L'Académie de l'entre-mondes

The Labyrinth of Souls #1

by Leslie Vedder, Aude Carlier (Translator), Krystel (Illustrator)

Au royaume de Spinar, le seul moyen d’éviter d’attirer les Calamités est de suivre les 7 règles des Âmes, la plus importante étant évidemment : ne jamais, jamais, jamais, pénétrer dans le Labyrinthe des Âmes. Mais pour Sam Fall, le Labyrinthe est le seul moyen de sauver son père. Alors, elle prétend que, comme le commun des mortels, elle ne voit pas les Cauchemars, qui peuplent le Labyrinthe et se glissent dans son monde, et encore moins qu’elle les attire. Ou qu’elle est devenue amie avec une des Calamités elle-même, Chaos. Ou qu’elle s’introduit presque chaque jour dans le Labyrinthe pour chercher son père, qui y a disparu il y a 10 ans. Mais elle ne peut garder son secret pour toujours : le Candle Corps, l’ordre chargé de combattre les Cauchemars et les Calamités, découvre bientôt ses talents. Si elle ne veut pas être exilée, elle va devoir rejoindre leur ordre. Mais quelque chose rôde dans le Labyrinthe, quelque chose d’encore plus terrible que les Calamités, et Sam et ses nouveaux amis vont bientôt devoir y faire face…

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, LGBT, Queer, Paranormal, Childrens

548 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2025

About the author

Leslie Vedder (she/her) is a queer ace author who loves girl adventurers and heroes! She grew up on fantasy books, anime, fanfiction and the Lord of the Rings movies, and met her true love in high school choir. She currently lives in Colorado with her wife and her cat Fox Mulder, who believes the treats are out there.

When she's not reading or writing, you can find her watching anime and sci-fi shows, walking in the woods and pretending they're enchanted forests, or playing old video games. She always collects all the Skulltulas in Zelda and all the Dalmation puppies in Kingdom Hearts.

Her debut YA THE BONE SPINDLE was an ABA indie bestseller.

Reviews

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Students in upper elementary and middle school will enjoy this magical mystery. There’s a lot to like here, but, for me personally, I felt like it borrowed a bit too much from other tales. There’s a cat-like entity that straight up is the Cheshire Cat, and readers will notice lots of similarities to Harry Potter. I liked the book, but I wish it had been a little more unique. That said, I think that it will be a hit with children.

Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

CW: Some scenes are genuinely scary…make sure that your child can handle the horror elements before handing them a copy.

[★Sophia★ (Frieder's Version)]

If Leslie Vedder writes it I will read it

[Courtney Lanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but Leslie Vedder is an auto-purchase author for me after the Bone Spindle trilogy.

I loved little Ix and her friends Olie and Morrigan. The Labyrinth was such a beautiful and horrifying world to explore. From the mist cats to the inkys. It was everything I wanted from a new magical school book.

This is the HP we deserved as children.

I hope for at least a few more adventures from Ix in the future. And I want to see so much more of Smiles. Best kitty. <3

[Alesandra: banter_or_bust · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Labyrinth of Souls
The Labyrinth of Souls book 1
By Leslie Vedder
Illustrated by Abigail Larson
Narrated by Jeremy Carlisle Parker
5 ⭐️

This felt like a solid, solid, middle grade adventure. On the spooky side with vivid imagery throughout. I personally love this for a Harry Potter-like alternative. The potential for creatures to be a main aspect throughout this series is high, which is 10/10 in my book. I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it!

[Mary Yeung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good! It felt like a warm hug and reminded me of those good old ytv days!
I like that it had a mystery element as well and was pleasantly surprised by the twist!

Thank you penguin teens for the gifted early copy! I had a wonderful time getting to know Ix Tatterfall and her new friends Morrigan and Ollie!

[Julene · Rating 3 out of 5]

3'5
"best friends", yeah sure hon

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder is a third person-POV Middle Grade secondary world fantasy. Ix Tatterfall has never fit in with her peers because she is comfortable with Nightmares, creatures everyone else would rather pretend don't exist. When she is taken in by the Candle Corps to join their academy to harness her abilities, she finally achieves the friends and answers she's always been looking for.

