Rick Riordan Presents: The Dark Becomes Her

by Judy I. Lin

Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison, ventures into horror with Rick Riordan Presents in this a sinister tale of the supernatural, sisterhood, and the shadows that rule our darkest desires. Perfect for fans of Ryan La Sala and Trang Thanh Tran.

Ruby Chen has always played the part of the dutiful eldest excelling in school; excelling in piano lessons; excelling at keeping her younger sister, Tina, focused on extracurriculars meant to impress college admissions officers.

But when a ghost from the spirit world attacks Ruby in the middle of Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood, her life is plunged into a darkness that no amount of duty can free her from. Overnight, Ruby’s sister seems to change. There are strange noises coming from her bedroom at all hours; and the once sweet, funny Tina has been replaced by something dark and unnatural.

As Ruby races to save her sister from demonic possession, she is thrown into an ancient battle over the gateway to the underworld. On one side, a sinister traveling temple known for making dark wishes come true has returned to Chinatown after many years—intent on breaking down the gateway and unleashing the wickedness within. On the other side, the guardians determined to stop this encroaching evil

And in order to survive, Ruby must not only face the horror taking over her community, but must also confront the horror within herself.

Chinese and Taiwanese mythology get the Junji Ito treatment in this bone-chilling, propulsive story that takes the horrors of the Asian diaspora experience to a whole new level.

Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, now a hit series on Disney+.

Look for these other young adult titles from Rick Riordan Presents
Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older
It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass
A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Fiction, Paranormal, Contemporary

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Judy I. Lin is the #1 New York Times-bestselling and award-winning author of fantasy and horror books for young adults, including the Book of Tea duology, Song of the Six Realms, The Dark Becomes Her and the upcoming Avatar Legends: City of Echoes. Judy was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She grew up with her nose in a book and loved to escape to imaginary worlds. She now works as an occupational therapist and still spends her nights dreaming up imaginary worlds of her own. She lives on the Canadian prairies with her husband and daughters.

Reviews

[Sarah (berriesandbooks) *semi hiatus*]

judy lin 🤝 aesthetically stunning covers

[Lance]

Horror with Judy I. Lin’s writing? I’m intrigued 👀

[DianaRose · Rating 3 out of 5]

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an alc!

3.5 stars

i’ve really been enjoying horror lately, especially horror that is inspired/revolves around spiritualism/religion from other cultures

as for the narrator, she did a fantastic job!

[♡ A ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dark Becomes Her follows Ruby Chen, the eldest daughter in her family. She’s always played her role perfectly: high grades in school, piano, and keeping her siblings focused on the same. But her younger sister, Tina, is rebelling and more focused on her own interests. When Ruby is attacked by a terrifying ghost, she’s plunged into the dark spirit world and her sister appears affected too. Tina is different, keeping more secrets and acting strange. Ruby meets Shen, someone who can see ghosts like her, and together they work to save Tina from demonic procession and greater power than they know.

I have some mixed feelings on this book. I really enjoyed the author's first duology so I was anticipating this one. I also really wanted to love this book because its set in Vancouver’s Chinatown. I so rarely find books set in BC let alone Vancouver and I was so excited. That being said, I think I was expecting more landmark references, and the setting really only rotates between four places. With that being said, the settings we did get to see were entertaining. I liked the mall and how everything was happening there. The pace was pretty good, but it did drag a bit with Ruby’s internal monologue. I enjoyed the first half more than the second. I loved the eerie vibes and monstrous ghosts and the terrifying quality of the unknown. I also really enjoyed the Taiwanese mythology—very cool and not something I know a lot about, but am now very curious to learn more.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance. It felt very sudden and quick and I would’ve preferred the romance confession closer to the end. I’m more of a slowburn girl and this was too fast for my taste. Some of the plot twists were easy to guess, but still enjoyable. Ruby was a pretty good main character. I think she’s accurately written for being the eldest daughter. I liked seeing the family dynamic and especially Denny—he was cute. Shen and Delia were good too. I liked when they all started interacting more as their friendships were sweet.

