Darker by Four

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the heavy weight of grief or questioning the integrity of the institutions they were raised to respect. It is an ideal choice for a young adult who feels like an outsider and is looking for a story about reclaiming personal power after a devastating loss. The narrative follows Rui, a girl training to hunt the monsters that killed her mother, as she discovers that the leaders she trusted are hiding dangerous truths. While the setting is a dark and supernatural world of exorcists and revenants, the heart of the story is about the complex journey of healing and the courage it takes to stand for justice when it costs you your sense of security. The book is most appropriate for high schoolers who enjoy high-stakes fantasy and are ready to explore themes of moral ambiguity and systemic corruption. It offers a cathartic experience for teens who need to see that anger can be channeled into meaningful change.