The Dark Becomes Her
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4.0 • 1 Rating
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- $26.99
Publisher Description
Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison, ventures into horror with Rick Riordan Presents in this a sinister tale of the supernatural, sisterhood, and the shadows that rule our darkest desires. Perfect for fans of Ryan La Sala and Trang Thanh Tran.
Ruby Chen has always played the part of the dutiful eldest daughter: excelling in school; excelling in piano lessons; excelling at keeping her younger sister, Tina, focused on extracurriculars meant to impress college admissions officers.
But when a ghost from the spirit world attacks Ruby in the middle of Vancouver's Chinatown neighborhood, her life is plunged into a darkness that no amount of duty can free her from. Overnight, Ruby's sister seems to change. There are strange noises coming from her bedroom at all hours; and the once sweet, funny Tina has been replaced by something dark and unnatural.
As Ruby races to save her sister from demonic possession, she is thrown into an ancient battle over the gateway to the underworld. On one side, a sinister traveling temple known for making dark wishes come true has returned to Chinatown after many years—intent on breaking down the gateway and unleashing the wickedness within. On the other side, the guardians determined to stop this encroaching evil
And in order to survive, Ruby must not only face the horror taking over her community, but must also confront the horror within herself.
Chinese and Taiwanese mythology get the Junji Ito treatment in this bone-chilling, propulsive story that takes the horrors of the Asian diaspora experience to a whole new level.
Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, now a hit series on Disney+.
Look for these other young adult titles from Rick Riordan Presents
Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older
It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass
A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
