The Book of Living Secrets
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Book of Living Secrets is a historical horror novel by Madeleine Roux, set mostly in Boston of the 1800s. Modern-day teens Adelle and Connie are so obsessed with the Gothic romance Moira that they find a way to enter the pages of the book. Violence includes battles against slimy monsters, with little bloodshed. One character discovers she's attracted to girls and experiences her first kiss. Another flirts with a boy. There's sparse use of "hell" and "damn."
Community Reviews
Living secret
Report this review
What's the Story?
As THE BOOK OF LIVING SECRETS opens, Adelle and Constance cast a spell that carries them back to the 1800s. They expect to enjoy genteel life in Boston and romantic passion, but the book, Moira, instead puts them into a monster-ridden wasteland. They must use their modern sensibilities to find their way home by learning the secrets of Moira's mysterious and missing author.
Is It Any Good?
Readers often dream of being carried off into their favorite settings, and this clever and eerie horror story explores the dangers of literary obsession. Author Madeleine Roux creates a solid horror tale that emphasizes the power of friendship. The young women find little that is as expected on their journey, providing surprising twists for the reader's enjoyment and keeping the level of suspense high. Creepy fun with a literary twist.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Book of Living Secrets portrays fandom. How do people become obsessed with popular entertainment?
How have the roles of men and women changed in the past three centuries?
How have notions of sex and gender changed?
Book Details
- Author: Madeleine Roux
- Genre: Horror
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Ocean Creatures
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Quill Tree Books
- Publication date: March 24, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 400
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Nemesis
Big surprises in action-packed thriller about re-dying girl.
-
Asylum
Teen horror tale has promising premise, half-baked plot.
-
In the Serpent's Wake: Tess of the Road, Book 2
Teen deals with trauma on exciting, magical sea voyage.
-
Professor Gargoyle: Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1
Humorous homage to classic horror is perfect for tween boys.
For kids who love horror and fantasy
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate