THE DAUGHTER OF DEATH

The Grim Reaper’s daughter must solve puzzles both magical and interpersonal.

In this third visit to Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, all the new students are gearing up for the annual Yule Hunt, a magical winter solstice scavenger hunt that will help them develop their gifts. The competition also gives the winner (or winners) an unspecified, though highly sought-after, prize. Thirteen-year-old Rosemary is eager to learn how to manage her visions, which show her how people will die, especially since she’s recently had a vision of her own death as the result of an icicle that “a masked stranger” throws at her. She’s unable to focus fully on the Hunt, however, since she’s also dealing with some of her friends, who are shunning her after learning that her father is the Grim Reaper. Then her roommate, Trym, begins acting strangely, and soon Rosemary develops suspicions about who’s to blame, although she’s unsure of their motivations. Readers will enjoy solving the Yule Hunt puzzles alongside Rosemary and seeing how quick thinking gets her out of some scary situations. The ending raises the stakes considerably for the next installment. Meanwhile, Rosemary’s developing relationship with her father provides a subplot with heart, and fairy Fern’s occasional interjections add humor. Central characters are cued white, and there’s diversity in the supporting cast.

An engaging adventure that’s sure to please series fans.