Escala's Wish (Tales of Valla, #1)

-Winner, PenCraft Best Book Award (Fantasy) - Winter 2026
-Kirkus "GET IT" Award - January 2026
-2nd Place Fantasy - International Firebird Book Award (January 2026)Kirkus "GET IT" Award - January 2026
-Runner-Up (2nd Place) in Fantasy Romance 2025–2026 Indies Today Awards

An action-adventure romantasy filled with intrigue, sharp banter, dangerous secrets, and real emotional stakes.

Escala’s Wish, the debut fantasy-romance novel by David James, launches the epic Tales from Valla series—where fey folklore, political tension, and forbidden love collide in a world shaped as much by choices as by power.

In the realm of Valla, immortal courts trade in secrets, bargains, and influence. Escala is a mortal caught between forces far larger than herself—drawn into a conflict of shifting loyalties, hidden agendas, and a connection she never expected to feel. As alliances fracture and betrayals surface, she must navigate deadly intrigue, unfolding destiny, and a slow-burn romance built on trust, loyalty, and longing—not cliché tropes.

This is a fresh, unique no werewolves, no vampires, no “bad boy” love interest, and no enemies-to-lovers arc. Instead, the romance is sweet, gradual, emotionally sincere, and reminiscent of classic fantasy love stories—an innocent slow burn that grows from shared trials and genuine connection.

The heart of her journey is forged in action, resilience, found family, and moments of warmth and wit with the unlikely allies who choose to stand beside her. It’s a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and love tested by impossible choices—where every decision carries a cost.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Fey / fae-inspired folklore worlds

• Slow-burn, emotionally grounded romance

• Political intrigue and action-adventure fantasy

• Found family, loyalty, and betrayal

• Sharp banter and character-driven storytelling

• Romantasy like A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Cruel Prince, and Fourth Wing

With its blend of adventure, political maneuvering, and forbidden affection, Escala’s Wish delivers a gripping romantasy where passion and peril walk hand in hand—and one mortal woman’s choices could change everything.

Step into Valla and discover how one kiss sets an entire world in motion.