This is what good YA fantasy looks like in 2025: original worldbuilding, a heroine who grows by questioning what she's been taught, and romance that doesn't overshadow the plot. The living grimoires are genuinely creepy and cool, and Rogerson doesn't talk down to her readers.
It's not perfect—some middle sections drag, and the gore might surprise readers expecting pure fluff—but it's miles better than most YA fantasy slush. If your teen loved A Darker Shade of Magic or is aging out of middle-grade but finds adult fantasy too dense, this is the sweet spot.
The themes about prejudice and propaganda are timely without being heavy-handed. And honestly? Any book that makes libraries feel dangerous and exciting deserves points for effort.






