All the Hidden Monsters

February 1, 2025
Grades 9-12 A broody warlock, a nervous werewolf, and a particularly domestic poltergeist walk into a bar, but it's not for quiz night. Oren, Sage, and P, the respective members of this unusual trio, are brought together to solve a murder--a task that Sage hopes will make the Arcānum, the magical police force, understand that being a werewolf shouldn't preclude her from solving crimes. The basic, initial world building expands as the investigation progresses; while this effectively prevents information overwhelm, it also results in a somewhat disjointed, fastpaced plot that stymies any efforts the reader might make toward thinking through the mystery themselves. The characters are largely minimally developed, making it easy to confuse minor characters. Interestingly, despite Oren's adherence to the broody-with-a-tragic-backstory archetype built into modern expectations of YA urban fantasy, there is just a slight hint of romance that manifests only during the final twist. While romance and mystery fans are unlikely to find what they're looking for here, those searching for a "no thoughts, just vibes" supernatural romp will enjoy themselves thoroughly.

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February 15, 2025
A werewolf and a warlock team up to solve a supernatural murder in this trilogy opener by debut author Jordan. When Sage goes to check on Lucy, her fellow werewolf friend, she finds dangerous, enigmatic warlock Oren in Lucy's Manchester, England, apartment. He's investigating her brutal murder to determine if it's an Upside, or human, crime, or a Downside, or supernatural, one that would fall in his jurisdiction. Though Oren feels something about the crime scene is off, it's Sage who discovers the supernatural link. Roderick, Oren's captain in the Arcānum (paranormal police), knows Sage--she's applied many times, but the Arcānum only hires warlocks. Still, he gives her Lucy's case as a trial, forcing solitary Oren to take her on as a temporary partner. The slow-burn first third of the book introduces the secret supernatural society while the investigation unfolds and the characters' interactions reveal Sage's survivor's guilt-induced motivations and peel back Oren's prickly layers. The immersive worldbuilding mitigates the slow initial pace and Oren's not-so-pleasant personality until the heroes begin to thaw toward each other in a rewarding development. Once the murder mystery plot picks up steam and complexity, the narrative tension builds until the climax, which is a mixed bag--the solution to the mystery is nifty but comes via a villain's monologue and relies on a foundation of side characters' work rather than the protagonists' efforts. Most characters present white. Vivid characters and worldbuilding will leave readers eager for the sequel.(Paranormal thriller. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2025) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2025

Gr 7 Up-Sage always wanted to work for the magical police force of Manchester's underworld, but as a werewolf and not an all-power warlock. When her friend Lucy is murdered, Sage is given the chance to join the force on a temporary trial basis, partnered with Oren, the department's most dangerous investigator. Oren, for his part, doesn't need a partner, and isn't keen on babysitting a young werewolf while he's trying to solve a case. Forced to work together, the two soon discover they have a lot in common. Readers will find Sage sympathetic, with her haunted past making it clear she carries a lot of grief and guilt. Scenes with supporting characters-Sage's roommate P., Berion and Hozier from the force-become warm and comforting as the story progresses, adding a found-family aspect to Sage's journey. Though the narrative is written in a way that suggests Oren and Sage grow closer early on, it isn't until halfway through that they open up on page. In other ways, Jordan's debut novel simply lacks the innovative narrative and worldbuilding elements that would otherwise help it stand out in the genre. VERDICT This fantastical detective mystery will circulate best in libraries with avid and forgiving fantasy readers.-Jolie Hanlon

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