A Darker Mischief

Mississippi native Calixte “Cal” Ware— a white-cued sophomore transfer to Essex Academy, an elite Connecticut boarding school—is a “lone wolf” who feels out of place among his wealthy peers. When he’s offered the opportunity to join the secret Society of the Seven Eyes, which is dedicated to the “unearthing of campus secrets,” Cal—haunted by an incident of homophobic violence that resulted in the loss of his right eye—regards it as a chance to forge a new identity. He soon falls for charming Korean American Luke Kim, a fellow initiate who admits to being “kind of a bad kid” in his childhood. Induction into the society seems to be Cal’s surefire way toward a successful future, but as the process wears on, he wonders if the Seven Eyes—and Luke—are more sinister than they appear. Through Cal’s introspective narration, Milman (Swipe Right for Murder) builds anticipation and unease by hinting at but never quite revealing the society’s true intentions. Though the third act is somewhat rushed and the political intrigue inherent within the academy feels underdeveloped, the central romance is by turns tender and tragic in this satisfying dark academia thriller. Ages 13–up. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary. (July)