One month after Samhain, Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft is still afflicted by the dark spell Lilith cast on school grounds, and even the Coven can’t fix things. The recently formed magical fissure is causing significant tremors and weird occurrences, like monsoons in the dining hall. Abigail and her friend Noreen continue to be bullied and blamed for what happened on Samhain, and Abigail is determined to clear their names. She and her friends sneak out to try a spell to close the fissure, but she’s interrupted before she can complete it. Unfortunately, Abigail makes things worse; thanks to the unfinished spell, a student ends up lost in the gap in the ground. Abigail, who’s been experiencing visions of the past, sets out to uncover the institute’s history and secrets in hopes of finding a solution. This entertaining graphic novel explores relationships, identity, and the enduring legacy of the past. The pacing is strong until the end, which feels rushed. Boo’s text offers important context about both Abigail’s and the school’s backgrounds, which is supported by the spooky world evoked by her dramatic, evocatively colored illustrations that make strong use of light and shadow. In this world, which is diverse across multiple dimensions, Abigail appears to be white.
