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.
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.
Welcome to the Grandest Game, a high stakes competition designed to give anyone a chance at fortune. Seven golden ticket holders enter with different motives, secrets, and ambitions. As challenges grow more dangerous, tensions rise and alliances shift. Each puzzle pushes the players mentally and physically, revealing who is willing to bend the rules to win.
Molly Gray is not like everyone else. Her Gran taught her simple rules to navigate a complicated world. After Gran passes away, Molly throws herself into her work as a hotel maid. Her routines and love of order comfort her until she enters a guest’s suite and finds him dead. Suddenly Molly is swept into a mystery filled with secrets, misunderstandings, and suspects. She must rely on her instincts and unexpected friends to uncover the truth.