UNDER THE SKY

A teenager with strange abilities faces off against a demon in Alexander’s YA horror series-starter.

It’s 1990, and the Sanz family is moving into a new home in Virginia. When they first checked out the house,teenage Luke saw a figure with white eyes and bloody, scarred skin standing in one of the windows. However, he said nothing to his parents and two brothers. He’s long been able to see past and future events in his dreams or by touching people; his family member find it so unnerving that they avoid his touch, so he tries hard to suppress his ability, which results in anxiety. It isn’t any easier for him when he sees spirits, though; he even spies them at his new high school, and he can’t always distinguish them from living people. He quickly realizes that the creature haunting his new home is something that’s much more vicious than a spirit—it’s a demon who’s not only a danger to his family, but also to anyone that comes to visit the house. It’s looking to add more souls to those it’s already taken. Over the course of Alexander’s story, Luke proves to be a memorable protagonist; he’s an introvert by nature, but his long hair and habit of regularly working out to help his anxiety make him stand out at his new school. The author’s straightforward prose briskly moves from one tense scene to another as Luke’s uncontrollable visions hit without warning in public. Readers get a bit more insight into the demon than Luke does, although it remains a creepy mystery. The strong supporting cast give Luke several potential allies, including Luke’s dependable younger brother, Junior; his charming schoolmates Benji and Alyssa; and a centuries-old spirit who promises to be Luke’s guide, but proves to be much more. The final act delivers a satisfying wrap-up and a glimpse at where sequels may head next.

Well-developed characters enliven this frightfest.