Azalea Forrest
Azalea is a fantasy author living in sunny, NE FL with her partner and pets, and she loves cats, wine, and video games. Her books have a Ghibliesque flair with themes on hope, being a better person, coping with mental illness, and doing your best. Her latest book, A Bitter Drink, is currently a semi-finalist in SPFBO 8.
A Bitter Drink
Summary
As the center of trade for the four major races, Bisia is the perfect city for a Dahlseid—a young race of plant folk—like Rowan to experience whatever his heart desires, and his position as ambassador for the Dahlsia makes affording those desires easy. But when he overhears a plot of treason against his people, all of that could end.
But will it?
My people can take care of themselves, Rowan thinks. The humans will give up once they realize the Dahlsia have nothing of value. Because all humans want is gold, right?
They’ll be just fine.
Full of magic and misadventure, A Bitter Drink tangles Rowan in the vines as he’s forced to team up with a pacifist human vagabond, a deadly serious elven spy, and a cheerful dwarf with a strangely calming presence. Together, they’re determined to put a stop to the twisting heinous plot that threatens to destroy everything they love. But Rowan’s heart isn’t in it: he’s a coward and he knows it. Joining them would mean risking his life, and to challenge one’s true colors is a bitter drink indeed.
