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Quicksand Theatre Company
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26
A swoony, slow-burn, cozy, queer romantic fantasy of runaway secrets, fae bargains, and sequins in the spotlight. A standalone third book set in the same world as
Lava Red Feather Blue
and
Ballad for Jasmine Town.
When Vai Delvecchio leaves their home in the night, fleeing a family scandal, they knock on the door of the least likely but most alluring of the traveling Quicksand Theatre Company. Actor Leo Takahashi—a.k.a. Leonidas the Obstreperous—grants Vai a bed in his caravan in exchange for Vai’s magical assistance in theatrical productions. Vai finds their respectable, dignified life transformed into a whimsical world of sequins, makeup, and irreverent comedy sketches.
In the caravan’s close quarters, it’s inevitable that Leo and Vai grow curious about each other, a feeling that blossoms into mutual desire. But trouble waits in the wings. Vai has to face the fallout of their family’s mistakes, and Leo guards a somber soon, an unbreakable deal he made with a malevolent faery will take effect, destroying his freedom and potentially his life.
Yet it may be in the darkest lairs of the fae realm, and in the painful longing of separation, that Vai and Leo each find the truth that makes them whole again.
When Vai Delvecchio leaves their home in the night, fleeing a family scandal, they knock on the door of the least likely but most alluring of the traveling Quicksand Theatre Company. Actor Leo Takahashi—a.k.a. Leonidas the Obstreperous—grants Vai a bed in his caravan in exchange for Vai’s magical assistance in theatrical productions. Vai finds their respectable, dignified life transformed into a whimsical world of sequins, makeup, and irreverent comedy sketches.
In the caravan’s close quarters, it’s inevitable that Leo and Vai grow curious about each other, a feeling that blossoms into mutual desire. But trouble waits in the wings. Vai has to face the fallout of their family’s mistakes, and Leo guards a somber soon, an unbreakable deal he made with a malevolent faery will take effect, destroying his freedom and potentially his life.
Yet it may be in the darkest lairs of the fae realm, and in the painful longing of separation, that Vai and Leo each find the truth that makes them whole again.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
6 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Molly Ringle
16 books409 followers[Aug. 2022 note: I'm going dormant on Goodreads and moving over to Storygraph. Find me there! I'm under username mollyringle and would love to connect.]
Bio: Molly Ringle was one of the quiet, weird kids in school, and is now one of the quiet, weird writers of the world. She/her, demi, bi.
Bio: Molly Ringle was one of the quiet, weird kids in school, and is now one of the quiet, weird writers of the world. She/her, demi, bi.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 12, 2025
Vai flees their home in the night after being the whistleblower in a family scandal. Needing somewhere to go they decide to join the Quicksand Theatre Company, with many many caravans to knock on they choose to enter the home of Leonidas the Obstreperous, or Leo. Leo agrees to house Vai and have them travel with the company in exchange for their magical help.
And so begins a very slow burn romance between the two. But it's hard for Leo to really devote himself to Vai when he's keeping a terrible secret of his own, he made an unbreakable deal with faery that will take away his freedom for a year.
Despite some of the darker elements this was a cozy and warm queer romance. This is a queernormative world and I'm always glad to see a non-binary character. I really enjoyed this worlds mix of magic and technical elements, like cells phones and streaming services.
Both Leo and Vai are dealing with issues regarding families and the theatre company was a wonderful found family for both them. The story dealt both with what it means not only to feel worthy of yourself but also of other people's love.
Although the story did drag a bit around the 60% mark it really began to pick up again around the end and I couldn't put it down. Leo and Vai's slow burn was delcious and once you got there it was well deserved and earned by both of them. A really soft, lovely and warm story.
Thank you NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And so begins a very slow burn romance between the two. But it's hard for Leo to really devote himself to Vai when he's keeping a terrible secret of his own, he made an unbreakable deal with faery that will take away his freedom for a year.
Despite some of the darker elements this was a cozy and warm queer romance. This is a queernormative world and I'm always glad to see a non-binary character. I really enjoyed this worlds mix of magic and technical elements, like cells phones and streaming services.
