Boring, a YA paint-by-numbers with no depth. This is allegedly a book about a secret society dedicated to eradicating violent mythical creatures (a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer)! Should be thrilling! But no, our "hero", Winnie (more like Whiny) spends ALL of her time obsessing over attire (my glasses are old-fashioned, wah) and needlessly carpooling around town, instead of solving mysteries in the spooky woods! Mostly, the story tries to be about Winnie, the ambitious nerdy outsider who both scorns and yearns for popular acceptance, and Jay, the hott lone wolf (eye roll) who gives her self-defense tutoring i.e. Physical Education wink wink nudge nudge. Give me a break! The moment Jay came up behind Winnie to improve her archery aim and she struck the dummy target's heart, I just about chucked the book at the wall. Tropes on troooopes!!!

This book tried to get participation points for being inclusive, but it's done in such a token way that I don't want to give credit. Here is a gay couple, a girl in a hijab, a teacher with a prosthetic leg...and that's their whole personality, that one trait. I mean, better than not having a diverse cast, buuuut.... (more eye rolling). Even the main characters are defined by constant ticks, rather than significant actions or conflicts. Here's Bubblegum Popper, those are The Dimple Twins, this is Flannel Wearing Burnout (why the shade on weed enthusiasts?), and over here is our main character: Glasses Adjustment McTeeth Grinder (seriously, the way the author writes Winnie as "clicking" her teeth faster and faster?...What is that about? Who chatters their teeth intentionally?)

The book's attempts at artistry are unsubtle and sloppy. The metaphors don't match the context or tone, and don't evoke the intended feelings. I started keeping a list of the worst examples of how NOT to write:
- "Imagine a broken radio inside a car exhaust. Or a sledgehammer at the bottom of the sea. It sounded like that!"
- "It's like a supernova made of shotguns."
- "Winnie doesn't have time to let the leaches gathering in her stomach engorge."
- "The clouds have briefly abandoned their usual post, leaving the sun to sweep down."
So over the top, so awkward. I found myself skipping to the back jacket to read up on the author; maybe I could excuse the ridiculousness if this were a debut novel... NOPE! This author has written TWO other series, and now TEACHES writing!!! *Insert scream emoji here!* Nooooo!!!

I don't understand how this book was endorsed by so many authors I love and respect. This book is NOT fun or necessary. Go read something else! You can do better!!! Run!!!!!!