For readers who love a dark, unpredictable mystery with complex characters, this novel explores the tangled truths and perceptions of three teens caught in a web of secrets.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is ready for a sophisticated psychological mystery that goes beyond simple good versus evil. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy piecing together a puzzle from conflicting accounts. The story revolves around three teens: Wink, the strange girl who tells fairytales; Poppy, the beautiful and cruel queen bee; and Midnight, the boy caught in their orbit. When a dare goes wrong in the woods, their tangled histories and secrets unravel. The novel masterfully explores themes of manipulation, bullying, and the slippery nature of truth, challenging readers to decide who is the hero, the villain, and the liar. With its dark, atmospheric tone and complex characters, it’s an excellent choice for mature young adults (13+) ready for moral ambiguity and intricate storytelling.
The entire premise is built on not knowing who is good, bad, or telling the truth.
Romantic ContentMild
A romantic triangle exists between the main characters, but it's not the central focus.
Scary ContentModerate
Psychological tension and a mysterious, unsettling event in the woods create a creepy atmosphere.
ViolenceMild
Focuses on intense bullying and psychological manipulation rather than physical violence.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with psychological manipulation, bullying, and gaslighting directly and intensely. The resolution is ambiguous, leaving the reader to question the characters' true motives and the nature of the events that transpired. It's a secular story focused on interpersonal psychology. The ending is more unsettling and thought-provoking than traditionally hopeful.
Ideal Reader
A mature teen (14-17) who loves unreliable narrators, psychological thrillers like "We Were Liars," and enjoys analyzing character motivations. This is for a reader who isn't looking for a clear-cut moral but enjoys the complexity of human relationships and the art of a well-crafted mystery.
Parent Prep
No specific pages need previewing, but parents should be prepared for the book's intense psychological manipulation and moral ambiguity. It's not a story with clear lessons. A post-reading conversation about unreliable narrators and the nature of truth would be beneficial. It can be read cold, but the experience is richer with discussion. The parent overhears their teen and friends discussing a social situation where someone is being manipulative or "two-faced." Or, the teen expresses fascination with shows or books where the "villain" is a compelling, complex character.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) might focus more on the plot twists and the "who is who" aspect of the mystery. An older teen (15-17) is more likely to appreciate the nuanced character psychologies, the exploration of unreliable narration as a literary device, and the sophisticated deconstruction of archetypes (the fairytale princess, the mean girl, the hero).
What Makes It Special
Its most unique quality is the masterful use of three distinct, unreliable narrators to tell a single story. Unlike many YA mysteries that focus on external events, this one is an internal, psychological puzzle box. The fairytale-like, lyrical prose also sets it apart, creating a unique, dark, and dreamlike atmosphere.
Read plot summary
Three teens, Wink, Poppy, and Midnight, are connected by a shared history and a web of secrets. Wink is the quirky storyteller, Poppy the manipulative bully, and Midnight the boy in the middle. The narrative unfolds from their three distinct, unreliable perspectives, centering on a mysterious event in the woods that forces their secrets and true natures to the surface. The central question is: who is the hero, who is the villain, and who is the liar?
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book tells us one character is a hero, one a villain, and one a liar. Did your opinion of who was which change as you read? Who did you ultimately decide filled each role, and why?
2
Wink often frames her life and the events around her in terms of fairytales. How does this shape her perspective and influence Midnight's perception of her? Do you think she believes her own stories?
3
Poppy is a classic bully, but the author gives us her perspective too. Did understanding her point of view make you feel any sympathy for her, or did it just confirm her manipulative nature?
4
Midnight is caught between Wink and Poppy. Do you think he is a victim, or does he bear some responsibility for the events that unfold? What choices could he have made differently?
