
The Grimrose Girls is a young adult novel that blends mystery, dark academia, and fairy tale retelling. After their best friend Ella's mysterious death, four students at the elite Grimrose Academy embark on an investigation, uncovering a sinister truth: they are all cursed to relive the tragic endings of classic fairy tales. This book is suitable for ages 12-18, offering a compelling narrative about grief, friendship, and the fight against predetermined fate. Parents should be aware of themes involving death, dark magic, and the pressure of an elite school environment.
Four troubled friends, One murdered girl... and a dark fate that may leave them all doomed. After the mysterious death of their best friend, Ella, Yuki, and Rory are the talk of their elite school, Grimrose Academy. The police ruled it a suicide, but the trio are determined to find out what really happened. When Nani Esvez arrives as their newest roommate, it sets into motion a series of events they couldn't have imagined. As the girls retrace their friend's last steps, they uncover dark secrets about themselves and their destinies--discovering they're all cursed to repeat the brutal and gruesome endings to their stories until they can break the cycle. This contemporary take on classic fairytales reimagines heroines as friends attending the same school. While investigating the murder of their best friend, they uncover connections to their ancient fairytale curses and attempt to forge their own fate before it's too late. Praise for The Last 8: "This debut is, at times, both joyful and heartbreaking ... Pohl's characters are tough, funny, and brave as they manage to persevere despite the debilitating weight of grief."--Booklist "With its powerful world building and emotional twists, The Last 8 is a beautifully fresh take on the idea of an alien apocalypse."--Foreword Reviews "A sci-fi romp with ample intergalactic twists to keep readers satisfied."--Kirkus Reviews