Overall, if you like ghost stories, mythology, Asian diaspora, or YA horror, this is definitely worth a read this spooky season!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Patty (IheartYA311) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and well written, but I won't remember it sadly. I really liked the strong main character. This was definitely a cover buy - love the cover!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was slow at the beginning but I really enjoyed the last 30%. The only issue was that they felt like different books to me, which was a little jarring. I also liked the characters and the Taiwanese/Chinese folklore, but I was left wanting more. A lot of the folklore (as well as the plot overall) was told rather than shown. I think this was why it was easy for me to zone out at times, which then made it hard to connect with the story. While this wasn't my favorite book I still think it was decent enough!

[julia ☆ [owls reads]]

DNF @ 34%

The writing style really isn't for me. I also have such a difficult time with Ruby's perspective and her overall personality. I've gotten to the part where we get a few answers, but even that is done is such a quick way that is really underwhelming. :(

[MiniMicroPup (X Liscombe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.
I loved the psychological horror, vivid imagery, and challenges the main character faced. What dulled it for me was the lengthy, hard-to-visualize action scenes and overly chatty Big Bad villain moments.

Energy: Secretive. Thoughtful. Enduring.

🐕 Howls The action scenes were dense and lasted a long time with so many moving parts it was hard to keep track of who was where and who was still alive, what was happening. Dialogue in the final battle scenes was a little cheesy and cliché with the villain taunting and explaining everything in the middle of high-stake chaos. I pictured them yelling over the noise of destruction, which just felt cartoonish (to be fair, I’m not a big action-adventure scene reader, so that may have been part of it).

🐩 Tail Wags Intense, vivid imagery that kinda scared me sometimes. Effortlessly formed scenes in my mind. Painful but all too real exploration of good kids being crushed by the intense pressure of parents’ expectations.

Scene: 🇨🇦 Set in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Perspective: Our 16-year-old main character loves playing piano, but their parents’ view it only as an ‘in’ to a good University. They also can see ghouls, thought it’s never been a problem before…unit now.
Timeline: 2020s. 🍂 ❄️Fall and winter.
🔥 Fuel: Prose. World-building and spiritual system. Intrigue. High stakes emotional investment. Quests and journeys. What are the macabre things our main character is seeing? Can they hurt her? Why has her little sister changed so much? Will she be able to save her?
📖 Cred: Fantastical folklore realism

Mood Reading Match-Up:
Bus 22. Alleyway. Tiger tattoo. Half-empty mall. Bubble tea. Playing piano. Talisman. Snowflakes. Darkness.
• Ghoulish gore and frights
• Strict parents, denied interests
• Strained sibling bonds
• Psychological Taiwanese folklore fantasy horror
• Possession and spirits
• Curses and talismans
• Vivid, immersive world building
• Short, one-more-page chapters
• Wholesome hero romance
• Spiritual war and sacrifice
• Good vs evil in plain sight urban atmosphere
• Seeing through the main character’s eyes narrative style

Content Heads-Up: Pandemic (very brief mentions; change in parental employment). Vomit. Racism (discrimination; memories). Hierarchical/strict upbringing. Murder (on page). Blood. Fire (structure). Body horror (injuries, attacks).

Rep: Canadian. Second generation Taiwanese. Cis. Hetero. Queer. Bi, questioning. Lesbian. Pale and ambiguous skin tones.

📚 Format: Library Hardcover

My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶

[Casey Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixteen year old Ruby Chen is a good daughter. She looks out for her younger siblings, excels at piano, and gets good grades. Forget the fact that she sees spirits--she has learned not to tell anyone about it. Her life flips upside down when she is attacked by a spirit in the middle of Vancouver's Chinatown. Overnight, her sister Tina starts acting strange, like she is possessed by a demon. It seems they might be after her little brother too. With the help of her friend Delia and new mysterious boy in her life Shen, Ruby discovers that there is a whole world of demons, spirits and gods. A nefarious traveling temple that makes wishes come true, a battle over the gateway to the underworld, and navigating her first crush--Ruby has a lot to contend with. All while trying to save her family, maintain her grades, keep up with piano, and act normal for her parents. 