The worldbuilding is very Tim Burton/Nightmare Before Christmas meets Alice in Wonderland when the Chesire Cat opens the doorway into the maze of the Queen of Hearts. Very specific, I know, but that's how strongly this story reads of these two things to me. There's a spooky aesthetic that will be perfect for any kid who loves Halloween all year round and watches scary movies. Chaos the Grinning Cat is kind of a twist on the Chesire Cat while the Inklings and Misticats help flesh the worldbuilding out further to separate it from the Disney-esque elements.

Ix makes two friends, Ollie and Morrigan, at the academy and has different relationships with them. Ollie is very knowledgeable and upbeat and is the one who encourages Ix the most, reaching out to her every time he saw she needed a friend. Conversely, Ix and Morrigan are not initially friends but their time together as roommates helps Ix see that Morrigan is a hard worker who hides how she really feels and Morrigan starts to trust Ix. I'm always here for female friendships in fiction and trio friend groups that have include a caring and compassionate boy.

We get some Queer rep with Captians Ito and Kel who are husbands and work for the Candle Corps. It's very much treated as a normal thing that the two are married and they are not one-off characters who are never mentioned again because they take Ix under their wing when it comes to her magical education and the Labyrinth. I love it when books have Queer mentors who are allowed to be openly and happily Queer because I never got that as a kid.

I would recommend this to young readers who love Halloween, readers of all ages who loved The Nightmare Before Christmas and Alice in Wonderland, and those looking for a Middle Grade that prominently features Queer relationships

[✧ Beanie Reads ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4 stars

Harry Potter wasn't the creation of magical schools, but it definitely made them bigger and more of a thing, so it's hard to stand out, but I think this one did. The lore was very interesting, and the villain both had understandable reasoning while expanding upon said lore. Each of the main characters were interesting enough to be invested in (okay, Ollie maybe not as much so, but still). I enjoyed the Nightmares a lot as well, from the dangerous ones to the adorable ones to the Sorrows. Also, like, all the silly names for the Nightmares and how they affected emotions and such depending on the domain they belonged to.

Now that I think about it, the characters were solid overall, but my biggest joy was the world. It just scratched so many of the right itches for me. It also just felt like it'd work so well as an animation. The world was vibrant and full of life. And I just can't wait to see more of it.

Overall, something about this series just appeals to me, and I plan to stick with it.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot stress enough how far up my alley this is - think Alice's Adventures in Wonderland x Coraline x The Nightmare Before Christmas (aka my entire brand).

[Julia Pika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent story that's just too dang hard to put down! Ix was a compelling protagonist with her mysterious backstory. The worldbuilding was fast-paced but delivered in a stylish way so it didn't feel as confusing as it could've been. I also especially like that we didn't spend that much time in the boring human world, ha!

I really loved the Sorrows, they were all fascinating characters, especially "Smiles". I can't wait to see them more in the next one!

I loved how dark it was but it may not be for everyone, it was dark in a...Nightmare Before Christmas kind of way. Super gothic but still kid-friendly.

Definitely recommend this for fans of Morrigan Crow, Coraline, and really any spooky fantasy fans.

[BookLoverScar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. I adore this book.
I didn’t like Ix name at first but you get use to it lol
I loved the labyrinth and the nightmares and the sorrows! I wish we had more of them. They were so cool!!!!
yes she goes to a magic school but even tho it was similar to others. I think all magic schools are kinda the same so that doesn’t bother me. I loved it! I also loved the other similar elements that were in there too! It was a mash of all the great things together! the ending was a little sad but still great! I can’t wait for the next book in February!
I do hope there is 6 books as there is 6 years!!!!! You can’t not do each year! LESLIE VEDDER!!!!!
4.5

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
Une jolie surprise. Pour vous donner une idée, c'est un croisement entre du Harry Potter et Agence Perdido. Un roman dans le style dark academia avec un chouette univers, bien qu'il n'y ait pas de grosses surprises concernant les révélations de fin de roman. J'ai beaucoup aimé le bestiaire !

