The Lies of Alma Blackwell

May 20, 2024
Only the women of the Blackwell lineage can keep the restless spirits of the small seaside town of Hollow Cliff at bay. Created in a long-ago accident, the spirits still claim new victims despite the Blackwells’ magical interference. With her dying grandmother unable to continue warding off the specters, 17-year-old Nev reluctantly prepares to uphold her family’s century-old vow and take up the mantle, a responsibility that alienates her from her peers and weighs heavily upon her. Then a mysterious young man named Cal arrives, and he teaches Nev things about the Blackwells’ history that she never knew, such as her missing mother’s true fate. As Nev’s induction into her new role draws near, she and Cal delve into the complicated and tragically intertwined past of the Blackwells and Hollow Cliff, hoping to unravel the secrets and lies once and for all. Moody and atmospheric, this modern gothic tale by Glaze (The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond) is packed with twists that expose the hidden history of the Pacific seaside setting and the family that has shaped it for decades. Nev and Cal’s blossoming romance grounds the supernatural story line. Protagonists read as white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Sara Crowe, Sara Crowe Literary.

June 1, 2024
A descendant from a long line of witches is poised to continue the family responsibility of safeguarding her town from a centuries-old curse. As 17-year-old Nev Blackwell prepares to honor her ancestral vow of watching over Hollow Cliff, the arrival of a mysterious stranger sparks doubts in her mind about the truths she's long been taught about her family's role in the town's tragic past. Nev's coastal Northern California home, the Blackwell House of Spirits, serves as both a haunting tourist attraction and a repository for closely guarded family secrets. Explorations of the theme of familial betrayal and a reckoning with uncomfortable history add an additional layer to the narrative, illustrating the haunting impact that past actions can have on future generations. Glaze deftly weaves the past into the present, delving into the depths unlocked by a mere drop of family blood while gradually unveiling answers. The sense of urgency she creates heightens both the tension and the pacing. Rich cinematic descriptions of the setting and nuanced character development foster a deep connection with the quaint yet enigmatic town. Despite some repetitive, one-note dialogue, the foreshadowing and subtle hints invite readers to revisit the story, unraveling its intricate ghostly elements upon a second read. Fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Mary Downing Hahn will be drawn into this enchanting tale, a gripping supernatural thriller that's characterized by a strong blend of light romance, moody gothic ambiance, and magical mystery. Highly recommended for those seeking an atmospheric page-turner. (Paranormal thriller. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 1, 2024
Grades 9-12 Glaze's atmospheric tale of thwarted love, family secrets, and vengeful curses takes place in a Northern California seaside town plagued with drownings. Seventeen-year-old Nev Blackwell is on the cusp of inheriting her family's legacy, a magical Vow that protects Hollow Cliff from the angry spirits created a century ago in a terrible accident. With her grandmother dying, Nev is the only Blackwell left to take over; Nev's mother abandoned the family years ago. While Hollow Cliff is a popular tourist destination thanks to the town's magical history, only residents know how true the stories are, how frequently drownings occur even with the Vow's protection. Nev wants to be the Blackwell that fully ends the curse, but when she meets a mysterious stranger with a different history of the Blackwells--including her mother's fate--she begins to doubt the Vow's true purpose. This twisty tale has a strong mystery element amid the gothic trappings, with well-placed reveals that heighten the suspense. This is a satisfying read for fans of gothic romances and paranormal mysteries.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from August 23, 2024

Gr 8 Up-Nev Blackwell spends her days managing the Salem-esque tours of her familial home. The west coast town has been overshadowed by a series of tragic, untimely deaths presumed to be caused by evil forces which must be held at bay. Nev's grandma has been fulfilling this role for more than her fair share ever since Nev's mom disappeared rather than taking her own vow to protect the town, as the women of her family have done for generations. As her grandma's health fails, the evil powers are moving in and it's clear Nev must forsake her opportunity to go to college and take her own Vow and assume her role in protecting the town. Grandma has been coaching her and her skills are improving. As the Vow date approaches, however, Nev has a series of visions and time jumps which help her realize that everything is not as it seems and that perhaps her mother had the same revelations before she opted not to take her Vow. There is no discussion of race, and the characters are presumed to be white. There is a mixture of romantic interest-both with the new young man (who is oddly familiar) and between two historical female ancestors. The writing is excellent: good details and unique phrasing keep readers wanting more. Add a witchy house with elaborate secret passageways and we are all in. VERDICT A phenomenal occult thriller. Give this to fans of lesbian Wicca and they will be over the moon.-Leah Krippner

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.