Review by Booklist Review
Eighteen months ago, the Appalachian amusement park based on the folklore of German immigrants suddenly shut down for reasons no one except Oma, Frankie's grandmother and sole proprietor of the park, understands. It didn't take long for Whisperwood Park's closing to have a big effect on everyone's financial situation, and some people are more upset about that than others. Frankie, personally, couldn't care less; she only cares about Oma, the matriarch everyone else mostly ignores, and is disgusted by her family's greed. After an unwanted and unpleasant surprise party, Oma disappears, setting into motion a chain of events that unearths long-buried secrets deeper than a theme park fortune. The park's attractions are based on very dark folklore, and as the boundaries of reality shift, Frankie's family's true inheritance may not quite meet their expectations. Lots of big personalities keep the large cast of complex family situations from being too muddled, and copious twists and turns will keep readers guessing. Readers of dark fairy tales and complicated family dramas will be enchanted.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Inside a shuttered North Carolina theme park, one family is bound for a reckoning. Since its inception, Whisperwood Park has been run by a member of the Strauss family: first German immigrant Sir Wilhelm and now Virginia, his great-granddaughter. The popular park featured rides and attractions based on Wilhelm's tales, which brought to life his German heritage within the Appalachian setting. But 18 months ago, Virginia abruptly shuttered it. As potential heirs to the property, 17-year-old Francesca "Frankie" Montgomery-Strauss and the rest of her family return, hoping to uncover what happened and what it means for their futures. Frankie also seeks to understand the disappearance of her friend (and maybe something more) Zara Morales. And then Oma--Frankie's grandmother Virginia--goes missing too. The answers lie in the park, with its stories and its quiet, attractive teenage groundskeeper, Jem. Magic, a family feud, and a dark deal coalesce in a whirlwind that complements rather than overshadows Frankie's story of unraveling her past, her feelings, and her agency. The portrayal of Frankie's bisexuality stands out as an understated yet clearly integral part of her characterization. Atmospheric and broody, the story brings together monsters and fairy tales even as it tackles teenage love and heartbreak and digs into the key role Frankie plays in the future of the park and her family. Most characters are cued white; Zara presents Latine. A strong, compelling debut that shows that stories really do have power--and can hold danger. (family tree)(Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
