The Darkest Note: Dark High School Bully Romance (Redwood Kings) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Darkest Note: Dark High School Bully Romance (Redwood Kings)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2024

32%

WISE Score

4.3

Amazon

Think 'Gossip Girl' but with 500% more toxicity and a lead singer who definitely needs a restraining order.

The Darkest Note: Dark High School Bully Romance (Redwood Kings)

book

2024

32%

WISE Score

4.3

Amazon

Think 'Gossip Girl' but with 500% more toxicity and a lead singer who definitely needs a restraining order.

4.3

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Screenwise Verdict

The Darkest Note is part of the 'Dark Bully Romance' wave that’s all over TikTok, and it’s basically relationship junk food. It’s not here to teach lessons or build character; it’s here to deliver high-octane drama and questionable romantic choices.

If your teen is reading this, they aren't looking for a moral compass—they're looking for a soap opera. Just make sure they know that in the real world, Dutch Cross wouldn't be a 'king,' he'd be a lawsuit waiting to happen. It's not 'bad' writing for its specific genre, but it's definitely not what I'd call 'enriching' or 'safe' for the average middle-schooler.

Age Fit

This is strictly for the 17+ crowd. It’s written for older teens and adults who already know that a guy trying to 'break' you isn't a soulmate—it's a red flag. Younger teens will likely find the 'monster' behavior either too intense or, worse, aspirational.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The plot centers on a 'monster' trying to 'break' a girl. It's the antithesis of emotionally healthy modeling, prioritizing toxic obsession over kindness or cooperation.

Imaginative

It leans heavily into well-worn 'cruel prince' and 'scholarship girl' tropes. While the musical prodigy angle adds a layer, it's a standard dark romance template.

Safe

Explicitly marketed as a 'bully romance.' It contains aggressive, possessive behavior and 'brutal' treatment of the protagonist that would be disturbing for younger or sensitive readers.

Enriching

While there's a thread of resilience, the primary 'lesson' is that abuse and obsession are precursors to romance. It's pure melodrama without much ethical substance.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The protagonist, Cadence, is a talented musician with actual drive and a backbone.
High-stakes 'Redwood Prep' drama for readers who want an escape into a world of over-the-top rich-kid cruelty.
It explores the 'enemies-to-lovers' arc with extreme intensity for fans of the dark romance genre.

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What to Watch For

The 'hero' is intentionally written as a predator/bully, which can be triggering or confusing for younger readers.
Heavy themes of emotional abuse being framed as a romantic 'spark.'
The 'dark' label isn't just for show; the bullying is persistent and mean-spirited.

Conversation Starters

"Why do we sometimes find 'mean' characters attractive in stories but scary in real life?"
"Where is the line between a guy being 'complicated' and a guy being actually dangerous?"
"If Dutch treated a friend of yours like this, what would you tell them to do?"
"How does Cadence use her music as a way to cope with the stress of her school environment?"

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