All the Hidden Monsters

Gr 7 Up–Sage always wanted to work for the magical police force of Manchester’s underworld, but as a werewolf and not an all-power warlock. When her friend Lucy is murdered, Sage is given the chance to join the force on a temporary trial basis, partnered with Oren, the department’s most dangerous investigator. Oren, for his part, doesn’t need a partner, and isn’t keen on babysitting a young werewolf while he’s trying to solve a case. Forced to work together, the two soon discover they have a lot in common. Readers will find Sage sympathetic, with her haunted past making it clear she carries a lot of grief and guilt. Scenes with supporting characters—Sage’s roommate P., Berion and Hozier from the force—become warm and comforting as the story progresses, adding a found-family aspect to Sage’s journey. Though the narrative is written in a way that suggests Oren and Sage grow closer early on, it isn’t until halfway through that they open up on page. In other ways, Jordan’s debut novel simply lacks the innovative narrative and worldbuilding elements that would otherwise help it stand out in the genre.