Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson can best be described as Encanto's creepy and dark cousin. Ravenfall follows Anna and her magical family that runs an inn for the mysterious and weird. Everyone has a gift, whether it is telekinesis, empathy, or mind reading, everyone in her family is special. Anna can see death in those who have witnessed it, but she struggles to fit in with her family who she feels all have more useful gifts. But when a mysterious boy named Colin walks into the inn, she starts to find her place in her family, the inn, and in the world.

Meanwhile, Colin is struggling between the recent violent deaths of his parents and his missing brother. He goes to Ravenfall to get more answers and hopefully find his brother. But the answers he finds, lead to more questions.

I absolutely adored this book. The magic felt whimsical, but really because Kalyn Josephson manages to craft a beautiful world of magic and family. When I called this book a darker version of Encanto, I do mean it in the best way possible. While the book is magical in plot and setting, it captures the complexities of family and trying to find yourself in a world where everyone seems so much better than you. The characters are had unique qualities that made them their own characters, but also been did in perfectly as a family and town. The plot always moved steadily forward and never lagged or jumped around. There was a perfect mix of discovery and wonder that made this story a true joy.

An excellent start to a new series! Can't wait fro the sequel! 5/5

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, Delacorte Press, for allowing me to read Ravenfall early!

I was interested in this book from the moment I saw Supernatural was one of the comparison titles used and fortunately it didn't disappoint, Kalyn Josephson crafted a compelling spooky middle-grade which will ensnare the attention and the heart of all its readers.

Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson was a joy to read. With engaging protagonists, strange creatures and a storyline that sucked one in to another world, it was hard to put down. I look forward to more from this author.

Pure magic packed with action and rich lore! I loved this book from start to finish. The world building is top notch, Colin and Anna are such intriguing characters, and the story had me on the edge of my seat!

In RAVENFALL, Anna Ballinkay— a thirteen-year-old psychic who's still getting a handle on her powers—must team up with Colin Pierce, a fugitive at her family's haunted inn, to solve a murder mystery (and possibly also save the entire universe; no spoilers). Colin has spent his whole life moving from place to place, sheltered from his family's secrets by his now-dead parents. Despite only recently having learned that magic is A Thing, he soon finds out that he has some magical powers of his own— and some shared history with his quirky Ballinkay hosts.

This book is the MG novel equivalent of a cozy knit sweater and a Great Pumpkin VHS tape. Seriously, it's going to be the PERFECT Halloween read for kids who love spooky, heartfelt mysteries. I read my advance copy in mid-March and found myself wishing I had a mug of apple cider and some falling leaves to complete the experience.