The Sleepless
Godkiller meets Powerless in this epic gods-and-monsters romantic fantasy from British Fantasy Award-winning author Jen Williams.
Welcome to a world where gods and monsters roam the earth . . .
Elver is the guardian of the wild and dangerous monster forest. Saved from the brink of death by a god, her skin will poison anyone she touches.
Artair is on a mission - one that takes him face-to-face with Elver at her most ruthless. But her defenses are useless when she discovers he's the only human impervious to her deadly gift. For Artair isn't human: he's one of the Sleepless, cursed to share his body with an evil spirit.
Lucian inhabits their body while Artair sleeps, and he is hell-bent on manipulating Elver for his dark purposes. But Elver is harbouring secrets too, and she has her own reasons for feigning an alliance with these two souls.
Caught in the crossfire of gods, monsters, and a dangerous magic they can barely understand, it is only a matter of time before the paths the three of them choose to take will set alight the very foundations of their world.
With a love triangle like you’ve never seen it, incredible world-building, brilliant writing, and a dangerous quest, The Sleepless will have you spellbound.
Jen Williams
Jen Williams crafts fantasy worlds that shimmer with danger and charm, where the echoes of forgotten legends meet sharp wit and complex characters. Growing up in southeast London, she was drawn to dark folklore and fairy tales that whispered of shadowy magic and fierce survival. This early fascination shaped her voice—one that blends the raw edges of adventure with moments of sly humor and emotional depth.
Her debut, The Copper Cat Trilogy, introduced readers to a world where swordplay and sorcery collide with a refreshing irreverence, centered on Wydrin, a mercenary who breaks the mold of typical fantasy heroes. But it was with The Winnowing Flame Trilogy that her reputation truly solidified. Beginning with The Ninth Rain, the series weaves together elements of fantasy and sci-fi with a brooding atmosphere and richly layered storytelling that earned critical acclaim, including multiple British Fantasy Awards. Themes of decay and renewal thread through her work, inviting readers to explore worlds on the edge—where ancient powers stir and unlikely heroes rise.
The Sleepless
In a world where gods tread lightly and monsters lurk just beyond sight, this series invites you into a shadowed realm where danger and desire intertwine. At its heart is Elver, guardian of a cursed forest whose very skin poisons those around her, a solitary figure shaped by a debt paid long ago to a serpent queen. Then comes Artair, a man haunted by an ancient spirit dwelling within him, awakening only in darkness to claim control. Their meeting sparks a fragile, volatile dance between trust and fear, where survival means confronting not only external threats but the shadows within themselves.
The Sleepless consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
