An intriguing but slow-moving novel of paranormal mystery.
In Boglisch’s YA novel, a teen tries to figure out why he’s seeing what appear to be ghosts.
The novel is set in a future in which technology has supposedly advanced enough that there are no more fatal illnesses, and crime of all kinds has been eradicated. However, Kieran still gets terrible headaches, and afterward, he sees strange, silent, all-white figures that no one else seems to notice. His parents are aware of this odd ability, but for some reason, they tell him not to go to the hospital or to tell other people about it. Nevertheless, Kieran’s good friends Felix and Mira know about it, and they find it absolutely fascinating. Mira wants nothing more than to be able to see ghosts, as Kieran apparently does. Kieran, however, only wishes that he were normal—even more so now that the headaches are getting worse. Then he learns that the strange white figures are able to grab him—and hurt him. When he and Mira explore an allegedly haunted house trying to find some answers to their questions about the figures, Kieran sees one of them holding knives, and Mira ends up getting cut. Weirdly enough, another figure recently handed him a piece of paper with a single word scrawled on it: “Danger.” Although Mira and Felix keep calling them ghosts, Kieran isn’t so sure. There’s definitely something odd going on, and the people in authority may know more than they’re letting on. Boglisch provides readers with a slow-burning novel that still features some chills and thrills. The gradual reveal of the figures, their purpose, and even the world in which the characters live requires some patience on readers’ part, but there’s enough intrigue and mystery along the way to keep them engaged. The story takes place after an unspecified global pandemic, but the circumstances surrounding it are rather vague, leaving the book with a somewhat sketchy sense of place and time. However, the friends clearly care about one another and about helping Kieran solve the mystery, and their interactions give the novel focus and a sense of forward momentum.
An intriguing but slow-moving novel of paranormal mystery.Pub Date: April 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-62420-612-2
Page Count: 334
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Review Posted Online: June 25, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A delicious winter romance that shimmers with classic fairy-tale magic.
An 18-year-old’s encounter with the pale, mysterious, golden-eyed Starmaker transforms her from hamlet girl to magical apprentice.
Aurora Finch discovers she possesses the rare ability to channel sunlight—magic essential to the survival of snow-covered Reverie, her mountain village, “with peaks so high the Sun [cannot] rise above them.” Now she faces a harsh choice: Leave everything behind to train at the Starmaker’s enchanted castle or die as the untapped magic destroys her from within. Griffin excels at worldbuilding; the story is filled with elements and characters that feel both whimsical and real, from Tilly, a living snow angel who’s searching for herself, to Constance, an immortal rabbit. As the antagonism between Aurora and the cold, centuries-old Starmaker melts, their love story, which forms the heart of this tale, crackles with tension. Aurora emerges as a compelling hero—stubborn and brave—who refuses to be diminished by the overwhelming responsibilities thrust upon her. The romantic storyline proves both strong and emotionally involving as the author brings fresh twists to familiar elements, exploring the power of stories and how they shape our understanding of the world. White-presenting Aurora faces a devastating truth that creates urgency and heightens the emotional stakes that drive the story to its conclusion. This satisfying, sparkling fantasy will capture hearts with its well-developed setting and captivating love story.
A delicious winter romance that shimmers with classic fairy-tale magic. (author’s note) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
ISBN: 9781728256184
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Oct. 10, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2025
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
