Teeth and Twilight

by Mariah L. Rosewood

He let her go once. Doing it again might destroy him.

After helping Ayse escape, the last thing Prince Seok expected was freedom. But when unlikely allies intervene, the shadow prince is sent north to investigate border towns that have mysteriously vanished overnight.

Meanwhile, Ayse—now botanist-turned-fugitive—hides on the edge of Fey territory. She’s closer than ever to unlocking the magic of the plants and ending the plague devouring her kingdom… until she collides with someone she never thought she’d see again.

With rebellion rising, countless starving, and Ittorans disappearing without a trace, Seok and Ayse are running out of time. To survive, they must quickly decide where their loyalties truly lie.

Because twilight is falling fast—and they may not see another morning.


This epic romantasy novel is the second in a slow-burn series where the stakes—and the spice—rise with each sequel. This series will appeal to fans of immersive, romantic high fantasy such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, The Cruel Prince, and Kingdom of the Wicked.

538 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 25, 2026

About the author

Mariah is a creative soul from the Midwest with a love for family, reading, art, music, and the intricacies of human emotion.

As an author, she loves characters that are multifaceted, imperfect, and relatable. The kind you root for, swoon over, and sometimes want to smack upside the head. Characters you're on the journey with.

So step into the world of Rosewood—where magic meets the heart, and every story leaves a mark.

Reviews

[Amber Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"EMOTIONS AREN'T A WEAKNESS. THEY REMIND US WHO WE ARE."

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I was also an ARC reader for the first book in The Withering Saga, which I gave 4/5 stars, but "a hopeful four stars because I see the potential for an even more devastating sequel". I’m very pleased to report: I was right. (I love being right.)

This one really delivered in all the things I felt weren't quite there with its predecessor. One of my biggest asks from book one was more of Seok’s perspective, and wow, did I get it. The POV balance between the three main characters felt really dialed in. Each voice was distinct and clear, and I never once had that “wait, whose head am I in?” moment that can sometimes happen with multi-POV fantasy.

I’d also mentioned that the first book moved a little too fast for my taste. As someone with a degree in classic literature, I like to sit in descriptions, marinate in the language, and really feel the world. This book slowed things down in the best way. The pacing gave the story room to breathe, and the richer, more consistent descriptions made the world feel far more immersive.

Character-wise, Ingrid stole every scene she was in. Foul-mouthed women will always win my heart, and I need her back in the next book.

Seok… my sweet angsty elven prince. It was so satisfying to see him start to come into his own and actually grasp at some happiness in this one, even if he did spend a small portion of the book being a bit of a whiny brat.

And Ren. No notes. 100/10 stars. My only complaint was how little he was actually in this one.

Also, the line: “You’re not secretly a five hundred year old Fey who just looks like he’s in his twenties?” Thank you, Mariah. Truly. I laughed out loud at this much-needed callout to a trope that’s been done to death in romantasy.

Overall, this is exactly the kind of sequel I hoped for. It built on everything that worked, fixed what didn't quite work, and deepened both the world and the characters.

PS: I appreciated the "only one tent" trope this time. As a horse girl myself, this worked much better for me than the “only one horse” situation in book one, which immediately shattered my suspension of disbelief. 😉

[Amira · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've read the first book, I have been waiting for a while and now, I've managed to read the next one... and personally, it's worth the wait!

This novel still captivated me and I was hooked from the moment I started. This continuation gave me "more" than what I needed - more adventure, more character growth, and more love. The storyline expanded so much that I wanted to know and explore more of this world. It's not just about one issue anymore, it's a collection of a lot of things affecting everything else.

I adored how our main FMC evolved into a much stronger person than when she was introduced, and I loved the relationship progressions in both potential love interests and the realisation of who their hearts truly desired in this sequel (finally!!). Also, the compassion, the care, the empathy to the people of the whole kingdom just resonated well through its pages, and even with its multiple POVs, I was never confused with it and it actually led me to understand each of the main characters through their specific chapters - from their thought processes to their emotional and mental struggles, it was laid and written beautifully.

