Starting School

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with feelings of isolation, the weight of past mistakes, or the overwhelming sensation of being an outsider in a new, intimidating environment. It serves as a bridge for teens who feel 'branded' by their history and are looking for a story that validates their sense of being different or misunderstood during a difficult transition. Luce Price is sent to a restrictive reform school after a tragic accident, where she finds herself caught between two mysterious boys and a centuries-old supernatural conflict. While the plot is steeped in fallen angel mythology and gothic romance, the emotional core explores themes of identity, the search for belonging, and the struggle to distinguish between who people say you are and who you truly feel you are. It is a brooding, atmospheric read suitable for high schoolers who enjoy high-stakes drama and themes of fated love.