Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
The Dark We Know is a debut novel that offers a mysterious and pensive look at the cyclical nature of trauma, wrapped in a spooky horror package. While the excellent premise—an art student confronting a supernatural entity linked to her past—will appeal to fans of Hill House, the book suffers from vague backstories and a lack of character development.
The Encanto’s Daughter has potential with its magical, Filipino-mythology plot, but the execution falls short. The narrative is weighed down by irrelevant details and sluggish pacing, making it difficult to recommend for a high school audience. While the main character is likable, the book needed more focus and stronger character development.
This graphic novel adaptation of Grand Master of Demonic Cultivation offers fast paced mystery, reincarnation, and magic, though it loses some of the depth and character nuance found in the original novel. The reviewer notes that while the art conveys key moments, the story moves quickly and can be hard to follow. Featuring music based magic through instruments like the flute and guqin, it offers unique classroom connections and an engaging blend of fantasy, ghosts, and mystery.
The Wilderness of Girls starts strong with an intriguing mix of mystery, identity, and survival. Reviewer Tami Rigling notes that while the opening captivates, the story becomes confusing as major details go unresolved, especially the question of who Mother is. Simple black and white illustrations add atmosphere but not clarity. With its emotional intensity and ambiguous ending, this book may appeal to readers who enjoy darker, unresolved stories but may frustrate others.
Marta lives quietly in the attic of the Hotel Balzaar while her mother works as a maid. One day a mysterious countess arrives with a parrot she claims was once a general. She promises Marta seven stories, each told in order. As Marta listens, she begins to sense that the tales might be connected to her missing father. Each unfinished story leaves her wondering what is real and what is imagined as she searches for answers hidden within the countess’s words.