
Reach for this book when your teenager is looking for a clever, campy way to process the feeling that something is 'just not right' in their school environment or when they are navigating the complexities of protecting a friend from a bad influence. This story follows Cynthia, a high schooler who realizes her school's charming new librarian is actually a soul-sucking demon. While the premise is supernatural, the emotional core focuses on the power of observation, the importance of female friendship, and the bravery required to speak up when others are under a spell of complacency. This is an ideal pick for teens who enjoy dark humor and snarky protagonists but aren't looking for a heavy or depressing read. It balances genuine suspense with high school musical theater drama, making it a perfect 'gateway horror' for readers who want thrills without the trauma. It encourages critical thinking about authority figures and the value of trusting one's own instincts, even when everyone else is falling for a charismatic facade.
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Sign in to write a reviewCharacters are in danger of losing their souls or being physically harmed by demons.
High school crushes and some kissing.
Supernatural confrontations and some physical scuffles.
The book deals with the concept of soul-harvesting and demonic possession in a metaphorical, supernatural horror style. The approach is secular and leans heavily into the tropes of 90s-style horror comedy. Resolution is hopeful and empowering.
A 14 to 16 year old who loves 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' vibes, enjoys musical theater culture, and prefers their horror with a side of sharp wit and romantic subplots.
Read cold. The book is self-contained and uses established supernatural tropes. Parents should be aware of the 'hot teacher' trope, though it is subverted here as the character is a villain. A parent might notice their child becoming more cynical about school administration or expressing frustration that their friends are being 'blinded' by a crush or a manipulative peer.
Younger teens will focus on the scary elements and the humor, while older teens may appreciate the satire regarding school hierarchies and the pressures of fitting in.
It perfectly blends the mundane stresses of a high school theater department with genuine supernatural stakes, all delivered with a distinct, funny voice that never takes itself too seriously.
Cynthia Rothschild is a sensible high schooler focused on the school musical until Mr. Miller, the new librarian, arrives. While the rest of the student body and faculty are enamored with him, Cynthia realizes he is a literal demon who is harvesting student souls. To save her best friend Annie, who is dangerously infatuated with him, Cynthia must navigate the demon's lair, which happens to be the renovated school library, and find a way to banish him before the school play's opening night.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.