread it around,” Masterson explains. She draws parallels between Harlow’s experiences and her own lifelong struggle with migraines, infusing the character with authenticity and depth.
Readers have already started to connect with Harlow’s struggles, finding reflections of their own experiences within her journey. Masterson expresses satisfaction in knowing that her work has resonated with so many. “It’s gratifying that so many readers have seen themselves in her journey,” she notes. The author also shares her excitement about the upcoming release, eager to make *The Poison Daughter* more accessible to audiences globally.
The anticipation surrounding *The Poison Daughter* is palpable, with pre-orders now available at bookstores and online. As Masterson continues to explore intricate themes through her unique narrative style, readers can look forward to a compelling addition to the romantasy genre that promises to challenge and engage.
For fans of Masterson’s previous works and new readers alike, this novel appears to be both a thrilling adventure and a profound commentary on the realities of women’s experiences today. As the publication date approaches, many will undoubtedly be looking forward to immersing themselves in the world of Harlow Carrenwell—where love, danger, and societal reflections intertwine in a tapestry of magic and realism.