This book was so much fun to read!! One of my most anticipated reads for this fall, I was so happy to finally get my copy from the library. After rereading Eliza and Her Monsters this year and enjoying it so much more the second time, I was a bit surprised that Francesca Zappia’s next book would have a paranormal theme to it and wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it but wow was I pleasantly surprised.

I loved the pacing for this book. I can totally see this as a Halloween movie playing out in my head. It’s creepy and spooky and while I kind of regretted reading it at night sometimes lol, it was actually really fun overall. The book is quite sad at times though and really touches on how people view other people who are not as wealthy or well-off as they are. Seeing what Zora goes through when the whole town is against her hurt so much. It was unfair and awful and I hated Buster so much. Kind of wish Ludwig has possessed him also cause he deserved to die. Her loneliness was something I related to a lot. It was just so sad when it hit her that no one trusts her or believes in her, and that no matter what she does to change people’s perspectives and no matter how hard she tries to save her town, the people are still against her. It’s just so sad. Zora really need a huge hug. When she finally breaks down and cries when she usually holds in her emotions, I was like wow it’s me.

Also, seeing a character who openly says she’s asexual was incredible. It was so casually put in, and while Zora does struggle with people thinking she has a thing for Bach, I did like how she touches on how she only likes him aesthetically.

Artemis really grew on me as a character. I sort of went from thinking she was okay, to being annoyed because of how spoiled and privileged she is, to really loving her in the end.

The rest of Zora’s friends really came together at the end there and I loved seeing them work together! Also Grim is such a softie. I absolutely love him and how he’s always reading thick fantasy books and how much he cares for Sadie and Zora.

The end did feel a bit confusing and rushed. It all wrapped up in the last 30 or so pages. The letter from Bach and Grim’s last words had me a little confused. Is Piper Mountain Hildegarde’s entrance? Is that where Zora’s mom disappeared to? Will we get a sequel? Cause I kind of do want more. I loved the town a lot, despite all the terrible people who deserve to die, but I’d love to see more of it and of Zora’s life after.

Also, Tad got the ending he deserved. Zora being all like “he sucked but didn’t deserve this” like no he did, he sucked, and I’m happy lol