The Dark Becomes Her is a gripping, sort of dark, story layered with Taiwanese mythology. The story is entertaining and the fantastical elements are great, but as a YA book, there are also relatable teen emotions. Like dealing with a crush, not being able to stand your family and yet still loving them and wanting them to be ok, becoming your own person, and the pressures of succeeding in school and extracurriculars. Overall, I really enjoyed it and think it's an excellent YA fantasy/horror. I really think it could resonate with some younger readers!

[Pang]

I'm curious on Horror from Taiwanese folklore. 🤭

[trace ♡°。 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book grew on me! Solid 3.5 star read.

Let’s start with what stood out: I really enjoyed the cultural depth and folklore woven into the story. Lin creates relatable characters, especially within Ruby, whose experiences as the eldest daughter can resonate deeply with many readers. Particularly for readers from diverse cultural or minority backgrounds. A lot of people can emphasize and directly understand Ruby’s role as an older sibling and example —masking her emotions and performing for everyone’s needs. Though outside of her character, I found Ruby’s efforts to save her siblings from dark forces more interesting. Her journey is one of regaining control in many ways, but also one that will spark conversation around family ties and expectations.

A large of aspect of this book that I’m sure readers will enjoy is the nostalgic choice of setting paired with fantastical and mythical elements. Lin uses them to further connect the reader to Ruby’s experiences simultaneously shining a line on the variety of methods one can fall prey—as we see with her sister.

Upon reflection I liked this read more than I initially did when finishing. I appreciated the authors choices, but it wasn’t without its challenges. The pacing was slow at times, with moments that dragged enough for me to almost DNF the book. The romance subplot also felt rushed and unnecessary—it was too predictable for my taste, though I’m sure other readers might enjoy rooting for it.

While the story is engaging overall, I wish it had leaned further into the horror elements. Much of the tension came from paranormal moments tied to the mythos, which were compelling but didn’t quite deliver the scares I was hoping for. That said, the author does a fantastic job capturing the emotional complexity of grieving someone who’s still alive—watching them change into someone else and grappling with the sacrifices required to protect both them and yourself during that process. Isn’t that sisterhood? lol

Ultimately, this is a coming-of-age tale rooted in family bonds, enriched by fantastical and folkloric elements that made it entertaining and, at times, captivating. While not perfect, it’s a story I think many will enjoy.

[vxmpslibrary [hiatus exams] · Rating 5 out of 5]

- 4.9 stars

☕🍂 review˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚
A starting letter from Rick Riordan itself? Oh my....

I feel like this book was so good, and after recollecting some of my thoughts, I am rating this 4.9 stars (does that even exist)

I must say, this book intrigued me from the start and till the end, and I loved that I was so invested in it. 

Ruby Chen - Oh my this girl was so relatable to me even though she's the older one and I am the younger one, and I loved her, but the way she had to handle everything was so sad, she needed to be perfect one so that her younger sister adopts it all from her in a good influence, and from every moment I saw herself in me, there was never a moment I felt ever bored reading it all from her pov.

Kai-Shen - for someone who has Kai in his name, is so perfect, and yes I loved him, the way he helped Ruby the first time and how he's more like a bit sunshine one and is falling helping her. From the starting he went cold so that she doesn't bothers him to he can't see her get hurt.

Even though the romance was underdeveloped, like there not like much part of a romance plot ( even though this book is not wholely on romance ) but I'm glad that I get to see moments of Shen and Ruby even THOUGH they were so normal like no romance until like they realised it I still ate it since it's my hobby to look romance where it doesn't even exists or is a subplot.

Tina : it took me a while to realise that she was possess like my bad😞✋ I feel like I was a bit confused how it switches from past to present for the memories, but pushing it aside, I feel like we never got to actually witness her real personality when she's not possessed by the demon atleast not until the very end.

I loved Shen's sister as well the way she helped Ruby in all this and they both actually with preparing talismans and all and literally saved her family from the curse that was put upon them.

I loved Delia as well, her love for hope was heartbreaking, and I really loved how she supported Ruby and the way she talks and comforts, she's the best ever friend u could ask for.

