Local Gods

by Melinda Salisbury

Genres: YA Horror; Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology

Synopsis

A folk horror novel about a girl who, hated by her town for her father’s crimes, must decide whether to save it or burn it all down when a dying god in the woods warns her of an impending catastrophe.

After an FBI raid reveals her father’s double life, Sylvie Singer’s entire world comes crashing down around her. Forced to live in an abandoned railway station in the cursed West Woods, Sylvie spends her days counting down until she can graduate from high school and leave the town that will never forgive her.

Then, Sylvie encounters a different sort of monster. Illican is a horned god bound to the West Woods, even lonelier than her. Sylvie is drawn to Illican, excited he can introduce her to magic that could save her town—and save her. But Illican is dying, so it’s Sylvie who must save her town and her local god…if they are willing to accept her help.

Release date: August 4, 2026

Publisher: Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Print pages: 368