RED THREADS

A dangerous presence haunts a magical boarding school.

On her way to her Tokyo high school, Hana frees a crow that’s tangled in netting. Soon afterward, she receives an invitation to attend a super-secret magic academy, the Benten School of Esoterics. Far from her bustling urban existence, the academy is located on a rural island which, according to legend, was one of the first islands of Japan created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Hana eagerly begins classes in shape-shifting, veiling, and other subjects, forging a special connection with loquacious Japanese Korean classmate Yoomi, whom she first met on the train to boarding school. Unfortunately, something sinister is at work in Benten’s halls, sucking the life out of the students and possibly even controlling the teachers. Fighting the ethereal evil requires inner strength and a sprinkle of magical self-discovery. The magical boarding school narrative will appeal to fans of this evergreen genre, and debut author Nguyen-Hayama’s interpretation delights in the particulars of Japanese myth, religion, and visual culture. Yōkai populate the island, students study traditional arts like omamori and mizuhiki, and holiday celebrations and quintessentially Japanese images that mark the passing of the seasons appear throughout. Manga fans, in particular, will appreciate the colorful, expressive illustrations.

A lively and engaging mystery with a strong emphasis on supernatural elements.