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! I loved the descriptions of the labyrinth and the nightmare creatures, and Ix is a fantastic protagonist.

[Forrest Hollander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal, such a fun adventure! The worldbuilding was incredibly vivid and detailed, and the story was emotional, fun, and heart warming.

[Patti Sabik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, kinda spooky read. Interesting and creative world-building with likable characters.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun, nightmarish twist of the magic school tropes

[Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a review copy in exchange for a honest review.

Have you ever heard the saying, "What's beyond the veil?", the barrier between the living and the dead? Well, in that in-between place lies The Labyrinth of Souls. There are three ways to enter: through death, dreams, or intentionally; if you're part of a magical elite team or a rulebreaker, like our heroine, Ix Tatterfall.

Ix has been slipping into the labyrinth all her life, but one night, she’s caught by the Candle Corps, a magical team tasked with protecting the waking world from Nightmares or from those who dare to consort with them. Given two choices, join Candle Corps Academy or face exile; Ix chooses the academy, hoping to protect her family and uncover more about herself.

I really enjoyed The Labyrinth of Souls it reminded me of a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Coraline, two of my favorite stories. I wasn’t expecting an academy setting, which was a pleasant surprise since I love books set in schools. The worldbuilding is straightforward and easy to follow. The story revolves around two main groups: Candle Corps and the Nightmares and Sorrows. Nightmares are small creatures that lurk in the dark, while Sorrows are more powerful, high-level monsters. There are seven Sorrows, most of whom rule over their own domains within the labyrinth.

Readers get an in-depth look at life inside the prestigious Candle Corps Academy, filled with eccentric professors and students. I adored Ix and her two best friends, Ollie and Morrigan. As they explore the labyrinth, we encounter the Sorrows and an array of Nightmares such as Inklings, Mistcats, and Blackout Bats, each more eerie and fascinating than the last. If you’ve seen the stunning cover, you’ve probably already spotted some of these creatures lurking in the background.

The Labyrinth of Souls is a fun, whimsical middle-grade fantasy that will appeal to readers of all ages. At its heart, it’s a story about embracing your uniqueness, self-discovery, and the power of found family and friendships. If you enjoy vivid, immersive tales in the same vein as Alice in Wonderland and Coraline, then you’ll love The Labyrinth of Souls.

[Pipettes.and.Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The cover and synopsis drew me initially to this book, but the characters and their growth took hold of me. I instantly fell in love with Ix and her friends Morrigan and Ollie. Ix is a determined headstrong MC but with a heart of gold who cares deeply for those closest to her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching each of these characters grow as they learned how to navigate at the Candle Corps, a place that is not too friendly to Ix or Morrigan due to their unique abilities or view sets.

The worldbuilding alone is AMAZING. Don't even get me started on the unique world of the Labyrinth itself. I loved how Vedder created this Nightmare world and all the creatures within it. The Sorrows were amazing and I hope to see more of them in the future and learn more about the Labyrinth in general.

Some of the minor characters (namely lesser seen professors and students) felt bland (most were just mean and rude) but this didn't bother me too much since the important characters were fairly fleshed out. I do with the villain though was a little more fleshed out, but I do think the overall wrap-up of that arc was great and did leave me guessing who was behind the troubles they faced.

This book tackles grief, bullying, and complex emotions in a beautiful way that at various parts I found myself tearing up as the characters learned to deal with these different aspects. Additionally, the book introduces secondary characters who are queer in such a normal way without it being a big deal within the world.

This is a great book for middle school readers who are interested in the horror genre. The book has many fantasy elements, but it sprinkles horror aspects throughout without being overly scary. I can't wait to see more adventures with Ix, Morrigan, and Ollie.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ery special girl finds Death in a maze.

