October 4, 2021
Originally published in the U.K. in 2013, this underwhelming paranormal romance takes inspiration from the Greek myth of Charon. On her way to reunite with her estranged father after 10 years, cued-white Scottish teenager Dylan is killed in a horrific train crash. After waking and escaping the wreckage, she emerges into a deserted landscape reminiscent of the Scottish highlands. There she meets brooding, handsome Tristan, a sandy-haired, cobalt-eyed boy near her own age who is soon revealed to be her personal ferryman, charged with leading her through the “land between worlds,” a wasteland shaped by her subconscious, “to wherever going” after death. Along the perilous trek, Dylan and Tristan must face relentless wraiths, feral ghosts who prey upon new souls like hers. As they journey onward, however, the duo develops an unexpected connection—but Dylan can’t remain in the wasteland, and Tristan can’t follow her beyond. In focusing so heavily on the atmospheric setting, endless traveling, and blossoming relationship, the narrative occasionally feels lacking in emotional depth. Still, McFall (The Last Witness) spins an intimate tale of love and loss in this trilogy opener. Ages 12–up. Agent: Ben Illis, the BIA.