Soul of Shadow (Soul of Shadow #1)

Ever since her twin sister Sophie’s death two years ago, 16-year-old Charlie has felt disconnected from life, with only her stage magic skills and lucky deck of cards as comfort. Then a classmate’s mysterious disappearance rocks the small Michigan beach town of Silver Shores; the only evidence of their vanishing is a left-behind pair of sneakers and an ash tree marked with Norse runes. While investigating the marred tree in the woods, Charlie encounters transfer student Elias, of whom she’s both wary and curious. She soon discovers that Elias is a mare—a dark spirit who creates and consumes fear—and may be connected to what’s become a string of missing-teen cases. Now privy to the concealed magic throughout Silver Shores, Charlie reluctantly teams up with Elias to solve the mystery. And despite her growing attraction to him, she still harbors doubts about where Elias’s loyalties lie as his hidden agenda takes shape. Norse mythology and folklore permeate a treacherous, atmospheric setting bursting with magic and danger. It’s a creepy supernatural adventure and a surprising trilogy opener by Noyes (How to Hide in Plain Sight) that intertwines examinations of grief and lofty enchantments with lighthearted humor. Charlie and Elias are white-cued. Ages 13–up. Agent: Kimberly Whalen, Whalen Agency. (July)