Both Leo and Vai are dealing with issues regarding families and the theatre company was a wonderful found family for both them. The story dealt both with what it means not only to feel worthy of yourself but also of other people's love.
Although the story did drag a bit around the 60% mark it really began to pick up again around the end and I couldn't put it down. Leo and Vai's slow burn was delcious and once you got there it was well deserved and earned by both of them. A really soft, lovely and warm story.
Thank you NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2026
Cosy, whimsical and full of emotional depth, this is the story of how a runaway whistleblower and a charismatic performer fall in love and save each other.
When Vai stumbles upon an illegal cover-up implicating their family, they blow the whistle, setting a curse into motion that means they won’t be recognised or remembered for a year. To escape the scandal during this time, Vai runs away with the Quicksand Theatre Company, magically altering sets and clothes, and bunking with the charismatic Leonidas. As the pair of them travel together, sparks fly. But Leo has secrets of his own, and with a dangerous fae stalking their caravan, it won’t be long before they come to light.
I loved getting completely lost in this tale. The characters are flawed and lovely, supporting each other through (and learning from) guilt, hard choices and family drama. There’s a ton of development in the two leads, and this and the romance definitely take centre stage, but - especially in the second half - there’s also enough action to keep the plot interesting. From life-threatening fae bargains to kissing festivals, to a magical performance of Moulin Rouge, it’s a boisterous ride of dangers and dramatics.
Though it technically reads as a standalone, It’s set in the same fantastical world as two of Molly Ringle’s other books: Lava Red Feather Blue (which I ADORE) and Sage and King (which is also brilliant). I love the subtle crossovers in setting and culture, which make you feel like you’re returning to a familiar place. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of Eidolonia, with its interesting magic system, fae/human boundary and beautifully diverse representation.
A massive thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
When Vai stumbles upon an illegal cover-up implicating their family, they blow the whistle, setting a curse into motion that means they won’t be recognised or remembered for a year. To escape the scandal during this time, Vai runs away with the Quicksand Theatre Company, magically altering sets and clothes, and bunking with the charismatic Leonidas. As the pair of them travel together, sparks fly. But Leo has secrets of his own, and with a dangerous fae stalking their caravan, it won’t be long before they come to light.
I loved getting completely lost in this tale. The characters are flawed and lovely, supporting each other through (and learning from) guilt, hard choices and family drama. There’s a ton of development in the two leads, and this and the romance definitely take centre stage, but - especially in the second half - there’s also enough action to keep the plot interesting. From life-threatening fae bargains to kissing festivals, to a magical performance of Moulin Rouge, it’s a boisterous ride of dangers and dramatics.
Though it technically reads as a standalone, It’s set in the same fantastical world as two of Molly Ringle’s other books: Lava Red Feather Blue (which I ADORE) and Sage and King (which is also brilliant). I love the subtle crossovers in setting and culture, which make you feel like you’re returning to a familiar place. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of Eidolonia, with its interesting magic system, fae/human boundary and beautifully diverse representation.
A massive thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
January 6, 2026The Quicksand Theatre Company is a warm, enchanting romantic fantasy that blends slow-burn desire, theatrical whimsy, and fae magic into a story that feels both cozy and emotionally resonant. Molly Ringle crafts a world filled with sequins, secrets, and found family, where tenderness and danger exist side by side. The traveling theatre setting is vividly imagined, inviting readers into a life defined by creativity, intimacy, and quiet rebellion.
At its heart, the novel is a love story about becoming whole. Vai and Leo are richly drawn characters whose connection unfolds with patience and sincerity, allowing longing, vulnerability, and trust to take center stage. The fae bargain at the core of the conflict adds urgency without overwhelming the emotional core, creating a beautifully balanced narrative that celebrates queerness, chosen family, and the courage it takes to step into one’s truth.
At its heart, the novel is a love story about becoming whole. Vai and Leo are richly drawn characters whose connection unfolds with patience and sincerity, allowing longing, vulnerability, and trust to take center stage. The fae bargain at the core of the conflict adds urgency without overwhelming the emotional core, creating a beautifully balanced narrative that celebrates queerness, chosen family, and the courage it takes to step into one’s truth.
