Description

"This book will seem fresh to new readers for decades to come." Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Family secrets turn deadly in this edgy page-turner about the insidious limits of labels and the ties that bind just a little too tightly, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod.

Growing up, Adrien and his sister, Grace, competed viciously for everything. It wasn’t easy being the adopted sibling, but Adrien tried to get along; it was Grace who didn’t want anything to do with him. When their scientist parents died in a terrible lab fire, there was nothing left to hold them together.

Now, after years apart, Adrien and Grace are forced to reunite at the elite boarding school where their parents were teachers. Being back around everyone he used to know makes Adrien question the person he’s become, while being back around Grace makes him feel like someone he doesn’t want to be.

For as much as Adrien wants to move on, someone seems determined to reopen old wounds. And when Adrien starts to suspect that Grace knows more about their parents’ deaths than she let on, he realizes there are some wounds no amount of time can heal. If Adrien isn’t careful, they may even kill him.

About the author(s)

Z Brewer is the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series, and more short stories than they can recall. Their pronouns are they/them. Z is also an outspoken mental health and antibullying advocate. Plus, they have awesome hair. Z lives in Saint Louis, Missouri, with a husband person, one child person, and three furry overlords that some people refer to as “cats.” Visit Z online at zbrewerbooks.com.

Reviews

“The characters are richly wrought but broad enough to not be pinned into one era, which means this book will seem fresh to new readers for decades to come...[A] rich, authentic read.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Happily, Brewer does a fine job handling these uncertainties and at the same time ratcheting up suspense as the mystery of the parents’ deaths deepens.” — Booklist

“Brewer threads his story with dramatic high points--explosive science projects, a poignant memory key to the sibling’s animosity--as well as thoughtful explorations of sexuality” — Publishers Weekly