This book was amazing, I have no notes. Exactly what you want from YA horror, with excellent pacing, jump scares, and moments of peace. I also now have a strong desire to do a deep dive into the history of Chinese immigration in Canada.

I wasn't a big fan of this one. I really enjoyed Lin's past books, but The Dark Becomes Her fell a little flat for me. I felt like it was trying to do too many things at once and as a result, none of the different plot elements were fully developed enough. I did like the beginning, but towards the middle all the way through to the end, things just got more and more disjointed.

The Dark Becomes Her follows Ruby Chen, the eldest daughter in her family. She’s always played her role perfectly: high grades in school, piano, and keeping her siblings focused on the same. But her younger sister, Tina, is rebelling and more focused on her own interests. When Ruby is attacked by a terrifying ghost, she’s plunged into the dark spirit world and her sister appears affected too. Tina is different, keeping more secrets and acting strange. Ruby meets Shen, someone who can see ghosts like her, and together they work to save Tina from demonic procession and greater power than they know.

I have some mixed feelings on this book. I really enjoyed the author's first duology so I was anticipating this one. I also really wanted to love this book because its set in Vancouver’s Chinatown. I so rarely find books set in BC let alone Vancouver and I was so excited. That being said, I think I was expecting more landmark references, and the setting really only rotates between four places. With that being said, the settings we did get to see were entertaining. I liked the mall and how everything was happening there. The pace was pretty good, but it did drag a bit with Ruby’s internal monologue. I enjoyed the first half more than the second. I loved the eerie vibes and monstrous ghosts and the terrifying quality of the unknown. I also really enjoyed the Taiwanese mythology—very cool and not something I know a lot about, but am now very curious to learn more.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance. It felt very sudden and quick and I would’ve preferred the romance confession closer to the end. I’m more of a slowburn girl and this was too fast for my taste. Some of the plot twists were easy to guess, but still enjoyable. Ruby was a pretty good main character. I think she’s accurately written for being the eldest daughter. I liked seeing the family dynamic and especially Denny—he was cute. Shen and Delia were good too. I liked when they all started interacting more as their friendships were sweet.

Overall, if you like ghost stories, mythology, Asian diaspora, or YA horror, this is definitely worth a read this spooky season!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Disney Publishing who provided a copy through Netgalley.

Though horror isn’t a genre I read often (or generally like, when I do it’s almost always fantasy horror, and having read and loved Judy I. Lin’s debut series, I knew I had to give The Dark Becomes Her a chance.

I enjoyed this book but can’t really say that I loved it. I found that, although the characters were relatable and the story was interesting, there wasn’t anything in particular that hooked me. There were also reoccurring instances where the pacing in this book caused some abrupt endings and shifts between scenes, or I expected an idea to continue and it just … didn’t. It was a little frustrating at times and certainly contributed to allowing my brain to distraction more than it normally is.

I quite liked the horror aspects of this book, the Vietnamese folklore it drew from, and the vibe it built. There was a lull about it in the back half though, when the horror aspects became more human focused.

Overall, I think it’s a good blend of genres, and I’ve already recommended it to my coworker who reads far more books in the horror genre than I do.

16-year-old Ruby Chen has always been a model daughter, looking out for her younger brother and sister, getting good grades, and excelling in her piano lessons. If she’s always seen blurry visions of ghosts, she’s learned from painful experience not to tell anyone about them.

But all that changes when Ruby is attacked by a ghost in the middle of Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood. Overnight, her sister Tina seems to change, becoming more and more sinister, as if she’s been possessed by a mysterious entity. And the spirits seem to be coming for her little brother Denny too. Has their family been cursed?

With the help of Shen and Delia, two employees of the Boba Tea shop, Ruby learns there’s a larger world with more serious stakes than she had ever imagined. She’s drawn into an ancient battle between gods and dark spirits over the gateway to the underworld. And to top it all off, a sinister traveling temple that makes dark wishes come true has sprouted up in her local mall. Could it be tied in with the restless demon spirits?

While grappling with this larger conflict, Ruby must also deal with recognizable teen issues — navigating her first crush, dealing with becoming her own person, and alternately wanting to protect and to escape her family. The story is richly layered with Taiwanese mythology and the smells and sights of Chinatown. Lin brings the setting to life in a vivid way and permeates the whole tale with a delicious sense of dread. Perfect autumnal reading!

The Dark Becomes Her is another strong entry in the terrific Rick Riordan Presents series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the digital ARC for “Rick Riordan Presents: The Dark Becomes Her” by Judy I. Lin. So far I have not read a book from Lin that wasn’t absolutely amazing, and once again the book was another instant request then order for me. I think the only thing about this book that I took issue with was this book's pacing felt a little off during the second half.

“The Dark Becomes Her” is an interesting take on horror that incorporates folklore and traditions to take a look at family expectations, and fear of failure… and how sometimes these drives can lead to unsavoury results. It also shows a story of great inner strength, love, and the ties that hold people together.

…the little side romance was sweet too.

With the ending… there better be a second book. I want to see more from Ruby, Shen, and Delia.

5/5

This review is based on an ARC.

Wow, I am speechless. This story had me hooked from the start and did not take its talons off me until the end. Rick Riordan's introduction did not adequately prepare me for how immersive and harrowing this story was going to be. Her descriptive language is unsurpassed and makes you drop into the story with goosebumps and sweat on your back. I plan to use so many passages in my class with students to showcase her eloquent prose. If you are looking for a story that has you so far planted on the edge of your seat you fall into the story read this!

