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 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.
A Flicker in the Dark follows Chloe Davis, the daughter of a convicted serial killer, as new disappearances in her hometown mirror her father’s crimes. The novel explores trauma, memory, identity, and fear, raising questions about whether we can ever truly escape the past.
Ilaria Tuti’s The Sleeping Nymph combines mystery, history, and women’s strength in a haunting tale of art and murder. Teresa Battaglia must unravel a decades-old secret tied to an ancient sect of women, confronting both personal demons and the darkness of human nature.