The Cherished

Gr 9 Up–This novel follows 16-year-old Jo on her journey to Vermont to inherit the house and land left by her paternal grandmother. Jo’s quest uncovers the truth about her father and the mysterious town, where she must confront dark fae and the myth of child-stealing. The plot is a captivating mix of mystery and mythology. The incorporation of dark fae elements and myth adds depth and intrigue to the story. However, the first half of the book reads slowly, and the resolution comes too quickly at the end, leaving some plot points underdeveloped. The focus of the story also appears to be on the relationship between Jo and her mother, rather than the main plot with her grandmother’s land. Although the pacing might be slow at times, the strong characters and intriguing plot make the story worth reading. The book is a safe choice for readers who enjoy mystery and mythology, with very light horror. Jo is described as having an “olive complexion, and frizzy black hair” and a father of Italian and Syrian descent; other characters cue white.