
Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling the immense weight of social isolation or the pressure to mask their true self just to survive high school. It is an ideal choice for the student who feels like an outsider and is looking for a story that validates the complexity of their internal world while offering a sense of belonging through a shared mission. As the second installment in the Engelsfors Trilogy, this story follows a group of diverse teenage girls who must set aside their personal grievances to face a supernatural threat. While the plot involves magic and prophecy, the heart of the book lies in its raw depiction of mental health, body image, and the search for identity. It is a sophisticated, gritty read for ages 14 and up that treats adolescent emotions with the gravity they deserve, making it a powerful tool for opening conversations about peer pressure and the strength found in collective vulnerability.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewSupernatural combat and instances of physical bullying.
Atmospheric horror elements and psychological manipulation.
Realistic teenage profanity throughout.
Teenage relationships, questioning of sexuality, and some physical intimacy.
The book deals with suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and grief in a direct, secular, and unflinching manner. The approach is realistic rather than metaphorical, portraying these struggles as part of the characters' lived experiences. The resolution is realistic and hard-won, acknowledging that healing is a process rather than a quick fix.
A 15-year-old who feels alienated from their peers and is drawn to dark, atmospheric stories. This reader likely appreciates characters who are flawed and "unlikable" but deeply human, and they are looking for a fantasy that doesn't sugarcoat the difficulties of growing up.
Parents should be aware of graphic descriptions of self-harm and disordered eating. It is best to read the first book, The Circle, for context, but the emotional themes are heavy enough to warrant a pre-read or check-in. A parent might notice their teen withdrawing, expressing cynical views about school social hierarchies, or showing signs of intense academic or social burnout.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the magic and the mystery of the cult, while older teens (17-18) will resonate more deeply with the complex interpersonal dynamics and the critique of institutional power.
Unlike many YA fantasies that use magic as an escape, Eld uses magic as a magnifying glass for the internal struggles of its protagonists. It is exceptionally grounded in reality despite its supernatural elements.
In the small Swedish town of Engelsfors, the Chosen (a group of teenage witches) must navigate the aftermath of a classmate's death while preparing for an impending apocalypse. As a mysterious cult-like organization called Positive Engelsfors begins to manipulate the town, the girls struggle with their individual powers, strained friendships, and the crushing reality of their high school lives. They must uncover the truth behind the Council and the ancient prophecy while dealing with very real-world issues like eating disorders, grief, and family dysfunction.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.