Ix Tatterfall befriends Nightmares, which sets her apart in her strange little town of Brittlewick. She can easily access the spiritual realm of the Labyrinth of Souls just by closing her eyes and willing it, while most humans who find themselves there are dead, lost souls, or members of the Candle Corps, a policelike force dedicated to order and safety. When the 12-year-old gets recruited to join their ranks on account of her special skills, the plot becomes a standard chosen-kid-in-magic-school story, with a rude legacy student, an affable ally, and a lot of broken rules. The story is chock-full of fanciful details, with ominous capitalized letters referring to many aspects of the world, like the Crystal Sleep, the Waking World, Dreamlight, and the Labyrinth itself. Chaos, Terror, Misery, Greed, and other Sorrows are intriguingly personified, but an endless array of Nightmare creatures and plants—Bupkis Birds, the Creak-o-dile, Snot Moss, Warty Hornswaggles, and many, many others—begin to feel like filler.

Early infodumps followed by a zippy plot came at the expense of character development and satisfying worldbuilding, with the entirety of the magic system, history, and cultures given surface-level treatment. Characters are referred to as varying shades of pale, tan, and brown, and there’s a normalized same-sex marriage. It’s a novel filled with adventure, action, fantasy and mystery. There is also a heartwarming story about acceptance and finding your people. This was an exquisite story for me to read.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Amandine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pas le temps de s’ennuyer, on rentre très vite dans le vif du sujet. En effet Sam, notre protagoniste, voit les cauchemars. Des êtres qui causent la tourmente et qui sont chassé par la brigade de l’entre-monde. Elle les voit, elle leur parle, elle les aide, sauf qu’elle ne devrait pas… Forcément ceci crée des mésaventures pour elle. Mais honnêtement certains ont l’air tellement mignon aussi… Puis Sam est spéciale …

J’ai vraiment apprécié voir son évolution au sein de l’académie. c’est tout sauf simple, mais Sam n’a pas froid aux yeux et ne se laisse pas abattre. J’aime également le mystère qui plane autour d’elle, de sa famille et ses capacités. Puis ses camarades, Ollie et Moriganes sont deux personnages attachants, assez touchant aussi. Le tout avec une bonne dynamique. Gros coeur sur Mouche 🖤

Jack est cruellement exquis dans son rôle, voilà.

Nous voilà plongé dans une dark academia qui nous donne une bonne vibe Halloween. J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé le côté « cauchemars et tourments » rendant l’univers riche sans être complexe. Le labyrinthe est tout bonnement génial. Aussi inquiété qu’attirant. J’ai d’ailleurs envie d’en apprendre plus sur lui et les tourments ! Bonus: le bestiaire en fin de livre et les 7 règles à suivre dans cet univers en début.

𝐄𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐟 : Super lecture ! J’ai deviné les choses importantes mais ça n’a pas entaché mon plaisir de cette lecture. L’intrigue est bonne, Sam intéressante et l’ambiance drôle mais sombre à la fois. J’ai beaucoup trop aimé ! J’ai hâte de découvrir l’ultime tome.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years ago, Ix Tatterfall’s father’s soul became lost in the Labyrinth of Souls. Ever since that time, Ix has been determined to return her father’s soul to his body, but the Labyrinth is as complicated as it sounds, and it is designed to keep souls inside. The ease with which Ix navigates the Labyrinth leads Ix to be invited to a special school for future members of the Candle Corps where Ix hopes she will finally find a place where she belongs. But when strange things begin happening inside the Labyrinth and the Candle Corps starts to investigate, all of Ix’s secrets threaten to surface. This mild middle grade horror story incorporates the dynamic nature of death inside a maze that is filled with sorrows of all kinds. Once Ix begins classes at Covenant Keep, the narrative becomes strongly reminiscent of the Harry Potter books, which may appeal to some readers while feeling trite to others. Short chapters and occasional illustrations help to make the story engaging for a wide range of middle grade readers, and the level of danger in which Ix finds herself is balanced by the capabilities Ix has to defend herself. Throughout the novel, Ix must rely on her own strength in order to solve puzzles and outsmart characters who stand in her way, which inspires young readers to be the heroes of their own stories, as well. This accessible novel will appeal to readers who enjoy light horror within the framework of a familiar storytelling style.

[Jay G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JayGTheAwkw...

