DEEPHAVEN

A student at a mysterious boarding school faces a supernatural mystery.

Guinevere “Nev” Tallow is a first-year student at Deephaven Academy, which they had never heard of before receiving a mysterious pamphlet and letter inviting them to attend. As they attempt to settle into their new life, they discover that the locked east wing of the dormitory harbors a secret, as does the seemingly flawless prefect, Patience Sleepwell. Nev, who is minimally described but appears white in illustrations, is a clever, self-reliant main character who’s easy for readers to relate to. Despite the evocative atmosphere—the story is set in the 1940s in a remote part of New England—the magical worldbuilding is frustratingly vague. The school may or may not teach magic, and it’s unclear exactly how the universe of Deephaven works or why Nev was invited there. This and many other questions, including character motivations, are left unanswered, which makes it hard to feel satisfied with the otherwise enjoyable, spooky main plotline. Nev’s nonbinary identity as well as the racial diversity of the supporting cast are non-issues, and readers may enjoy this escape from historical transphobia and racism. The illustrations are a highlight: reminiscent of etchings in an old storybook but with a modern graphic-novel flavor.

Readers will hope the second volume delivers after this partially successful opener.