Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues

Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by H.S. Valley is a spellbinding journey into a world of magic, teenage angst, and unexpected romance. Set against the backdrop of Fox Glacier High School for the Magically Adept, this young adult novel follows the turbulent relationship between two classmates, Tim Te Maro and Elliott Parker. Struggling to cope with recent heartbreak after being dumped before an important egg-baby assignment, Tim and Elliott decide to team up as an act of defiance against their exes.

As they work together on the enchanted egg-baby project, the animosity that has always defined their interactions begins to give way to mutual respect and understanding. Tim and Elliott discover that their rivalry masks a budding friendship, which soon transforms into undeniable physical attraction. They embark on a no-strings-attached relationship, convinced that it’s merely a temporary arrangement for the duration of the assignment. However, as their connection deepens, they are forced to confront the feelings they have long suppressed. What begins as a convenience becomes something neither of them expected, challenging their perceptions of friendship and love.

Written by debut Kiwi author H.S. Valley, who won the prestigious Ampersand Prize for this work, Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues is a whimsical and hilarious romantic comedy. The novel offers readers a unique blend of magical adventure and heartfelt character development. It's perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and David Levithan, combining witty dialogue, endearing characters, and a richly imagined magical setting.

Drawing comparisons to titles such as Red, White & Royal Blue and The Magicians, this novel stands out for its originality and the infectious joy it brings to the page. H.S. Valley crafts a story that is not only delightfully entertaining but also poignant in its exploration of young love and self-discovery. In a word – it’s magic.