At a Glance
- Reap & Sow is a romantasy debut about a young woman who teams up with a demon to protect her family.
- The novel follows Eda Shaw, her brothers, and the demon Mr. Night as they navigate bargains and danger.
- The book will hit shelves on October 6, 2026 and is available for preorder through Berkley XO.
Why it matters: Readers get an inside look at a fresh fantasy world where love and contracts collide.
Eda Shaw’s world is one where bargains with the supernatural are routine, but when her brothers are arrested and her family’s safety is threatened, she must turn to a demon she never expected to trust. Charlotte B. Plumb’s Reap & Sow offers a new take on the classic pact-making trope, blending romance, danger, and a darkly humorous tone.
Synopsis
Reap & Sow follows 20-year-old Eda Shaw, who runs the family antiques shop with her brothers. Their livelihood depends on a demon contract with Mr. Night, a demon who requires souls in exchange for granting wishes. When a failed venture lands Eda’s brothers in jail, she finds herself alone and desperate.
In the shop’s backroom, she meets Kit’rath, a witty demon who is the only creature that frightens Mr. Night. Together, they plan to rescue Eda’s family and the city from the demon’s clutches. Their partnership turns into a romance, creating a high-stakes love story that tests both of their limits.
Key Characters
- Eda Shaw – The protagonist, a 20-year-old antiques dealer who must navigate demon contracts to protect her family.
- Mr. Night – A demon who requires souls for wishes and is the primary antagonist.
- Kit’rath – A wry demon who allies with Eda and becomes her love interest.
- Bartholomew – A mysterious customer who seeks a mirror with no reflection, ultimately becoming a key figure in the plot.
Release Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Berkley XO, an imprint of Penguin Random House |
| Release Date | October 6, 2026 |
| Preorder | Available now on major book retailers |
| Special Features | U.S. version includes specially-designed edges; cover design remains consistent with the U.K. edition |
The novel’s cover, photographed by Charlotte B. Plumb, features a dramatic antique shop setting that hints at the story’s supernatural themes.
Excerpt Highlights
The first look includes an exclusive excerpt that showcases Plumb’s vivid prose and the novel’s blend of romance and danger. Below are selected passages with dialogue that illustrate the tension and stakes.
- Eda’s first encounter with a customer
“I need a mirror with no reflection,” said the stranger.
“What’s your name, sir?” asked Eda.
“I’d rather not say,” replied the stranger.
- Bartholomew’s introduction
“I am Bartholomew,” said the stranger. “Your family name is Shaw, I presume?”
“I’m 20, sir. And I’ve been involved in this sort of business since the cradle,” answered Eda.
- The confrontation with Mr. Night
“Mr Night. I summon you,” declared Eda as the mirror rippled.
These snippets reveal the novel’s core mechanics: a pact-making ritual, a dangerous demon, and a protagonist who must balance love with survival.
Themes and Tone
Plumb’s writing blends classic fantasy tropes with a modern sensibility. The novel explores:
- Choice and Consequence – Eda’s decisions directly affect her family’s fate.
- Love in Unlikely Places – The romance between Eda and Kit’rath subverts traditional hero-villain dynamics.
- The Cost of Power – Mr. Night’s bargains come at a steep price, forcing characters to weigh ambition against morality.
The tone balances humor and suspense, with witty dialogue and tense moments that keep readers engaged.
Preorder Information
Readers who want to secure a copy of Reap & Sow should preorder now. The book will be available on October 6, 2026 across all major retailers, including online and physical stores. Preorders also offer the chance to receive special edition packaging with the book’s distinctive edges.
Key Takeaways
- Reap & Sow is a fresh romantasy that reimagines demon contracts.
- The story centers on Eda Shaw, who partners with a demon to save her family.
- The novel blends romance, danger, and humor, offering a unique reading experience.
- The book is available for preorder and will release on October 6, 2026.
Readers eager for a new fantasy adventure will find Reap & Sow a compelling addition to their shelves.
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Sources: Sophia A. Reynolds reported on the novel’s release and exclusive excerpt.
