
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels like an outsider or is struggling to find a place where their unique skills are valued. It is a perfect choice for the young person who feels they do not quite fit the traditional mold of success and is looking for a community that embraces the unconventional. The story follows Bridger, a high schooler who lands a job as an assistant to a mediator for the supernatural, discovering that his perceived weaknesses are actually his greatest strengths. This witty urban fantasy explores deep themes of identity, self-confidence, and the importance of finding one's tribe. While the setting is filled with monsters and magic, the emotional core is grounded in the universal experience of coming of age and defining oneself outside of societal expectations. It is a lighthearted yet meaningful read that provides positive LGBTQ+ representation and emphasizes that belonging often happens in the most unexpected places.
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Sign in to write a reviewSweet, slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance with light kissing.
Occasional mild profanity typical of YA literature.
Some descriptions of monsters and ghosts may be slightly spooky for sensitive readers.
The book handles identity and sexuality with a secular, direct, and matter-of-fact approach. While Bridger faces the typical anxieties of a marginalized teen, the resolution is overwhelmingly hopeful and affirming. There are moments of peril involving mythological creatures, but these are handled with humor rather than horror.
A 16-year-old who feels like they are 'drifting' through high school and needs a story that validates their quirks and promises that their people are out there waiting for them.
The book can be read cold. Parents should be aware of mild language and some light romantic tension, but it is very appropriate for the 14 plus age group. A parent might notice their child withdrawing from social groups or expressing frustration that they don't 'fit in' with the standard high school cliques.
Younger teens will focus on the 'cool factor' of the monsters and the secret world, while older teens will resonate more deeply with the themes of career anxiety and finding queer community.
Unlike many urban fantasies that focus on 'the chosen one' saving the world through violence, this book focuses on mediation, empathy, and the administrative side of magic, making it uniquely relatable to the modern teen experience.
Bridger is a high school senior who feels invisible and directionless until he stumbles into a job as an assistant to Leo, a mediator for the local supernatural population. As Bridger learns the ropes of managing grumpy goblins and wayward spirits, he discovers a hidden world and a sense of purpose he never had in the human world. Along the way, he navigates a blossoming romance and the realization that being different is a superpower.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.