The fact this was so intriguing, I am sorry to say that it didn't disappointed me in the least, from the starting till the very end, I was so invested in this that I really did completed it in a whole day. 

Though I feel like we do miss some points at end though, well it's alright.

The epilogue was so good <3.

Overall, This book was perfect for October, highly recommend!!

[Sobbin’ Scenes]

First of all, this sounds sick. Second of all, it’s set in Canada! Knew I could count on bestie Judy I Lin for that. Excited to see what cool magic & creatures we have in store this time :)

[Clover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
A story of strength, friendship, love, and responsibilities placed on you by family against the backdrop of Vancouver's Chinatown and Taiwanese folk beliefs.

CW // blood, gore, body horror, ritual death, ghosts/spirits, family pressure, violence, ritual self-harm, demonic possession, loss of parents, mental illness

Ruby is the typical Taiwanese older sister. She's expected to keep her grades up, get into the best schools, all while ensuring her sister and younger brother stay safe. Yet Ruby's sister, Tina, has other plans that don't involve Ruby or their parents path for her. Ruby becomes increasingly worried as their relationship becomes more strained and she's starting to see spirits again. With the help of new friends, Shen and Delia, Ruby is ready to fight for her sister and get to the bottom of her bizarre behaviour and hopefully stop the spirits that keep attacking her.

----

This book is beautiful. It's dark and creepy and even bloody in parts. It uses traditional Chinese characters in the perfect way. Sometimes it's explained exactly, sometimes it's vaguely understood, and others it's simply there. This created the perfect mix for me as I'm also from an immigrant family. Sometimes you understand completely, sometimes you get the gist, and other times you have no idea what people are saying and you feel that shameful burn of being an outsider to your own culture. It was painfully beautiful in the ways she captures this experience within the Asian diaspora.

The darkness was perfect. I loved how she turned Vancouver's Chinatown into a truly haunted place, speaking a lot about the hopes and dreams of immigrant families through the generations. I loved the spirits and the folk traditions. I think her author's note is important to remember. The setting and atmosphere was great and really made for great scenes and images.

Overall, this book is amazing. It's Canadian. It's written by a woman. It's authentic. It's dark and full of great themes. I loved that she included a glossary! I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

So happy to have found this at my local library! Check your local library or bookstore, I hope you love it as much as I do!

[Summerfire · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ending was wildly disappointing. Shu-Ling possessed, maybe fixable? Unknown. She just disappears. It's not even upsetting. She's presented as unlikeable, even though there's nothing really wrong with what she's doing, and we don't spend enough time with her to care. Mr. Lee is the big bad and ALSO Shen and Shu-Ling's uncle? We didn't know they had any other family, in fact it was implied that they very didn't. His reasoning is barely explained, he apparently is just jealous so decides to initiate hell on earth. Mmkay. Delia's brought back from the dead somehow. They all are dead/have broken bones by the end of the battle but still can sit and chuckle a bit while the battle wraps up and Shu-Ling sits possessed and in chains within sight. I cannot describe how silly and rushed the end was. How did they get the call for help out to the Wardens? Who knows. Not me.

Ruby was still whiny and useless by the end. Maybe not useless , maybe just extremely low utility. We skip A YEAR and just drop "oh and this happened" and nothing about the actual ramifications of the battle. Wild. Absolutely wild behavior. I liked Shen and I liked Delia and that was about it. Ruby being able to see spirits was a big nothing burger that didn't make a difference in the story at all. Set it up for maybe a sequel because if there isn't going to be a second one, that ending was truly unacceptable.

[ShannonXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

It failed to mention that when it snows just a little bit Vancouver falls apart.

This was great, though! A quick read that was super entertaining with some creepy horror moments. The monsters were unique, the characters were vivid, and Ruby's struggles so real. The parallels of what was going on with the first generation immigrant guilt was fascinating and made me feel for Ruby and her sister so much. Also, I love love love that this was set in Vancouver. Books never are so this was a real treat.

