Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues

What happens when your enemy becomes your friend … with benefits? Red, White and Royal Blue meets The Magicians in this surprising, wildly original and joyously funny LGBTQ YA novel set in a magical boarding school. 

Tim Te Maro and Elliott Parker – classmates at Fox Glacier High School for the Magically Adept – have never gotten along. But when they both get dumped the day before the big egg-baby assignment, they reluctantly decide to ditch their exes and work together. 
When the two boys start to bond over their magically enchanted egg-baby, they realise that beneath their animosity is something like friendship … or physical attraction. Soon, a no-strings-attached hook-up seems like a good idea. Just for the duration of the assignment. After all, they don’t have feelings for each other … so what could possibly go wrong? 

From debut Kiwi author H.S. Valley, the latest winner of the Ampersand Prize, comes this gleefully addictive romantic comedy that’s perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and David Levithan. In a word – it’s magic.

“'Sweet and sexy in equal measure, Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues explores all the confusion, messiness and joy that comes with queer first love.' - Erin Gough, author of Amelia Westlake”

'... As heartfelt as it is melodramatic. Tim, a Māori teen, is paired up with his nemesis, Elliott, to take care of an egg for a school project. Soon that tension turns from bickering to kissing. As the boys move from enemies to lovers, Tim has to find a way to deal with his self-esteem issues before it fractures their fledgling relationship. Sweet, invigorating and effervescent, like cold lemonade on a hot summer’s day.' – Alex Brown, NPR

'Sweet and sexy in equal measure,Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues explores all the confusion, messiness and joy that comes with queer first love.' – Erin Gough, author of Amelia Westlake

'... Sex, sexuality, and its various realities — including anxiety, boundaries, and consent — are discussed openly and honestly, and the characters’ myriad relationship dramas are portrayed using good-humored dialogue. The racially diverse cast and the worldbuilding surrounding the magic system ... provide a unique backdrop for Kiwi author Valley’s witty and buoyant debut.' – Starred review, Publishers Weekly

'... A fun, low-stakes (but high-investment) romp through the brains of lovelorn, hormone-driven teenagers, and the delightful array of queer people that populate their school and by proxy their world.' – Sam Brooks, TheSpinoff.co.nz 

'A beautiful and sweet story about figuring out your bisexuality set at a magical boarding school, highly recommended for anyone who loves the combination of a cute queer story with some fantasy on the side!' – Annie's Reading Tips

H.S. Valley grew up on the Waitematā Harbour in Auckland, at the foot of Takarunga. She now lives near the Waitākere Ranges with her partner. She has a bachelor's degree in design. She won the Ampersand Prize for her debut YA novel, Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.