The Dark Becomes Her

Sixteen-year-old Taiwanese Canadian pianist Ruby Chen has always been able to see figures in the shadows, but they’ve left her alone—until now. Ruby has been busy trying to set a good example for her two younger siblings, 14-year-old Tina and eight-year-old Denny, while also trying to please her strict parents, who are concerned about her future plans and maintaining a stellar reputation within their tight-knit community. When Tina’s personality rapidly changes and one of the shadows physically hurts Ruby, the normally nonconfrontational teen finds herself working alongside classmate Shen, also Taiwanese Canadian. Together, they learn more about the spirits and the seemingly benevolent Temple of Fortunate Tidings that Tina has become embroiled with. Ruby and Shen’s partnership, a catalyzing relationship, feels underdeveloped compared to Ruby and Tina’s riveting familial bond. Still, Lin (Song of the Six Realms) blends vividly imagined scenes of body horror with Taiwanese folklore to craft a compelling story about sisterhood. Equally satisfying is Ruby’s character arc, throughout which she contends with the cost of ignoring her own desires to conform to her parents’ expectations. An author’s note and glossary conclude. Ages 12–up. Agent: Rachel Brooks, BookEnds Literary. (Oct.)