This book's a masterpiece, a definite page-turner, and a great experience. The right pacing, the romance, the tension... everything in this second book was unexpectedly amazing. Eeeeek, I cannot wait to dive into Book 3!!! Highly recommended! ✨️

[Nicolette Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

After finishing book one in this series, I was completely hooked and Teeth and Twilight only deepened that obsession. This installment captivated me and has easily secured a spot among my top reads of the year.

Following Ayse on her continued journey of survival and resilience has been such a powerful experience. Her growth feels authentic and hard-won, and what stands out most is how deeply she cares not just for her own people, but for everyone across the realm. That compassion, even in the face of danger and impossible choices, adds so much heart to the story. I especially loved the split perspectives throughout the book. Getting inside multiple characters minds elevated the emotional intensity and made every twist hit that much harder. The shifting viewpoints truly amplify the emotions, the stakes, and the vulnerability woven throughout the story.

This sequel reminded me exactly why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

[Hayley Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for both instalments of The Withering Saga so far and have loved both so much!!

This book picks up where Feather and Famine left off, and I was so glad to be back in this world, getting reacquainted with these characters.

I found the first half or so to be a little slow, but the second half really sucked me in and I finished the second half so quickly. The last 30 percent or so is so action packed, I couldn't put it down!

Teeth and Twilight has me very intrigued and dying to read the final instalment (I think it's a trilogy? If it's more, I won't argue 😂). Solid four stars, bring on book 3 😍😍

[ImSuddenlySue · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Feather & Famine I had HIGH hopes for this sequel. I was not disappointed! Ayse, Seok, and Aiden didn't disappoint. The pain, anguish, fear, and frustrations all flew right to me as I experienced their journey with them. As feelings developed, and surprises both delighted and worried, I couldn't help but continue reading until I completed the book. This was a nail-biting page turner, and I'm ready for the third installment! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. These opinions are my own, and reflect only my thoughts.

[Allison U · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent second book in a wonderful series. I loved the world that the author has created, and the way that the storylines are interwoven works so beautifully. The story made me both laugh aloud and shed a tear, and I love that the author delves into how emotionally complicated the relationships between characters are without making things feel needlessly heavy. My only complaint about Teeth and Twilight is that I have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens next!

[Zephyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book as a beta reader. The review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

This story lives in my head. The progression of relationships is exactly what was needed. The plot twists were unexpected. Mariah is an incredible writer and I am so excited to continue this series!

[Taylor Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a slow start for me, but when a certain someone showed up again, I was SAT! The character development in this book felt so real and I’m so proud of each of them. It feels like everyone is finding where they’re meant to be. The pieces are falling together amd setting up for an epic book 3. Can’t wait to see more of this series!!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. Rosewood has a gift. This book was so amazing and fun. I love the evolution of this story and I can't wait to find out what happens next. She knocked it out of the park with this one and I'm going to make myself crazy over it.

[Lainie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS AMAZING! Screaming crying throwing up this was so good! Favorite characters are back, everyone and everything got even messier and more wonderful than before, and now I'm waiting with baited breath for book 3. This book chewed me up and spit me out and despite the pain I loved every minute

[Alex Hodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! If you liked book 1.. then you’ll LOVE book 2! I was a beta reader for Teeth and Twilight and it was engaging, romantic, and had twists! I was so impressed at how awesome it already was at the stage I read it!

[Amber Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can't. Sooooo good. Ayse is so smart and a fitting heroine even if she is a bit reckless 😂. I need Seok and Aiden to meet just to see the fireworks. I need more already.

[Amber Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Teeth and Twilight" picks up after the events of "Feather and Famine," and drops us back into the search for a cure to the Withering, which is slowly killing the people of this world. Though some parts were slow and others felt a little unnecessary, the story did a good job of creating a sense of mystery and adventure, as the characters work to find the source of the Withering before it's too late. On one side, the Fey are also suffering, not from famine but from the Waning, stealing their life force. On the other, the Elves and mortals deal with the famine. Both sides believe the other to be at fault... but what if there is something bigger and more sinister at play? Warning though: this book ends with a brutal cliffhanger.