Books Like...

'The Scapegracers' follows Sideways Pike, a teenage lesbian witch who is drawn into a magical world when she is invited to perform a spell for the most popular girls in school. As the spell spirals out of control, it leads to a journey filled with parties, curses, and the formation of a coven. The narrative explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of teenage life, all while introducing readers to a diverse cast of characters who each bring their own unique strengths and backgrounds to the story.

The writing style is noted for its accessibility, though some readers felt it could be choppy at times. The author effectively engages readers through a gradual reveal of the magical world, allowing the main character's ignorance to mirror the audience's experience. The book captures the essence of being a teenager, showcasing their overconfidence, messy emotions, and the authentic dynamics of friendships that often define that age. The relationships among the characters are portrayed with depth, highlighting their growth not only in powers but also in their connections with one another.

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland follows the intertwined stories of Zara, Jude, and Emer as they navigate a world of witches, demons, spells, and murder. Zara seeks to resurrect her murdered sister, Jude battles a curse consuming her, and Emer, a cursewriter, helps women reclaim power through spells. As they join forces to solve a series of brutal murders, the book delves into themes of revenge, friendship, female empowerment, and the price of power, all set against a backdrop of dark magic and occult mysteries. The story is fast-paced, gothic, and gritty, with a unique and unflinching portrayal of a brutal magic system and supernatural beings.

The writing style in The Invocations is described as engaging, immersive, and filled with vivid descriptions that evoke a sense of decay, blood, and occult rituals. The book balances elements of horror, mystery, and dark fantasy, offering a thrilling narrative that keeps readers hooked with unexpected twists, strong character development, and a touch of sapphic romance. The author weaves together a tale of female resilience, chronic pain, queer relationships, and the complexities of power, all while exploring themes of misogyny, female rage, and the enduring bonds of friendship in the face of adversity.

In the book "Dark and Shallow Lies" by Ginny Myers Sain, the seventeen-year-old protagonist Grey returns to the small village of La Cachette in Louisiana for the summer, staying with her maternal grandmother. The story revolves around a chilling supernatural thriller where a teen girl goes missing in the bayou town, uncovering dark secrets and mysteries lurking beneath the surface of the swamp.

The narrative is described as a slow burn, rich in atmospheric details that transport readers to the humid and mysterious setting of Louisiana. Grey, alongside a cast of characters with psychic abilities, embarks on a journey to unravel the truth behind her best friend Elora's disappearance, leading to unexpected twists and dangerous revelations that keep readers engaged until the very end.

'This Delicious Death' by Kayla Cottingham is a YA horror novel that offers a unique take on zombies. The story follows a group of girls turned ghouls who embark on a road trip to a music festival, where they encounter human survivors. The book combines elements of horror, mystery, and teenage angst, all set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse and a music festival. The writing style is described as campy, gory, and quick-paced, with a focus on girl power, friendship, and chosen family. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of the ghouls, providing insight into their past and the challenges they face in the present.

'The River Has Teeth' by Erica Waters is a YA feminist story about two girls, Natasha and Della, who are on a quest to find answers amidst the backdrop of missing girls in the Bend. Natasha's sister, Rochelle, goes missing, leading Natasha to team up with Della, a witch with ties to the Natural Preserve. As they delve into the dark secrets of the Preserve and face the challenges posed by the magic of the Bend, they navigate through family bonds, sapphic romance, and a murder mystery. The book explores themes of anger, determination, sisterhood, and the consequences of one's actions, set against a backdrop of woodsy horror and a flood of rage.

The story unfolds with Natasha and Della risking everything to uncover the truth behind the disappearances, showcasing the power of anger, the magic of the world, and the unique bond of sisters. The characters are complex and flawed yet compelling and likeable, offering meaningful insights into family dynamics, oppression, stigma, and love. The narrative weaves together elements of monster fights, magic, and a strong emphasis on the consequences of anger, both positive and negative, as the characters face the challenges posed by the Bend and confront the mysteries surrounding the missing girls.

The Society for Soulless Girls by Laura Steven is a dark academia novel set at Carvell College of Arts, where a mysterious ritual in the North Tower leads to deadly consequences. The story follows Lottie and Alice, two roommates with contrasting personalities, as they uncover secrets and mysteries surrounding the school's dark past. Told from dual points of view, the book explores themes of female emotions, feminism, possession, and the consequences of losing control. The writing style is described as atmospheric, poignant, and character-driven, with a modern retelling of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that adds a feminist twist to the narrative.

'You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight' by Kalynn Bayron is a gripping YA horror novel that follows Charity and her girlfriend Bezi as they navigate a summer camp turned real-life horror movie. The book expertly blends classic slasher elements with a diverse cast of characters, providing a thrilling and socially relevant reading experience. Bayron's writing style grips readers with its authentic representation of marginalized youth, weaving in subtle themes of systemic oppression amidst terrifying circumstances. The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance between horror and social commentary, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while also enlightening them.

The summer camp setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding horror, reminiscent of a Friday the 13th atmosphere. Bayron masterfully builds tension throughout the story, incorporating twists and turns that surprise even the most seasoned horror enthusiasts. The emotional depth of the characters' struggles and fears is palpable, creating a deep connection with the readers and leaving them contemplating the wider implications of the story long after the final page is turned.

The Restless Dark by Erica Waters is a queer YA horror-thriller that takes readers on a thrilling journey into the eerie depths of Cloudkiss Canyon. The plot follows three girls—Lucy, a survivor of the Cloudkiss Killer's reign of terror; Carolina, who fears the monster within herself; and Maggie, a psychology student—who are drawn together in a sinister true crime competition to find the killer's long-lost bones. As the fog descends, it becomes a character of its own, obscuring their intentions and revealing their darkest fears, while the girls grapple with trust issues and their growing tensions toward each other in a desperate and haunted setting.

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala follows the protagonist, Mars, as he navigates the aftermath of his twin sister's death and delves into the mysterious Aspen Conservancy camp where she spent her summers. The book combines elements of horror, mystery, and queer themes, as Mars uncovers dark secrets about the camp and its enigmatic residents, the Honeys. The writing style is described as atmospheric, intense, and lyrical, pulling readers in with its captivating storytelling and unexpected twists.

I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea follows Laure, a ballerina navigating a brutal industry. After feeling ostracized and undervalued, she embraces a dark power, opting for revenge instead of defeat. The story highlights issues of race and perfectionism in ballet while showcasing Laure's transformation from an outsider to a confident predator.

The writing is immersive, painting a vivid and twisted world of ballet. Shea's descriptions are captivating, allowing readers to feel the passion and rage of the characters. While the pace may lag at times, the intricate character development and gritty realism keep the reader engaged. The book's unique take on a villain's origin story offers a refreshing perspective, making it an appealing read for those interested in darker tales.