The Shoemaker: A Tale of Love, Magic and Unnatural Acts

Lowly shoemaker Edward Cordwainer is desperate for a better life, and so enters into an arranged marriage with Anastasia, a wealthy merchant’s daughter. But when the wedding doesn’t lead to luxury and love, Edward succumbs to an erotic encounter with a mysterious woman, and in so doing, enters into a magical bargain with her to become the most famous man in all the kingdom. As the magic takes root, Edward becomes wealthy and well-known, not to mention the latest plaything of the Princess Ambrosia, who gets anything—and anyone—she desires. But magic is a tricky lover. As Edward’s star rises, darkness envelops Houndstooth when the women of the town start disappearing. As events unfold, Edward’s one simple wish threatens to destroy his world… Blending romance, horror, and gothic, The Shoemaker is a fairy tale retelling about love, honour and those desires that lurk in the darkest part of the human soul.