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*

There are seven rules in the Kingdom to protect your soul from being taken by the nightmare creatures. The number one rule is never enter the Labyrinth of Souls. Ix Tatterfall is able to not only see Sorrows and nightmare creatures, but enter the Labyrinth as well. When a new nightmare named Jack emerges in the Labyrinth, souls begin to seep into the Waking World. When the Candle Corps discover Ix's abilities when she is caught sneaking around the Labyrinth, she has two options, exile or join the Corps.

This was a super fun and cute middle grade story. It does have a lot of similarities with other books, but it was a fun time. It gives off the vibes of Alice in Wonderland mixed with The Nightmare Before Christmas. I really liked Ix, and thought she was a great main character to follow. I loved the little friendship group that formed between Ix, Ollie and Morrigan. I thought the worldbuilding was really well done, and I thought the lore was very cool. I was also a big fan of the nightmare creatures and Sorrows. Learning about the seven different Sorrows and their domains was interesting, and I wanted to know more about each of them.

I'm hoping that we get to see more of these characters in another installment soon!

[Katie Keridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to sum up this entire review in a single sentence: this is easily one of the best books I’ve EVER read, and you should go buy it now.

I’ve been a fan of Leslie Vedder since her YA Bone Spindle trilogy, and I was so excited for her MG debut, which exceeded even my wildest expectations. This book is just perfect…the character development, the world-building, the pacing, and the ending. The ending was exactly what I want in any book, but especially a MG story, and I literally sobbed over the last few pages before going downstairs and wailing to my husband that it wasn’t fair I couldn’t ever experience reading this book for the first time ever again. This is the kind of book that makes me remember why I love reading so much, and I'm shocked it hasn't been snatched up by Netflix or HBO to become a movie or series because it would look amazing onscreen.

I’m obsessed with Chaos and the mist cats, I want to be a member of the Candle Corp, and I relate so much to Ix Tatterfall for being different and never fitting in. I also love the cover, and finding details that were mentioned in the book made me inordinately happy. I hope I can write something as inspiring, poignant, and brilliant as this someday. This book is perfect for fans of Harry Potter and The Nightmare Before Christmas, and I truly can't recommend it enough.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited for this because The Bone Spindle is my favorite YA fantasy series, Labyrinths are fascinating, and I love darker portal middle grade books like The Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend and The Books of Elsewhere series by Jacqueline West.

And it did NOT disappoint! The world building in this was outstanding. I loved the sorrows, all the different kinds of nightmare critters, and Ix’s ability to travel via mist. Ix was very lovable and relatable, and I enjoyed her sunshine/grumpy dynamic with her roommate Morrigan. Ollie was the perfect kind and bookish introvert to finish their friend trio. But it was the adorable inkling Hanky who stole my heart the most. Rounding out the found family, husbands Captain Kel and Captain Ito were fantastic mentors and wonderful queer rep.

While Raggedy Jack’s identity was fairly easy to figure out, there were a couple of other very cool twists I didn’t see coming. I hope this series continues and eagerly await returning to that world. I recommend this to fans of Tim Burton, Coraline, Alice in Wonderland, and any of the other series I mentioned at the start of the review.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Labyrinth of Souls is yet another book featuring a magical school, but it stands out for all the right reasons.

The Labyrinth of Souls is a dark fantasy that’s full of adventure, magic, mystery and friendship.

Ix is a girl who can see Nightmare creatures from the forbidden Labyrinth of Souls. And while some of them are dangerous, Ix doesn’t see Nightmares the same way most people do. In fact, there’s something familiar, almost welcoming in the labyrinth.

Ix is a plucky character who’s used to not fitting in. It’s the way her life has always been. It’s not until she’s a student at Candle Corps Academy that she realizes the benefits of friendship.

The Labyrinth of Souls is author Leslie Vedder’s debut middle-grade novel, but you’d never know that. In it, she’s crafted an intricate magical system that not only makes sense but is fun to read about. Vedder’s characters are well developed — especially Ix, Morrigan and Ollie. And her decision to almost make a pet out of Hanky the Inkling adds a layer of warmth. Vedder writes to her audience with feeling, and her text is better for it.