[Lola Bodelier · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! Loved it so much! Perfect for the spooky season 🎃👻

[elsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5✨

Loved the setting and the creepy vibes and the characters but somehow it felt really mediocre. Idk if I’ll remember that I read this in a month.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judy Lin’s The Dark Becomes Her was the perfect spooky October read. Full of Taiwanese mythology, family drama and self-discovery, I devoured it! The characters were relatable while also experiencing a life completely different from my own upbringing. The character development and relationships is balanced with the creepy mystery of what is happening with Ruby and her sister. I loved Delia and Shu Ling and enjoyed the small romance subplot. I do feel like the end was a little rushed and the loss of one of the characters at the end glossed over but I can see the opportunity for a second book to spend more time on this. I would recommend this for high schoolers and up. Thank you to NetGalley for the arc copy for early review.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me reading horror voluntarily? Wild. This one had an intriguing premise: sisters and ghosts and gods in the Taiwanese community in Vancouver. I really liked how Ruby learned more about Chinatown, her own community's history, and thought deeply about why her parents acted as they did, even if the narrative never absolves them of how terrible they are to Ruby and Tina. This one worked for me on a lot of levels.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin follows Ruby as she tries to battle the demonic presence taking over her neighborhood Chinatown and within her own family. I really enjoyed the tone of the book, as YA horror is something that is tonally difficult to pull of with enough horror and tension while still remaining in the age range. I think Lin pulled it off beautifully, and the book had high stakes with real consequences, gory scenes, and a sense of tension throughout the story. I also appreciated the elements of Taiwanese folklore and culture, and the amount of care that was put into Ruby's situation as the eldest daughter in a traditional household.

The parts that were lacking for me and didn't make this a true five star had mostly to do with the pacing. The romance in the book felt a little rushed, and a lot of the action was packed into small sections of the book.

Overall, the writing is beautiful, the storytelling is phenomenal, and the book overall will definitely be a win for YA readers (and older) who enjoy a horror story influenced by folklore and mythology.

[Snoodlebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book at a conference and have to say it has been one of my favorites! This is a wonderful, age appropriate fantasy horror for younger readers! The Taiwanese culture and visits to Chinatown in Vancouver were amazing! Judy Lin follows Rick Riordan’s example in bringing the gods and goddesses of the culture to light and educating those of different cultures about them. Throughout the book there is the purposeful sprinkling of Chinese characters and I wish I had realized there was an appendix at the back that defined these characters.

[donutdot · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved this a whole lot more than i thought i would. i suppose it's no secret that i love watching horror movies, but horror books not so much. i seldom ever see taiwanese folk religion and their minor gods portrayed in books. i liked The Incantation (2022) and The Rope Curse movies a whole lot so seeing these deities, how they work and the whole story explored is very interesting to me.

i liked the way horror is portrayed in this book too. there is just this spooky atmosphere throughout, especially when Ruby walks through the empty mall in the evening. the way the mystery unfolds is very interesting too and the final conclusion of Mrs Tsai and Mr Lee being behind it with Hope at the centre of it was super satisfying. though i was hoping (get it) that Ruby would do more in that final showdown. though that part when the dieties come down to subdue Junyan was epic af.

the only thing i didn't like about the book was how Ruby's parents are literal caricatures of asian parent stereotypes. perhaps it's because i didn't grow up as a second gen taiwanese immigrant in canada, but seriously the way they are in the book grated at me, how they put their image and what they think is the 'best' for their children is absolutely terrible and there is no development to their character at all. maybe that's the point?

i related more to Tina than i did Ruby. for context i am an only child, so. not sure how much that plays into my experience. i have gotten into shouting matches with my parents to let me study creative writing and i begged them not to send me to piano as a kid just because everyone else seemed to come preprogrammed with a musical instrument and i wasn't. but that aside, i did like Ruby's arc a lot, of how she doesn't exactly stand up to her parents' expectation in the end, but learns to draw strength from the people who do support her like Shen and Delia.

i really loved the found family with Shen and Delia actually. yes there is the romance with Shen but i like that it's understated and soft just in the background and mainly in the second half of the book. because thank god it's not instalove. but i like seeing the way the three of them bond and work together and the way Delia is kind of like an older sister to them like Shu-Ling. with the main trio being conduits now, i hope there's gonna be more of this story world.

okay one more thing is that i would read a whole prequel of this about Delia and Hope with an epilogue of them together in the present. pleaseee.

