The Midnight Dance

Gr 9 Up—Mixing elements of gothic horror, science fiction, and romance, this debut YA novel falls disappointingly short on several levels. Penny is one of 12 teenaged girls being trained in ballet at a remote school in Italy. It is owned by a dark and handsome young man known only as Master, to whom all the girls are attracted and want desperately to please. Except Penny, who has recently begun to feel uncomfortable in his presence, and to notice that all her fellow sorellas, though unrelated, share disturbingly similar traits and memories. Penny's increasing flashes of memory from a very different life result in crippling migraines, unconsciousness, followed by bitter medicine, and a period of contentment. But the treatments are losing their effectiveness. Sensitive to any errant behavior in his girls, Master is particularly aware of Penny's growing confusion. He attempts to bring her back into the fold with a new "treatment," but his plans are foiled by the kitchen boy. Cricket, who is actually Master's nephew, knows what's going on and warns Penny in hopes of convincing her to escape. She refuses to leave while her sorellas are still in danger. She must first find a way to free them from Master's control. Katz's debut novel provides a satisfyingly dark and frightening plot, but its sci-fi elements are dubious at best, and its romance feels gratuitous. Considering its intended audience, the pervasive Stockholm Syndrome sensuality and implications are not explored thoroughly.