Review by Booklist Review
Ramos (The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary, 2018) blends themes of discrimination, income inequality, and the effects of grueling education with some of the best elements of horror in their latest. Aspiring horror filmmaker Yuiza is leaving their home in the Bronx to attend the upscale boarding school Our Lady of Perpetual Mercy, where they'll be surrounded by wealth--unlike their working-class, Puerto Rican neighborhood. Their scholarship covers tuition and little else, leaving Yuiza in weighty debt. When Yuiza decides to investigate the constant odd behavior of the students and faculty, things turn dark: not only does the school hide a dangerous past but their fate as a scholarship student might literally lead to their demise. This twisty thrill ride of a novel shines thanks to Yuiza's all-encompassing passion for horror, which drives the plot forward. Meanwhile, Yuiza's fears and frustrations as a queer Puerto Rican teen at a wealthy, predominantly white school are powerfully felt. Fans of horror movies in particular will appreciate this creepy story that centers survival for queer, BIPOC characters in the face of white supremacy.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--This horror novel features a non-binary, Puerto Rican teen intent on dismantling the systems that oppress them. Yuiza (they/them, she/her) is obsessed with horror movies, using them as a lens to view the world. They are upset to discover that their mom is sending them to a prestigious all-girls school on a scholarship and work-study program. A series of events seemingly set up against them causes Yuiza to quickly accumulate debt that she is expected to pay off through her work-study job. Meanwhile, Yuiza experiences visions of the school's sordid past and how it relates to those close to her. To take down the corrupt school, which acts as a microcosm of society's overall oppression, Yuiza teams up with other BIPOC students. Yuiza's love and knowledge of horror films are represented throughout, both in the way she describes events as horror tropes and in the syntax of the text, which often reflects a movie script, particularly when introducing a new character or depicting a flashback. Yuiza is well developed, with a rich family life and ability to connect with those around them. While Yuiza's story is important, the book feels underdeveloped in some key areas. The narrative occasionally lacks cohesion, with abrupt transitions between sections and ambiguous dialogue attribution. Overall, the plot is engaging and discusses important topics related to oppression and its toll. The cast of characters is diverse in gender representation and sexual orientation. VERDICT A modern take on horror for fans of Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Jordan Peele films that falls short due to a lack of clarity.--Nicolette Pavain
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