 Demon in the Wood, by Leigh Bardugo, illustrated by Dani Pendergast. This graphic novel is the prequel to Bardugo's Shadow and Bone series. The Darkling, Aleksander (currently using the alias Eryk) is shown as a teenager. He lives nomadically with his mother, frequently changing identities, because the witch-hunters will kill Grisha (people with magical powers). Eryk and his mother both have the rare gift of being able to control shadows. As it turns out, Eryk has a second magical secret as well. The twist in the story is well done: a surprise at the time, but set up well so that it makes sense in retrospect. Eryk suffers a stunning betrayal, and what begins as self-defense turns into a greater evil that foreshadows his future as the Darkling. The illustrations are also well done, giving just the right amount of detail to tell the story and bring the emotion home. Popsugar Reading Challenge: Includes a "shadow daddy" character. 52 Book Club Challenge: Title in a serif font. Booklist Queen Challenge: Title starts with "D." This Challenge Killed the Bookworm: Beware of the woods.
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