Wednesday, April 24, 2024

The Darkness Rises by Stacy Stokes - OPTIONAL

The Darkness Rises
by Stacy Stokes
, 336 pages. Penguin, 2024. $20 

Language: R (79 swears 13 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (underage drinking) Violence:  PG-13 (school shooting mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY:  HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO SEVERAL

17yo Whitney sees a dark cloud forming over people who are in danger and can be helped by her. Her grandmother has the same ability and gave Whitney three rules to follow; rules that are meant to keep Whitney safe and free from the guilt of saving someone who ends up harming others. This happened last year when she saved Dwight from jumping off a building. He then instigated a school shooting. Whitney blames herself for everything that Dwight did. Someone else blames her too and when the harassment starts, it’s only the beginning of the vengeance to come. 

I enjoyed the character development and the mystery surrounding the main character. The relationships are fleshed out well. I appreciate the many resources the author included at the end of the book for bullying, child trauma, suicide prevention, mental health, mental illness, and grief. The author’s note is exceptional as a call for all of us to let our voices be heard and vote for leaders that we believe reflect our values and ambitions for our country and communities. I also appreciate the content warning at the beginning of the book. Ethnicity is predominantly white 

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian

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