A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating the painful aftermath of a friendship breakup and feeling isolated or misunderstood. The story follows Maeve, an Irish teenager who feels like an outcast after a falling out with her popular former best friend, Lily. When Maeve discovers an old tarot deck, a vengeful reading seems to make Lily vanish. This book masterfully blends a contemporary story of complex social dynamics with a supernatural mystery. It explores themes of self-confidence, jealousy, accountability, and the power of finding a true chosen family. It’s an ideal choice for teens who are grappling with their own identity and learning to take responsibility for their actions.
Contains some swearing typical for the young adult age range.
Substance ReferencesMild
Characters attend a party where there is some underage drinking.
Moral AmbiguityMild
The protagonist's initial actions are driven by jealousy and have serious negative consequences.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with themes of bullying, social ostracism, religious intolerance, homophobia, and transphobia. The antagonists are a conservative Christian group, and their bigotry is a central plot point. The approach is secular and critical of this specific intolerance. Characters' queer identities (Roe is non-binary, Fiona is a lesbian) are presented directly and positively. The resolution is hopeful, with the main characters finding strength and community, but acknowledges that societal prejudice still exists.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who feels like an outsider, is interested in modern witchcraft or tarot, and enjoys stories about found family. It's perfect for a reader navigating the intense emotions of a friendship breakup or who feels drawn to social justice themes, particularly LGBTQ+ rights.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the book contains scary and intense scenes involving a menacing supernatural entity and a cult-like group. It also directly addresses homophobia and transphobia. No specific context is required to read it, but being prepared to discuss themes of religious extremism and LGBTQ+ acceptance would be beneficial. A parent notices their teen has become withdrawn and is expressing feelings of intense loneliness or anger after a social falling-out. The teen might say things like, "I hate her," or "I have no one," and seems to be struggling to find their place.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely be captivated by the magic, the mystery plot, and the friendship dynamics. An older teen (15-17) will more deeply appreciate the social commentary on intolerance, the nuances of Maeve's accountability, and the celebration of queer identity and found family.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA fantasy books, this one is deeply rooted in a specific, contemporary Irish setting, which makes the magical elements feel authentic and grounded. Its standout feature is how seamlessly it weaves personal teen angst (a friendship breakup) with high-stakes magic and powerful social commentary on queerphobia and religious intolerance. The magic is not just an escape; it is a tool for self-discovery and fighting injustice.
Read plot summary
Sixteen-year-old Maeve Chambers, feeling isolated at her conservative Catholic school in Ireland, stumbles upon a unique tarot deck. During a moment of anger, she gives a harsh reading to her former best friend, Lily, who then mysteriously disappears. Wracked with guilt, Maeve teams up with Lily's non-binary sibling, Roe, and a classmate, Fiona, to investigate. They discover Maeve's latent magical abilities and a sinister local history involving a fundamentalist group called the Children of Brigid, which is connected to Lily's disappearance.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Maeve's tarot reading for Lily is fueled by anger. Do you think Maeve is responsible for what happened to Lily? How does her view of her own power and responsibility change throughout the book?
2
Roe is non-binary and Fiona is a lesbian. How do their identities shape their experiences at school and in their town? How does their found family with Maeve provide a source of strength?
3
The 'Housekeeper' is a unique card in Maeve’s deck. What do you think this card symbolizes about Maeve's character and the type of magic she possesses?
4
The antagonists are a group called the Children of Brigid. What does their presence in the town say about fear, community, and the misuse of faith?
5
At the end, Maeve and her friends have saved Lily, but their relationships are still complicated. Why do you think the author chose not to have a perfectly happy ending where everyone is friends again?