Read
January 11, 2026The Quicksand Theatre Company is a dazzling, swoony blend of queer romance, fae magic, and theatrical whimsy. Ringle crafts a world that feels intimate yet expansive, where runaway secrets, sparkling sequins, and the subtle tension of magical bargains keep readers enchanted from start to finish. Vai and Leo’s slow-burn romance is rich in emotion, vulnerability, and longing, perfectly balanced by humor and the vibrant life of the traveling theatre company.
What makes this novel truly memorable is its ability to weave fantastical elements seamlessly into human emotion. The fae bargains, looming threats, and magical intrigues heighten the stakes without ever overshadowing the deeply personal journeys of self-discovery, desire, and courage. Ringle’s prose sparkles, capturing both the sparkle of stage life and the shadow of hidden secrets, leaving readers fully immersed and emotionally invested in every twist of the story.
What makes this novel truly memorable is its ability to weave fantastical elements seamlessly into human emotion. The fae bargains, looming threats, and magical intrigues heighten the stakes without ever overshadowing the deeply personal journeys of self-discovery, desire, and courage. Ringle’s prose sparkles, capturing both the sparkle of stage life and the shadow of hidden secrets, leaving readers fully immersed and emotionally invested in every twist of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After reporting their family for political corruption, Vai runs away and joins a travelling theatre company. She begins to fall in love with the actor whose caravan she's sharing... but before he can commit to her, he has to fulfil a deal with a fae that might just prove fatal.
It's a cute romance with likable characters. As a former theatre kid, I enjoyed the scenes with the troupe, and as an enby, I liked the representation. The plot is predictable, but sometimes, that's exactly what you want in a romance. At times the messaging about letting yourself feel worthy of being loved felt a little clunky, especially when the rest of the plot felt quite lightweight, but overall this was enjoyable.
It's a cute romance with likable characters. As a former theatre kid, I enjoyed the scenes with the troupe, and as an enby, I liked the representation. The plot is predictable, but sometimes, that's exactly what you want in a romance. At times the messaging about letting yourself feel worthy of being loved felt a little clunky, especially when the rest of the plot felt quite lightweight, but overall this was enjoyable.
November 15, 2025
That was cute, a rapid fall down the rabbit hole, where our protagonists fell in love, but also - at the circus (!) where there is magic (!!) and mermaids and fae.
The world was a delight, a mix of modern contemporary (where they still have phones and google and drive fancy Mercedes ) and magic (with algae curses and magic lights and magic soothing (but also ridiculous things like magic hair removal). There’s a border between the world of fae and not-fae, and the fae world is deliciously dark (both figuratively and literally, it turns out).
I liked the circus and the found family, I liked that our MC is non binary, I like how they fell in love and the delicious night with the roses. I liked the quirky not-villain with his pet names (my tart stinging nettle!) and ridiculous speech, who loved theatre and Shakespeare (and how at the end, he was careful with his friend. I’m glad he showed up again, and I hope he finds a way to watch theatre, see some shows that doesn’t involve kidnapping and death).
It was a cute read, for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley for the eArc!
The world was a delight, a mix of modern contemporary (where they still have phones and google and drive fancy Mercedes ) and magic (with algae curses and magic lights and magic soothing (but also ridiculous things like magic hair removal). There’s a border between the world of fae and not-fae, and the fae world is deliciously dark (both figuratively and literally, it turns out).
I liked the circus and the found family, I liked that our MC is non binary, I like how they fell in love and the delicious night with the roses. I liked the quirky not-villain with his pet names (my tart stinging nettle!) and ridiculous speech, who loved theatre and Shakespeare (and how at the end, he was careful with his friend. I’m glad he showed up again, and I hope he finds a way to watch theatre, see some shows that doesn’t involve kidnapping and death).
It was a cute read, for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley for the eArc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was a beta reader on this new novel. As a theatre freak, it spoke to me. The show aspects are fun. The fantasy is interesting. But it was the queer characters that kept me coming back to the book—they are tender, tumultuous, and I found myself rooting for them with the turn of every page. Looking forward to reading the final version!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews