I entered this book hesitantly because I find I'm pretty sensitive to teen angst and trendy slang that is likely to "go out of style" within the year. And, admittedly, interaction between teenagers did take some getting used to. With that said, the high stakes of this narrative and the crucial social commentary set this YA horror apart for me. I was really impressed by the range of emotions Lamar Giles infused in this horror focused on themes such as making a deal with the devil, the difference between healthy fear and harmful fear, and generational oppression. I really felt for Cade and his family, and I rooted for him the entire way.

A gripping first experience with this author!

CW: terminal illness