A dark & wild wood

Inspired by the tale of Bluebeard, A Dark and Wild Wood is the lush and atmospheric story of a maiden with dark magic who becomes the apprentice to Lord Death—for a price. Perfect for fans of Juniper and Thorn and The Year of the Witching.

“No one writes like Sarah Nicole Lemon. She is a poet with knives for teeth. Her language will leave you carved out, and her sense of story is its own kind of witchcraft.” — Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author

Ever since she was a child, Salomé has been plagued by visions of spirits and dangerous powers she can’t control. After watching her foster mother burn as a witch, she and her beloved sister Rochelle are raised together in a convent, a grim and dreary existence. Until one day, Rochelle vanishes.

Determined to find a way to save her, Salomé runs: first to a brothel, and then, after a terrible accident, away from the village and into the woods. Deep amongst the trees of the wild Black Forest, she comes face-to-face with Lord Death.

Rather than taking her life, he brings her to his home at the heart of the woods, a strange manor full of locked rooms and mysterious corridors, crumbling one moment, magnificent the next. He promises to make her his apprentice and teach her how to harness her mind and magic. His words are as seductive as his presence—but should one trust Death?

 A swirling mirage of dark fairy tale, gothic romance, and historical fantasy, A Dark and Wild Wood is a novel best devoured all at once. But proceed with caution, as everything is not what it seems...

ABOUT lemon

Lemon is the author of forthcoming adult fantasy A DARK AND WILD WOOD. She has lived many lives and earned every story. These days, she resides in North Carolina with her partner, four sons, and a rescue chihuahua named Shorty. When not writing, she works as a VP of Brand & Content and still reads voraciously—everything from romance to Žižek.

 FAQs

  • By doing it over and over. I taught myself by reading, copying, listening to friends and feedback, learning how to satisfy myself, and being willing to do it all wrong many times first.

  • Short answer: Yes.

    Long answer: We live in a society that is terrified of female sexuality and desire, and novels are powerful ways to rewrite that first story. I’ve always written open-door sex scenes in the manner appropriate for the genre and the story.

  • My young adult novels do not. But my adult books do. Healing and storytelling are both intimate acts. I trust my readers to choose what’s right for them.

  • No and I do not aspire to it. Some people are better at separating art and self and commerce. I’ve learned through experience that I prefer a regular day job. It makes it easier for me to handle the exposure of art when my family doesn’t depend on it.

  • I do not! I do however still have a newsletter through substack. You can find it here.

  • If it’s a good fit. I am happy to talk about: Writing, Publishing, Autism, Mental Health (Depression/PTSD/Eating Disorder Recovery), Leaving Evangelicalism, Embracing Christian Mysticism, Abuse Recovery, and the Creative Process. Send me a note with the details and I’ll get back to you if I feel it aligns.

  • Sometimes. Keep an eye on my newsletter for information on event announcements and where to order signed copies.

  • Oh there’s no guilt involved, only pleasure. Some include: An after dinner cigarette while walking in a strange city. Lying in the sunshine. Swimming in the sea. The chill from a slight sunburn. Tragic and beautiful men. A woman you can’t tell whether you want to be or fuck. Listening to a long story. The humidity of the south. Pulp novels. Silk on damp skin. Fresh, cool sheets. People watching on the sidewalk. Having a failed Hollywood story. The smell of weed and coffee.