Hexes & High Society: A Blend of Magic, Gilded Age Intrigue, and Forbidden Romance
Hexes & High Society: A Blend of Magic, Gilded Age Intrigue, and Forbidden Romance
Hello, I’m Julia Crane, a multi-genre author, and I’m thrilled to share a deeper dive into my latest work, Hexes & High Society. This story has a special place in my heart, blending my love for historical settings with a twist of magic and supernatural intrigue. Today, I’ll take you behind the scenes of the inspiration, introduce some key characters, and give you a sneak peek at the cover!
The Setting: New York City & Jekyll Island, Georgia
One of my greatest inspirations for Hexes & High Society comes from the beautiful and mysterious Jekyll Island. Located off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island has long been my writing retreat—a place where nature, history, and the sea come together to form an atmosphere perfect for crafting stories. I enjoy the area so much that my family bought a place there, allowing me to escape to write whenever I need inspiration.
For those unfamiliar, Jekyll Island is steeped in Gilded Age history. In 1886, it became a secluded retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families, forming the Jekyll Island Club. Known as the “Millionaire’s Club,” this exclusive gathering brought together the likes of J.P. Morgan, the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Astors. At its height, the club represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth, and the island became a private, luxurious escape for industrial titans and political powerhouses.
I’ve spent years walking through the island’s historic district, imagining the lavish parties and private gatherings that once took place there. But what intrigued me the most were the untold stories—the whispers of the past—and I began to weave those real-life figures into a world where magic and supernatural forces exist right alongside the wealthy elite.
How the Story Came to Life
When I heard about the Kindle Vella contest, I knew it was the perfect moment to bring this idea to life. I was actually on Jekyll Island when the concept crystallized, making the connection even more special. Hexes & High Society is currently available exclusively on Kindle Vella, but I’m excited to announce that the story will also be released in print and ebook by November.
And now, to give you a glimpse into the magical world I’ve created, let’s meet some of the key players in Hexes & High Society.
Meet the Characters
Amelia Aster
Amelia is the heart of Hexes & High Society, a powerful witch from one of the oldest and most influential families in the supernatural world. Raised among the magical elite, Amelia is a master of magic, but her true challenge lies in navigating the treacherous social and political alliances of both the mortal and mystical worlds. As she grapples with her growing feelings for Jameson Cabot, a forbidden romance that threatens everything she knows, Amelia must choose between her duty to her family and her desire to follow her heart.
Amelia’s story is one of self-discovery, as she struggles to reconcile her place in the world with the weight of her family’s legacy.
Jameson Cabot
Jameson is a charming, enigmatic dark fae with a mysterious past. His rebellious nature and undeniable allure have made him a dangerous figure, both in the eyes of the Shadow Guild and in Amelia’s heart. Though their love is forbidden, Jameson’s return to New York stirs up old emotions—and new dangers.
With secrets of his own to protect, Jameson’s motives are always unclear.
Oliver O’Meer
Oliver, a key figure in Amelia’s life, comes from the powerful O’Meer family, known for their mastery of alchemy and their ability to shift forms. The O’Meers have long been influential within the Shadow Guild, and Oliver is no exception. Bound to Amelia by a family rite that is set to take place during the fall equinox, Oliver’s role in her life is complicated. He represents tradition, obligation, and the future her family expects her to embrace.
Oliver is strategic and loyal, yet his deeper motivations remain unclear. As Amelia’s bond with him strengthens in preparation for the rite, her growing feelings for Jameson create a dangerous conflict of heart and duty. Oliver’s presence in her life is a constant reminder of the expectations she must fulfill.
A Sneak Peek at the Cover!
I’m also excited to share that we’re offering an exclusive sneak peek of the cover for Hexes & High Society! The design perfectly captures the blend of elegance, magic, and danger that fills the pages of the story.
Story Overview
Set in an alternate version of 1889 New York City, Hexes & High Society blends the world of the elite mortals with a secretive supernatural society known as “The Others.” At the center of this world is the Shadow Guild, an exclusive group of powerful magical families who rule from the shadows.
Amelia Aster is thrust into a dangerous game of power and politics when her forbidden romance with Jameson Cabot, a dark fae, threatens to unravel the delicate balance between the mortal and magical worlds. Their love ignites a conflict that forces Amelia to confront both external enemies and the dark secrets lurking within her own family. The Shadow Guild has its own agenda, and as tensions rise, Amelia must navigate dangerous alliances, ruthless rivals, and the haunting legacy of her family’s past.
Can Amelia master her magic and protect those she loves, or will she be forced to choose between love and duty in a world where magic is both a gift and a curse?
Hexes & High Society is perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction infused with dark fantasy, romance, and intrigue. It’s a tale of magic, power, and the fine line between love and betrayal.
About the Author
Julia Crane is an author across multiple genres, from young adult science fiction to supernatural fantasy. With a passion for weaving imaginative stories, she brings magic to life in her latest work, Hexes & High Society. When not writing, Julia runs her witchy shop, Bespell & Co., in Savannah, GA.
Learn more about her work at juliacrane.com and follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @juliacrane_jc
