A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels like an outcast, judged by their community for who they are or who they love. It's an ideal story for young adults grappling with their identity and power in a world that can feel hostile. The story follows Dayna, a 17-year-old bisexual witch in modern-day Ireland, who is ostracized by her own coven. When a mysterious evil begins murdering witches, she must team up with Meiner, a witch from a rival coven. The book powerfully explores themes of self-acceptance, loyalty, and fighting against prejudice and patriarchal systems. While it contains intense violence and mature themes like homophobia, it offers a cathartic and empowering journey for teens 14 and up who are looking for stories that validate their struggles and celebrate their strength.
Several secondary characters are killed throughout the story.
Racism & DiscriminationModerate
Depicts and directly confronts intense homophobia and misogyny.
Romantic ContentModerate
Features a central f/f romance with kissing and intimacy.
LanguageMild
Contains some profanity.
Sensitive Topics
Identity (specifically LGBTQ+ identity) is handled directly and is central to the plot. Dayna's bisexuality and Meiner's lesbian identity are explicit. The conflict is secular within a pagan/witchcraft framework, directly opposing a patriarchal, misogynistic, and homophobic ideology that mirrors religious fundamentalism. Death is also direct and often graphic, with several characters being murdered. The resolution is hopeful for the main characters' relationship but acknowledges the trauma and loss they have endured. Grief is a realistic and present theme.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 15-18, who loves dark urban fantasy and is looking for powerful queer representation. This is for the reader who feels like an outsider, particularly if they are navigating their LGBTQ+ identity within a conservative community. They appreciate stories where characters fight back against injustice and find strength in a found community. A perfect fit for a fan of authors like Leigh Bardugo or V.E. Schwab.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview for content. The violence can be graphic, with detailed descriptions of murders. The book directly addresses misogyny (including slut-shaming) and homophobia. There is some profanity and a brief mention of underage drinking. The core romance is between two young women. The book can be read cold, but parents should be prepared for potential conversations about these heavy topics. A parent might notice their teen feeling isolated or expressing frustration about being judged by peers, school, or their community, especially regarding their identity, sexuality, or choices. The teen might be consuming media that deals with social justice and is looking for fantasy that reflects those real-world struggles.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely focus on the thrilling monster-hunting plot, the magic system, and the compelling enemies-to-lovers romance. An older teen (16-18) will more deeply connect with the social commentary on patriarchal structures, religious hypocrisy, the trauma of being ostracized, and the empowerment of reclaiming one's identity.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique strength is its unflinching blend of contemporary Irish witchcraft with a direct confrontation of real-world misogyny and homophobia. Unlike allegorical fantasies, the prejudice here is named and fought explicitly. It grounds its dark fantasy in the very real emotional stakes of being a queer teen in a world that isn't always accepting, making the magic and the fight for survival feel deeply personal and relevant.
Read plot summary
In contemporary Ireland, 17-year-old bisexual witch Dayna is shamed and ostracized by her coven after a messy breakup. When witches start turning up dead, killed by an ancient entity, she is forced to work with Meiner, a stoic lesbian witch from a rival coven. Together, they uncover a conspiracy by a misogynistic, patriarchal faction of witch hunters aiming to seize control. Their investigation is complicated by their growing, forbidden romance and the constant threat of the monster hunting them.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Dayna's coven shuns her after her ex-boyfriend spreads a rumor. How does the book explore the idea of 'slut-shaming,' and in what ways does Dayna reclaim her own power and narrative?
2
The villains in the story use fear of an ancient evil to justify their oppressive control over the covens. How does this reflect real-world situations where fear is used to control people or limit their rights?
3
Meiner is an outsider in her coven because of her family's history. How do both Dayna and Meiner's experiences with being outcasts help them form a bond? What does their story say about finding community outside of traditional structures?
4
The book is set in Ireland and draws on Celtic traditions for its magic. How did the setting and the specific type of nature-based magic contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story?
