This is a fun story that has a great concept. I love the magical elements built in, and the mystery is exciting. I liked that all magical cultures were woven in: European vampires and fairies alongside Native coyote people and ghost walkers.

However, the writing is clunky and it feels much more like an elementary or middle grades novel. There are some very forced preachy moments to add in some history and social justice lessons, and some random quirky details that remind me of how my teenage students write.

Ellie felt more like a 10 year old, not 17, and the swear words and mentions of college just didn't age it up enough. For those excited that she's asexual, it's literally mentioned in passing once and has nothing to do with anything.

Overall, great idea, not great execution.