So Witches We Became

April 15, 2024
When Nell was young, she was visited nightly by a shadow figure that disappeared as she got older. But the figure reappears following a traumatic event that Nell doesn’t remember—and she doesn’t want to. Her friend Harper, whom she’s growing apart from, and Harper’s older brother Harry invite Nell to join them and mutual friend Dia on a private Florida island vacation—a getaway seemingly much improved by the budding affection between Nell and the cute island caretaker, Tris. But when Harper’s antagonistic boyfriend Gavin and his friend Christopher arrive suddenly, things devolve, and any chance of a good time is thoroughly dashed when a mysterious and toxic haze encompasses the island and blocks off all the exits. As the haze advances and Nell’s friends can suddenly see the shadow figure too, the group must navigate rapidly changing interpersonal dynamics as they determine the magic that’s keeping them trapped on the island. An overly familiar resolution somewhat dampens the wildly original plot. Baguchinsky (Mammoth) nevertheless attentively explores issues surrounding sexism and sexual violence, delivering plentiful emotional highs set amid haunting atmosphere. Protagonists are intersectionally diverse. Ages 14–up. Agent: Eric Smith, PS Literary.

May 1, 2024
A high school senior must face the dark shadows of her past when a vacation turns into a real-world nightmare. Nell is spending spring break on a private Florida island, sharing a rented house with her friends Harper and Dia, as well as Harry, Harper's brother. Nell and Harper have been best friends since childhood, when Nell suffered from sleep paralysis and learned to keep the horrifying shadow in her room at bay by singing. But they've been drifting apart recently, especially once Harper started dating Gavin. This vacation is supposed to be a time to focus on their friendship, but when Gavin and his best friend, Christopher, show up, the trip goes sour. One bright spot is the arrival of Tris, whose dad owns the property; she immediately connects with Nell. Everyone becomes stuck on the island when an unnatural and dangerous haze blocks their way out. As the haze draws nearer and inexplicable phenomena occur, Nell uncovers hidden elements of the island's history and realizes that she must embrace her rage. This unsettling tale successfully uses creepy horror elements to shed light on traumas, while queer romance and forgiving friendships add heart and hope. The deliciously claustrophobic secluded island setting ramps up the intensity and aids in making the story entirely gripping from start to finish. Tris reads Black; Dia is Cuban American, and Nell and the other central characters are coded white. Eerie and engrossing, this powerful story is about embracing darkness to find the light. (author's note, resources) (Horror. 14-18)

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June 1, 2024
Grades 9-12 Spending spring break on a private barrier island in Florida sounds like a perfect getaway for high-school senior Nell and her friends Harper and Dia, who are chaperoned by Harper's older brother, Harry. Nell is especially glad to spend time with Harper without her manipulative boyfriend, Gavin, who's driven a wedge between them. The first day brings a hint of romance, as Nell flirts with the island caretaker's daughter. In secret, Nell practices her nightly ritual: singing to calm the looming shadow presence that's haunted her since childhood. But Gavin and his friend Christopher arrive, throwing off the balance. Nell forgets to sing to her shadow, and a toxic mist envelopes the island. Nell uncovers clues to the island's witchy past and realizes she must embrace her shadow to break the curse. The claustrophobic setting enhances the uneasy mood that arrives with Gavin. Baguchinsky shrewdly uses horror to underscore Nell's grief and rage from sexual assault, echoed by her friends' experiences, including Harry. While the details of the storm magic are murky at best, this emotional thriller has high appeal.

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Starred review from July 1, 2024

Gr 8 Up-Spring break on a deserted island in Florida with her friends should be the perfect escape for Nell, a high school senior with more than her share of darkness and problems. Lately, though, the strange and frightening shadow that has always followed Nell in sleep has begun to infect her waking hours. When unexpected guests appear on the island and Nell's mother's ukulele-her best defense against the shadow-is destroyed, Nell is angry and disappointed but tries hard to cope until things take a deadly turn for the worst. The island itself suddenly seems violent with a dangerous red fog rolling in and a battering storm bearing down on them. As Nell and her friends work through the island's dark secrets and hidden legends for answers, they must also find the courage to share their own secrets, giving them enough collective power to survive. This is a claustrophobic, evocative tale, skillfully crafted and sharply descriptive with horrifying imagery to spare. A very heavy backstory pairs with the quick pace and suspenseful tone to keep readers from being dragged under, and though there is ample cause for revenge and rage, there is much to appreciate, too, in the convincing romantic interest, healing friendships, and example of how sharing grief can lighten its burden. Though content warnings for sexual assault should not be taken lightly, gruesome vengeance and hard-fought justice will be had. VERDICT Powerfully angry and vengeance-laden, with terrifying and very human monsters.-Allie Stevens

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