[Julianne S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sad to be giving this book two stars, because it had a lot of potential and has a fair amount going for it, particularly its setting - the descriptions of Chinatown, the food, the way that music frames and plays into the story. It's just the plot that didn't hang together for me at all. The "twist" villains were obvious from the moment they were introduced, but their plans and goals never quite made sense. And I wanted more details of the mythology and folklore. So many elements weren't clearly explained, and others were clear enough but should've gotten a lot more page-time and story focus.

The most frustrating thing about the book, though, is that the majority of the main character's arc and inner monologue are centered on her relationship with her parents and the crushing, dehumanizing way in which she's being raised. I get that far too many people in the real world are raised by overly strict and manipulative parents, and that it has far-reaching consequences that color all aspects of their lives; but it does make the book a bit of a slog to read, especially considering how much the clarity of the protagonist's unhappiness clashes against the vagueness of the rest of the story.

[Kaavya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Rick Riordan Presents for the ARC. This was an amazing, terrifying read. I really enjoyed Ruby's character. Her life feels extremely claustrophobic as she has to be the responsible eldest daughter that meets her parents expectations. I found her struggles relatable. I really enjoyed how the horror intersected with the experience of being the eldest daughter. Often times, the worst part of struggling is to not have anyone whom you can really talk about it with. This book was also really scary and tense, I don't think I'll be able to sleep at night. I enjoyed the romance, it felt really natural and well done, plus it was so cute. I also really enjoyed the friendships and siblinghood, it was sweet how much Ruby cares for her younger sister and brother. Also, the piano bits were amazing, I love the way Judy Lin wrote the scenes where Ruby is playing the piano or listening to music, those scenes were especially beautiful.

[faria · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was definitely drawn to this because of the influence of taiwanese mythology - i think i’ll always be drawn to books that contain the authors culture and folklore.

not only did it tackle being the eldest daughter in an immigrant family - the expectations that are enforced, the struggle to reconcile caring for your family whilst also quietly resenting the position you’ve been put in. i think this topic was approached so perfectly.

the story itself was incredible. the ghosts, the guardians, the afterlife. i absolutely loved it all, i was completely enraptured, i couldn’t stop reading. i personally really enjoyed the romance, maybe it was a bit rushed but i think this matched the situation they were in.

if you enjoy mythology, ghost stories, horror, you’re going to love this! it’s a perfectly seasonal october spooky read!

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by Katharine Chin. I had a good time, it takes religion, mythology and different cultures and turns it into a very creepy and adventurous horror fantasy.

Our FMC is honestly so brave throughout considering how naive she is at first. She goes through so much, trying to protect her family while battling threats and trying to keep her life as normal as possible.

I loathe and enjoyed the traditional parents, they annoyingly and stereotypically held their children to a high standard and work ethic. I like how the author uses this and relates it back to the temple/wishes and how unmaintainable standards can be the root of the problem.

There is a tiny bit of romance, keep in mind this is very YA. It’s cute though and after all the FMC Ruby went through, she deserved a little romance a long the way.

[Solly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this as I drove to and back from Ikea, then as I spent the day putting furniture together all on my own (it was a struggle). Anyway all that to say that I barely took a break from listening to this the whole day, it was super enjoyable, with some truly gross horror moments (yay!) and a great look at difficult family dynamics with an eldest daughter MC always trying to be a model for her family even if it costs her her relationship with her younger sister and her own happiness. It was a wild ride towards the end but I really enjoyed it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up

Judy Lin won me over with A Magic Steeped in Poison a few years ago, and now I will auto read all her future books because of it.

This was a cool foray into YA horror and I really enjoyed the Taiwanese mythology and the build up to what seems like it’ll be something big. Hopefully we get a sequel???? Please.

The monsters/demons/creatures were vivid and terrifying, but the scariest parts of the book (to me) were the possession scenes.