Until the Clock Strikes Midnight

Alechia Dow

Book cover for Until the Clock Strikes Midnight
Image for variant 9781250375773
Book cover for Until the Clock Strikes Midnight
Image for variant 9781250375773

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight

Alechia Dow

View full details

Description

The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.

Darling is the most talented--and unusual--Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms--if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it'll be an easy razzle-dazzle job... until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there's one thing Darling's good at, it's a makeover.

Calamity is the most talented--and arrogant--Misfortune of his class. It's his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical "Happily Ever After." When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy--Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too--a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.

To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy's life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves... and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.

Also by Alechia Dow
Just a Pinch of Magic

About the Author

Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef and librarian. She is the author of YA novels The Sound of Stars, The Kindred, A Song of Salvation, and Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, and middle-grade novel Just a Pinch of Magic. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her daughter, baking, reading, or taking teeny adventures.

Critical Reviews

Praise for Until the Clock Strikes Midnight:

★ "Written in engaging prose, this enchanting cozy fantasy with adult crossover appeal has it all--creative worldbuilding, well-developed characters, and a sweet, swoonworthy romance. ... The story, which captures the essence of Brandy's Cinderella, features refreshingly realistic relationship development--no glass slippers here!--while honoring fairy tales' world-changing magic and emphasizing a message of kindness and care. ... Unmissable." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A delightful and unique take on fairy godmothers and finding happily-ever-after! Sweet and joyful, this book is as irresistible as hot chocolate swirled with magic!" --Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times-bestselling author of The Spellshop

"Until the Clock Strikes Midnight reads like drinking that perfect cup of cocoa: warm, cozy, and entirely mood-lifting. There's no better time than right now to pick up this utterly enchanting book!" --Jason June, New York Times-bestselling author of Out of the Blue and The Spells We Cast

"A sparkling fairy-tale remix, Until the Clock Strikes Midnight brims with sly humor, swoony romance, and enough glitter to light up a kingdom. Between bookshop magic and razor-sharp banter, Alechia Dow crafts a world where queer love stories bloom in the unlikeliest places, and midnight kisses linger long after the clock has struck. Witty, tender, and delightfully chaotic, this is proof that happily-ever-afters can be messy, magical, and worth every risk." --Aiden Thomas, New York Times-bestselling author of Cemetery Boys

"Cozy and whimsical, romantic and emotional, Until the Clock Strikes Midnight introduces a bipolar heroine that could never be too much for me and her grouchy competitor in a story that feels like a warm hug or a really good cup of hot chocolate. Alechia Dow shines as brightly as Darling with her latest book!" --Kamilah Cole, Lodestar & Lambda Award finalist and bestselling author of the Divine Traitors duology

"Alechia Dow weaves achingly relatable characters into the most whimsical of settings, reminding all of us--no matter how wounded--that a happily ever after is never out of reach." --Sonora Reyes, National Book Award finalist and bestselling author of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

"Immortal magical entities feigning romance compete for a coveted mentorship in this fun and frothy 'Cinderella' remix from Dow (A Song of Salvation). ... Calam and Darling's charming alternating first-person POVs combine to deliver a hijinks-forward, vivacious true love story that empathetically portrays mental health challenges." --Publishers Weekly

"An enchanting, magical twist on a classic fairy tale that deals with real-world issues in a fantasy setting, this is an excellent addition to shelves for lovers of cozy fantasy and -diverse storytelling." --School Library Journal

"Nicely balancing laughter, longing, and hope, this cozy, whimsical fairytale centers on Darling, a determined fairy who believes everyone deserves a happily-ever-after. ... Dow capably blends together varied themes in this multifaceted book that will satisfy fans of both romantic fantasies and emotionally grounded coming-of-age stories in imaginative packages." --Booklist

Praise for Just a Pinch of Magic:

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2023
An Ignyte Award Finalist for Outstanding Middle Grade
A Mythopoeic Fiction Award for Children's Literature Finalist

"Just a Pinch of Magic provides more than a pinch of fun. This delightful middle-grade debut is full of friendship, adventure, magic--and recipes!" --Janae Marks, New York Times-bestselling author of On Air with Zoe Washington

"Dow delivers a magical story about family, friendship, and love that is both beguiling and surprising. An unforgettably rendered magical world paired with delicious descriptions of impeccable baked goods will leave readers wanting more." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Brimming with magic--and enticing recipes for readers to try. ... Superb worldbuilding and the authentic dialogue between the quirky, beguiling characters will draw readers in, while the heart-pounding tension and strong pacing will lead them to the satisfying conclusion. ... An enchanting tale of love." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Through an otherworldly setting, Dow explores themes of discrimination and judgment. Like a fine confection, the story includes enough brininess to offset the sugar, creating a satisfyingly piquant dish to appeal to both baking and magic enthusiasts." --School Library Journal

"A sweet and satisfying modern fantasy novel ... Dow gives us the action and thrill of classic fantasy tales, with magical objects, haunted woods, and evil ghosts, but also looks thoughtfully at each girl's struggle to find her place, weaving in a powerful but not pedantic theme about the power of love and family. ... A tasty treat." --Mombian.com

Praise for The Sound of Stars:

BookRiot Most Anticipated Queer Read of 2020

"This book has everything! Aliens set on conquering earth! A determined heroine with a hidden stash of books! And the power of music and stories to give those with every reason to hate the power to love. Who could want anything more?" --Joelle Charbonneau, New York Times-bestselling author of The Testing and Verify

"Dow is an incredible new voice. The sensory details spill off the pages and transport me to new and unfamiliar places ... A true pleasure to read." --Saundra Mitchell, author of The Prom novelization and editor of All Out and Out Now

"A stunning exploration of the comforts that make us human and the horrors that challenge our humanity." --K. Ancrum, author of The Wicker King and Darling

"This debut has it all: music, books, aliens, adventure, resistance, queerness, and a bold heroine tying it all together." --Ms. Magazine

"A marvellous genre-bending debut." --The Nerd Daily

"Perfect for teens and fans of Warcross by Marie Lu and The Last 8 by Laura Pohl." --Tor.com

"[A]s with the best science fiction, it has the potential to be timeless." --Locus

"Dow paints a moving picture of two young people's defiance and the power of song and story to combat despair." --Publishers Weekly

"There is much to enjoy in this story featuring a complex Black teen: Ellie is bright, resourceful, and coping with issues with body image and anxiety. ... A promising debut that begs for a sequel." --Kirkus Reviews

"A hopeful testament to resistance that weaves in commentary about climate change, racism and politics, and includes LGBTQIA and mental and physical health representation." --Shelf Awareness

Publishing Information

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pub date: 2026-02-03
Length: 320 pages

The Allstora Membership

Membership Perks:

  • Save 30% on all online store purchases
  • Exclusive access to author's content
  • You pay less, but authors still earn double

Membership Terms:

First Month: $0.00
Monthly price: $5.00
  • To access membership discount simply log in and add to cart, discount applied automatically.
  • One month free trial, cancel anytime. Membership renews on the 15th of each month.