Immersed in multilayered personal relationships and engrossing mysteries.
A young medium and her ex–best friend are haunted by ghosts from their own pasts.
Sixteen-year-old Mina Zanetti has finally convinced her mother to fully train her as a medium in the secret family business. But Mina’s first night goes wrong in a way that is deeply tied to her former best friend, Evelyn Mackenzie, and the friendship-ending mistake they made by attempting a summoning together 6 years prior. Pushed by desperation, socio-economically disadvantaged Evelyn’s second summoning unleashes dangerous consequences for both girls. At the heart of their troubles are spirits tied to a scandal that rocked their idyllic Long Island town when they were children: the unsolved murders of three teenagers. Between the mechanics of mediumship and the twists and turns of the mystery of what brought the Cliffside Trio to their bad ends, the bisexual leads’ growing reconnection turns toward mutual romantic feelings. Their relationship reads well because of their respect for one another, shared struggles against isolation, and contrasting personalities (put-together, controlled Mina designs her own fashion collection, while fiery, environmentally minded Evelyn wants to escape their town to study marine ecology). Side characters broaden the world and mysteries, appearing in ways that never slow the plot (with lovely depictions of female friendships in particular). The descriptions of the magic and hauntings are sensory delights, and the ending leaves plot threads for future books. Main characters are White, and there’s diversity among side characters.
Immersed in multilayered personal relationships and engrossing mysteries. (Paranormal. 12-18)Pub Date: April 19, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5753-6
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Jan. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2022
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
A fantasy with complex characterization that will build anticipation for the next entry.
Three young people find their places in a world of vengeance and destiny in National Book Award winner Tahir’s duology opener set in the multicultural world of her An Ember in the Ashes series.
Aiz, from the impoverished nation of Kegar, seeks revenge against Tiral bet-Hiwa, an air squadron commander who, as a child, murdered Aiz’s fellow orphans. Guided by a voice claiming to be Mother Div, Kegar’s first queen, Aiz escapes imprisonment after her failed assassination attempt on Tiral and embarks on a journey to free Mother Div’s trapped spirit. In the Martial Empire, Sirsha, a skilled tracker with magical abilities who’s been banished from her homeland, is saved by a stranger who hires her to hunt an unnatural killer. Quil, the crown prince of the Martial Empire, faces an invasion by the Kegari and the lingering threat of a mysterious force responsible for recent murders, including those of two of his loved ones. As the storylines converge, Sirsha and Quil cross paths, leading to revelations about the insidious force. The story explores the blurred line between good and evil and the lengths one will go to for a better life. Tahir’s deep and intricate worldbuilding requires time for readers to fully grasp. Following a slow start, the plot engages as pieces fall into place, leading up to an unexpected ending. The beautiful writing compensates for the romantic relationships, which develop quickly and somewhat inorganically.
A fantasy with complex characterization that will build anticipation for the next entry. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9780593616949
Page Count: 496
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
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