The Labyrinth of Souls is a standalone novel, but there is definitely room in Vedder’s world for more books. I hope there’s more in the works.

[Vikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder is a spellbinding journey into a world where magic, mystery, and adventure collide in the most imaginative ways. I picked this up to read with my two boys, and we were all captivated from start to finish. The story strikes a perfect balance between thrilling adventure and just the right amount of spookiness, making it ideal for younger readers who crave excitement without being overly frightened.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves dark fantasy adventures with heart and humor. It’s a story that blends magic, friendship, and the thrill of facing the unknown. Leslie Vedder’s storytelling is a true delight, and I’m certain this will be a tale my family returns to again and again. If you’re looking for a book that’s adventurous but not too scary, with vivid descriptions that bring every page to life, this is it. Plus, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Ix and her unforgettable Nightmares. Highly recommended for family reading time or for young readers ready to embark on a magical adventure.

[Karis · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC!~~

This book is definitely for the kid-friendly gothic-esque lovers, like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, but the worldbuilding still stands firmly as its own thing and I really loved that! I loved that there were so many different Nightmare creatures, with some being silly and some being dangerous. The titular Labyrinth and the Sorrows were brimming with life and character; I really hope we get more of them in the sequel.

Ix is a very enduring, lovable protagonist. Her love of puns, the connections she has/forms with various Nightmare creatures, the found family she forms with Morrigan, Ollie, and Captain Kel and his husband, it just made me love this kid a lot. I hope Vedder has her whole school journey planned out, because I really wanna see how this kid grows and changes with every book.

I could gush a bit more, but it's better if I don't say anymore. I think kids and adults alike will love this book when it officially releases this February!

[Haleigh Gravgaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Labyrinth of Souls is a spellbinding journey into a world brimming with eerie magic, unsettling Nightmares, and a heroine who refuses to be defined by fear. Leslie Vedder masterfully crafts a richly detailed fantasy filled with atmospheric tension, unforgettable creatures, and a high-stakes mystery that keeps readers enthralled.

Ix Tatterfall is a compelling protagonist—an outcast with a secret ability that makes her both dangerous and invaluable. The Candle Corps Academy setting adds an exciting layer of discovery, with its unique mix of allies and potential foes, including the fiery Morrigan Bea and the endearing Ollie Pembrooke. The Nightmares are delightfully creepy, from the mischievous Inklings to the terrifying Raggedy Jack, whose presence looms like a ghostly warning throughout the novel.

While the pacing slows in some places due to worldbuilding, the story’s intricate lore and eerie atmosphere more than make up for it. Fans of dark fantasy and twisted fairy tales will love The Labyrinth of Souls for its haunting magic, fierce characters, and thrilling mystery.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

Ix leapt off the page from the very beginning. I loved her character arc and found her troubles so relatable to my own when I was her age. (Obviously, I too could speak to nightmare creatures and open portals into labyrinths, definitely not referring too struggling to fit in).

The world building was so immersive and I loved all of the different nightmares and the Sorrows. But especially Smiles and Hanky, they were the best. It was so heartwarming to see Ix make friends, the ride or die friendships are what draws me to middle grade time after time.

I’m so excited to get my hands on a finished copy so that I can see all the artwork. While this story is complete, I would love a chance to come back to this world on another adventure with Ix and her friends!

[Vika Ryabova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Очень насыщенная событиями история – интересная, местами жутковатая, полная подробностей, подсказок и намёков. Тема с Академией кажется вторичной по отношению к Гарри Поттеру: та же «школа для избранных», те же профессора, обучающие инаких детей, даже та же тема с «чистокровными» учениками, которые смотрят свысока на выскочек (даже вредный мальчик, достающий героинь, просто копия Малфоя : )). Ещё там по ходу действия есть пара непоняток-нестыковок, но в целом книга просто отличная. Её позиционируют как «сплав «Каролины» и «Алисы в Стране чудес» - и в целом я согласна.

Главные героини – девочки, это кредо автора – писать о сильных женщинах, которые могут стать ролевыми моделями для читательниц. Это мы одобряем : )