Kill Me Softly
Mirabelle Lively knows little about her past or her deceased parents; her loving, though overprotective, guardian godmothers, Elsa and Bliss, have kept it that way. But with her sixteenth birthday approaching, Mira runs away to Beau Rivage to visit her birthplace and her parents’ graves, hoping to find answers. The city and residents are not as they appear, and as mysteries and secrets unfold, so do revelations, including whether or not curses and fairy tales could be real and whether Mira is destined for happily ever after or a more sinister fate. Incorporating suspense and romance, this contemporary, edgy, Grimm-based novel is an entertaining and well-written entry in the crowded but popular genre. With nods to many fairy tales—including Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel—readers will find familiar, if occasionally predictable, elements. However, there are also some creative twists as the engaging YA cast navigates issues ranging from destiny versus free will to self-discovery to the power of love. Includes some strong language and mature scenarios. Grades 9-12. --Shelle Rosenfeld