Dangerous Girls – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Gifted girls investigate mysterious deaths.
YA book title: Dangerous Girls.
YA author: Lisa M. Sylvan.
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult.
Published by: Scholastic.
ISBN: 9780702339264.
Recommended for children aged: 13+ year-olds.
First published: Paperback September 2025.
This YA book is ideal for: YA readers who love dark gothic fantasy, supernatural mysteries, and stories about powerful teens with supernatural gifts.
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Our review:
During her sixteenth year, Imogen Brine manifested a curious gift, the ability to grow poisonous Oleander flowers from her fingertips. Despite wearing gloves, her gift, her curse, the enchantment within her blood has become impossible to control. In a desperate bid to master her powers, Imogen travels to the notorious island, Innis Súil, renowned for its isolation, its lack of online presence and plagued by abundant menacing rumours.
Under the care of Madam Elspeth, Headmistress of Marshwood House, Imogen encounters other girls with gifts, including her newfound nemesis, Ailith and her accompanying birds. Just as she is beginning to feel at home within the group of dangerous girls, all of whom can do dark things which shouldn’t be possible, a deer is found mutilated by oleander flowers. When Imogen is then almost drowned by a strange creature in the pitch-black sea, trust between the girls is tested and she must uncover the truth.
With the help of Jack, the resident son of security chief and slow-burn love interest, the mysterious incidents become much darker than she could ever have anticipated, and all of the girls are in grave danger.
Lisa M. Sylvan’s Dangerous Girls delivers a gripping page-turner that keeps readers guessing from start to finish. Sylvan masterfully weaves fantastical elements that feel believable and grounded, making it easy to empathise with Imogen despite her supernatural abilities. The mystery is brilliantly unpredictable; just when you think you’ve identified the culprit, another suspect emerges, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout.
The writing flows effortlessly, making for an easy and engaging read. The slow-burn romance adds a perfect layer of tension and anticipation without overshadowing the main plot. A compelling gothic fantasy that successfully balances mystery, magic, and romance.
Our verdict:
Dangerous Girls is a gripping, unpredictable gothic fantasy that effortlessly blends believable magic with a slow-burn romance and keeps you guessing until the very end.
Many thanks to Scholastic for the review copy.
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