For teens grappling with first crushes, school weirdness, and the unsettling feeling that adults aren't quite what they seem. This book is about finding your voice.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels overlooked or like a supporting character in their own life. It's perfect for kids navigating the awkwardness of a first crush while also loving a good dose of supernatural humor. The story follows Cyn, a high school stage manager who discovers the handsome new librarian is actually a soul-sucking demon with his sights set on her crush, the school's lead actor. This book uses a funny, fantastical plot to explore very real teen themes like finding your voice, the power of friendship, and stepping up to be the hero of your own story. It's a lighthearted, entertaining read that validates the feeling that adults can be truly monstrous, at least sometimes.
Story revolves around a high school crush, with some blushing, longing, and one sweet kiss.
Sensitive Topics
The central threat is a character's potential death via demonic sacrifice. This is handled metaphorically and with a great deal of humor, never veering into graphic or truly terrifying territory. It is a fantastical evil, not a realistic one. The resolution is empowering and hopeful. The approach is entirely secular.
Ideal Reader
A teen, ages 13-16, who enjoys humor, fantasy, and stories set in a familiar high school world. This is for the reader who feels like they are always in the background, the quiet friend or the behind-the-scenes helper. It will resonate with theater kids and anyone who loves a good trope-filled, monster-of-the-week adventure.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed. The book can be enjoyed cold. The themes are straightforward and the supernatural content is more funny than scary. The romance is very sweet and chaste, revolving around a crush and a first kiss. A parent can hand this to their teen without needing to provide context. A parent overhears their teen saying, "I wish people would just notice me," or expressing frustration that their hard work goes unacknowledged. The teen might feel like they don't have the confidence to speak up or take the lead.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely focus on the adventure plot, the snarky humor, and the sweet crush. An older teen (15-17) may appreciate the satire of high school social structures and the metaphor of literally fighting a demon as a way of finding your own power and voice.
What Makes It Special
The book's unique hook is blending the very specific, mundane world of high school stage management with over-the-top demonic fantasy. Unlike many YA heroes who are destined for greatness, Cyn is a hero because of her competence, practicality, and loyalty. The humor and theatrical setting make it stand out from more self-serious paranormal YA romances.
Read plot summary
Cynthia "Cyn" Rothbe is a competent, behind-the-scenes stage manager for her high school's production of 'Sweeney Todd'. She has a huge crush on the play's star, Ryan, but is too shy to act on it. When a charismatic new librarian, Mr. Mortensen, arrives, he quickly charms everyone, but Cyn sees something sinister beneath the surface. She and her best friend, Annie, discover he is a demon who must sacrifice a talented youth (Ryan) to maintain his power. Cyn must step out of the wings and into the spotlight to save her crush and her school from a demonic evil.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Cyn starts the book as a stage manager who prefers being behind the scenes. What skills from her theater role help her fight Mr. Mortensen?
2
Annie proves to be a very loyal and brave friend. What specific actions does she take to support Cyn, even when things get dangerous?
3
Mr. Mortensen uses his charm to fool almost everyone. Why do you think Cyn was able to see his true nature when so many adults and students could not?
4
The school play is 'Sweeney Todd', a story about a villain hiding in plain sight. How does the play's theme connect to what is happening in Cyn's life?