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin is a gripping and atmospheric read that masterfully blends fantasy and suspense. Set in a richly imagined world, Lin's storytelling is both enchanting and haunting. The novel follows its protagonist through a dark and intricate plot filled with unexpected twists and deep emotional resonance. Lin's lyrical prose and well-developed characters bring a fresh and compelling perspective to the genre. This book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and those who appreciate a beautifully crafted narrative with a touch of the mysterious.

Thank you to Net Galley and Rick Riordan Presents for the ARC. This was an amazing, terrifying read. I really enjoyed Ruby's character. Her life feels extremely claustrophobic as she has to be the responsible eldest daughter that meets her parents expectations. I found her struggles relatable. I really enjoyed how the horror intersected with the experience of being the eldest daughter. Often times, the worst part of struggling is to not have anyone whom you can really talk about it with. This book was also really scary and tense, I don't think I'll be able to sleep at night. I enjoyed the romance, it felt really natural and well done, plus it was so cute. I also really enjoyed the friendships and siblinghood, it was sweet how much Ruby cares for her younger sister and brother. Also, the piano bits were amazing, I love the way Judy Lin wrote the scenes where Ruby is playing the piano or listening to music, those scenes were especially beautiful.

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin offers an intriguing blend of mystery and supernatural elements, set against a richly atmospheric backdrop. While the novel has moments of engaging suspense and well-crafted scenes, its overall impact may be uneven for some readers. The story’s pacing and character development may not fully resonate with everyone, making it a mixed experience.

I love that the Rick Riordan Presents series is venturing out into a variety of mythologies. This one I'd say is very much for a 13+ crowd due to some of the themes and violence. It's very well done.

I really loved parts of this book. At first it was demons and spirits that seemed to be the horror element. Then toward the end there was some gore. I think where the book lost points for me wasn't in this part (though I'm admittedly not a gore fan), but how things were settled in the end. I wanted to see Ruby's character growth be more than what it was. I wanted for her to have more involvement and control in certain parts. Was she not supposed to be the heroine of this story after all?

Rick Riordan Presents strikes again! The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin was fantastic. It was fast paced, creepy and the horror elements based on Taiwanese folklore were a real treat. I really appreciated the look into a traditional household and the way the author dealt with the pressure and anxiety from being the oldest child and trying to live up to particular standards. I think that it will be appreciated by kids in a similar situation. Overall it was an entertaining, informative read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin follows Ruby as she tries to battle the demonic presence taking over her neighborhood Chinatown and within her own family. I really enjoyed the tone of the book, as YA horror is something that is tonally difficult to pull of with enough horror and tension while still remaining in the age range. I think Lin pulled it off beautifully, and the book had high stakes with real consequences, gory scenes, and a sense of tension throughout the story. I also appreciated the elements of Taiwanese folklore and culture, and the amount of care that was put into Ruby's situation as the eldest daughter in a traditional household.

The parts that were lacking for me and didn't make this a true five star had mostly to do with the pacing. The romance in the book felt a little rushed, and a lot of the action was packed into small sections of the book.

Overall, the writing is beautiful, the storytelling is phenomenal, and the book overall will definitely be a win for YA readers (and older) who enjoy a horror story influenced by folklore and mythology.

I am sure that someone would love this book. In fact, while I was reading it, I thought that this book would make a good movie. That being said, I found the pace slow and I found it difficult to like the protagonist. There is a good chance that I will purchase this book for the library as I think there are those who would like it. It just wasn't for me.

Ruby Chen actually likes playing the piano, while her parents are only into for the certificate. She loves her lessons but anxiety is making it harder to perform. So is keeping an eye on her younger sister who is sneaking to dance lessons in the same mall. Then those creepy things that she’s always seen in the corner of her eye, make a sudden in your face, or rather wrapped around your leg, appearance. She’s rescued by a mysterious boy. Things go from bad to worse as she is introduced to the spirit world. She must help evict the demons – especially the one that has taken over her sister!
Ruby is all the feelings of a teenage girl – magnified because in addition to school and family she has to take on demons. She’s a great character. The story is creepy and tense. I look forward to reading more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for this DRC.
#RickRiordanPresentsTheDarkBecomesHer #NetGalley

The Chinese and Taiwanese mythology interwoven in the story was fun. If you are a mythology fan, getting to learn about other mythologies is always a plus! I was fascinated by the mythology, and I do plan to look for more Chinese and Taiwanese mythology books.
The horror! There were times I felt like I was Ruby. I felt the tongue on my ankle and had actually checked my leg. Judy Lin knew how to bring the horror and she brought it! It sucked me in and left me with chills. Mind you, I’m not a horror reader, but it got my senses heightened.

This book started out strong. It left me devouring the book in one sitting, but after the sudden relationship and character’s personalities shifted, I lost interest. I feel like the shift took away from the horror and the overarching story. However, because of the first 55% of the book I really cannot rate it any lower than 3 out of 5.

This is a great stand alone thriller with horror elements based on Taiwanese folklore. The author invites us into modern day Vancouver and doesn't spare any details when describing the weather and the atmosphere on the streets. Young adults reading this will empathize with the pressures Ruby faces from her parents and many will delight in the light romance element as well.
Anyone who has taken classical piano lessons will be able to relate to Ruby's performance anxiety and many of us will be jealous of her ability to play Rachmaninoff!
There are so many things to love about this book!

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!

Judy I. Lin writes in a wonderful voice for youth and expands Rick Riordan Presents with a different kind of tale. I enjoyed the mythology, along with just the right amount of thrill, and I’m looking forward to seeing more books from this author.

I absolutely loved this book. And can't wait to read it again when spooky season gets closer!

The story focuses on a family that has immigrated from Taiwan to Canada and the stresses of trying to appease her parents and yet be true to herself. I loved learning about some of the different spirits and traditions from Taiwan. It was so well written and I am extremely excited to recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a spooky new read.