Years later, Malefaust, the only boy living in a household of witches, is treated as a source of potion ingredients and nothing else. Often forgotten or frightened, hurt or haunted, Mal knows no comfort or friend. But when he suddenly displays the ability to perform magic—something no male should be capable of—Mal starts to see that the world’s boundaries may not be as distinct as he once believed.

In the whimsical and macabre adventure that follows, Mal leaves the only home he’s ever known and meets his first friend, Eden. Their path of discovery is littered with an imposter wizard, a witch-slaying cowboy, a conversation with the moon, and a surprising amount of dynamite. Through it all Malefaust is faced with his own fears, the pain of spells, and an ache for belonging. In the end, Mal may learn that magic and self cannot easily be defined, and you are not always who you are told to be…

Briland’s most recent book, On the Subject of Witches is a fantasy coming-of-age LGBTQ+ story for middle grade and young adult audiences. With inspirations from the Graveyard Book, Cartoon Network’s Over the Garden Wall, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Avatar: the Last Airbender, and all things spooky, this tale is a heartfelt cottagecore adventure from start to finish. Featuring stunning artwork within its pages, On the Subject of Witches is sure to be a magical addition to your bookshelf.