The author’s 11th novel—and first with Green Ferns Publishing House—arrives Aug. 11
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Myrtle Beach author Lisa Borne Graves will launch a gripping new dystopian romance series with the release of The Sorting, Book One of The Compass Chronicles, on Aug. 11, 2026.
Blending dystopian romance with elements of fantasy, The Sorting marks Graves’ 11th published book and her first release with Green Ferns Publishing House.
In the kingdom of Neolina, Jayra Baker’s future is not hers to choose. Upon completing her apprenticeship, she must either submit to the Sorting—a mysterious magical ceremony that identifies soulmates—or be forced into an arranged marriage by the ruling elite.
Jayra refuses both.
But when the mayor’s ruthless son targets her, Jayra’s dream of becoming an independent healer begins to collapse. Her only ally is Arin, a powerful warrior with dark secrets and a dangerous connection to her after a healing goes impossibly, magically wrong.
With political corruption tightening its grip and whispers of rebellion spreading, Jayra enters the Sorting as her last chance to escape. What she discovers could expose the truth behind Neolina’s walls, threaten those in power and ignite a revolution.
“This series—all my books, really—is about autonomy and how individuals fight to maintain control over their lives in worlds that control or oppress them,” Graves said. “The Sorting, specifically, focuses on a woman fighting against the plans a corrupt patriarchal society has for her, where love is a force she finds terrifying due to its demand for vulnerability. But she also learns love can be a catalyst for growth—and that it could change the restrictive world she lives in.”
Graves has already played an integral role in shaping Green Ferns Publishing House and its growing catalog.
“Lisa has shown off her sharp skill and creative mind as editor-in-chief for most of our releases thus far,” said Green Ferns Creative Director Kelly Capriotti Burton. “It’s a thrill to launch her first Green Ferns title, and we’re excited for her to expand her audience with The Sorting.”
Filled with forbidden love, magical soulmate bonds, dangerous secrets and a determined heroine unwilling to surrender her future, The Sorting will appeal to fans of romantic dystopian fantasy and high-stakes young adult adventures.
The paperback edition will retail for $17.99, with the ebook available for $4.99. Both formats will be available wherever books are sold beginning Aug. 11.
Graves will celebrate the release with two upcoming book signings:
Saturday, Aug. 15, at Barnes & Noble in The Market Common, Myrtle Beach
Saturday, Aug. 22, at Our Next Chapter Bookstore in Downtown Conway
About Lisa Borne Graves
Lisa Borne Graves is a Myrtle Beach-based author and the editor-in-chief of Green Ferns Publishing House. Her work explores autonomy, identity, love and the struggle to maintain control in oppressive worlds. The Sorting, her 11th published book, begins her new dystopian romance series, The Compass Chronicles, and marks her first release with Green Ferns Publishing House.
About Green Ferns Publishing House
Founded by authors in the Carolinas, Green Ferns Publishing House is a Myrtle Beach-based, author-led independent press blending traditional publishing expertise with the innovative spirit of indie publishing. Green Ferns publishes character-driven fiction across genres including Southern literature, mystery, thriller, fantasy and fantasy romance, championing both emerging and established voices through an author-first approach. Learn more at greenfernspress.com.
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