About The Book

A teenager born into a secret magical society begins to see his entire world differently after falling for a boy from the Outside.

Nineteen year old Rory Denborough was born into magic by way of the insular society known as The Translators. For his entire life, Rory has been given control over a world of awe-inspiring wonders -- telekinesis, shape-shifting, teleportation, advanced healing, even time travel. Everything is possible thanks to his family’s enchanted bloodline and an ancient language passed down through generations. Rory’s life is full of miracles. But he’s not happy.

Because Rory's world is also a world of secrets. Translators hide in the shadows, keeping their power from the world around them. Rory stuggles in this secrecy, sneaking out of his family's hidden highrise apartment to blend into the wonderfully normal streets and peoples of New York City.
After sneaking out one night, Rory meets Tyson, an Outsider, who knows nothing about the Translators or their gifts. Soon, the two young men are falling in love...but this idyllic romance starts to fall apart once Rory reveals his magical origins. Tyson raises a question--one that Rory has never considered and now must contend with--why keep magic secret, when so many people could be helped by it? The truth--and terrible danger--soon follows.

About The Author

Chris Kappel is a television writer who's written for CBS and Freeform. Before that, he worked with some pretty cool filmmakers including Matt Reeves and Will Gluck. Like a lot of queer kids, he had to inject queerness into the stories he loved when he was young, to imagine queer love wherever there was space to accommodate it. Now he writes the kinds of stories he didn't have back then. He lives in Los Angeles.

About The Illustrator

Alex Arizmendi is a comic book artist from Mexico City. He has worked on comics for Marvel Comics, Gungnir Books and Scholastic. His most recent graphic novel is the upcoming Wrack & Rune for Maverick/Mad Cave Studios.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Maverick (December 2, 2025)
  • Length: 184 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781545821008

Raves and Reviews

"Wrack & Rune is the queer fantasy romance you wish you had when you were a kid. Chris Kappel's command of character and plot make it a delight to read, while Alex Arizmendi's confident linework empowers each scene, pulling between huge action and smaller moments with grace."

Josh Trujillo (writer Washington's Gay General, Captain America)

“This charmer about the magic and heartbreak that happens when one is coming-of-age made me want to come of age all over again… Wrack & Rune pulls it all off in a truly enchanting fashion.”

Sina Grace (writer, IcemanWest Hollywood Monster Squad)

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Chris Kappel

BACK TO TOP