Selina has always been an outcast on her small Caribbean island after a scandal left her father dead and her mother in a coma. When the novel begins, she’s trying to move forward and carve out a new life for herself—but a fresh murder forces her back into the heart of the island’s mysteries. As the investigation deepens, Selina begins uncovering long-buried family secrets, including the truth about what tore her family apart.
The setting is one of the book’s strongest elements. The author weaves Caribbean folklore and history seamlessly into the story, bringing the island to life with a mix of beauty, danger, and haunting magic. Once the plot picked up, I was completely hooked—I needed to know what really happened to Selina’s parents and who was responsible for the string of murders.
Selina’s character growth was one of my favorite parts of the novel. Watching her reconnect with her roots, push back against others’ expectations, and embrace her true self was powerful and relatable. And then there’s Gabriel—I absolutely loved his character! His fierce loyalty to Selina, even after their breakup, made me root for their second-chance romance. I don’t usually gravitate toward that trope, but their journey felt natural and heartfelt.
I also really enjoyed diving into the folklore and legends threaded throughout the book. They added depth and atmosphere, and I’d definitely recommend looking further into the real history and mythology—it’s fascinating.
That said, a few things kept this from being a higher-rated read for me. The beginning felt a little slow, taking its time to build momentum. I also didn’t care for many of the secondary characters, who often came across as dishonest or cruel toward Selina. One in particular, Edward, frustrated me throughout—he constantly tried to mold Selina into someone she wasn’t, and I was relieved when she finally stood up for herself.
Overall, this was an excellent read with a gripping mystery, rich folklore, and a romance that surprised me in the best way. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy YA suspense with a touch of magic and a slow-burn second-chance love story.