“Healing is stopping the knife, but it’s also tending to the wound. It’s letting the disinfectant sting.”

I had so much fun reading this book and absolutely loved the writing style.
Every subject it touched, from grief to religious trauma and being part of the LGBTQ+ community in such a small town, was so well written and full of emotions while keeping the spooky feeling. It did make me tear up in a few parts, but mostly it made me stop and reflect about how we really are shaped from the people around us and every choice we've ever made.
Personally I do think the ending was a bit rushed but still very well executed (I did cry a little) but that might just be me!
Overall, amazing late summer reading!

What I liked about this book was its gothic setting—spooky secluded mining town, mountains that sing, pale twins, illegitimate children, mass deaths, supernatural sightings, cemeteries, evil pastors, visions, occult practices, characters being metaphorically and literally haunted by their past, oppressive parents, unreliable memories, fainting, flashbacks to repressed traumatic events, being stalked by a slenderman-like character, etc, the list goes on and on. It’s atmospheric and tense and the protagonist is really going THROUGH it. By it I mean alienation so thorough that she has no place to call home.

I was especially fascinated by the figure of the so-called biblically accurate angel. The angel is not a manifestation of Christian beliefs, which the blindly religious want to believe, but an angel of vengeance here to seek redress for the wrongs wrought upon innocent children in the name of capitalist greed. There is a dark generational secret at the heart of this town to uncover/ exhume, an evil to excise before it’s too late. This narrative runs parallel with the protagonist’s own internal journey towards self-forgiveness and moving on from grief.

If there’s one thing about Isadora Chang, it’s that she’s funny and so relatable it’s concerning. Coming from an Asian American perspective, Isa sheds light on a dark acceptance the Asian American community often has, which is keeping quiet, enduring abuse and living with a dysfunctional family, but also striving to protect your social image and the pressure to not let others know. Not only did I feel connected to her in such a guttural way, but she’s a character that feels real, like she she existed, I’d like to be her friend, and probably give her a hug.

The setting of this book, a small town named Slater, gives off such an ominous vibe, it pulls you in, and not in a good way. Reading about Isa and Mason’s experience truly gave me chills. I also loved the supernatural aspect, and how deeply it ties in with the town’s history.

Wen-yi Lee’s writing is so descriptive and dreadfully beautiful, it felt like there was always something over my shoulder as I read, watching and waiting to pry into my own mind as it did with Isa’s. The way grief is written and handled is such a raw and varied experience, and the different ways Isa, Trish, and Mason narrate and navigate theirs is so human. Their deepest thoughts are evoked so strongly, felt so deeply it’s as if they’re your own.


4/5 stars. The build up and suspense, as well as the incredibly well written characters added so much more depth than many YA books I’ve read, although as with many books with such long suspense, the ending felt so immediate. Everyone talks about Mason (who I love too) but Otto is an underrated character. Would definitely recommend this book for those looking for a dark and somewhat disturbing story.

There are so many other reviews that are going to describe better than I can how amazing this book was. All the feelings it evoked, and how Isa and Mason drew me into the story, and wouldn't let go until I reached the final page. I loved Isa, who was coming home after two years to a place she never wanted to step foot in again. A place where the mountains sing, and kids die too young, including two of her childhood friends.

I loved this book from beginning to end, especially the supernatural parts. Isa and Mason are amazing characters and the writing and plot drew me in and left me feeling all kinds of ways. This is a book I will definitely be getting a physical copy of so I can read it again and again.

This is one of those stories that leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire way through the book! I didn’t want to do anything else but finish The Dark We Know once I had read the first chapter; I was hooked.

Even though I’m a 38 year old reading this YA horror novel, I felt very emotionally connected to the main characters and found myself wishing that I had had this piece of fiction when I was in my late teens/early twenties. Because not only does Wen-yi Lee create an incredibly eerie, unsettling, entertaining world of horrific ghosts and cruel humans, but she also provides a heartbreaking, intimate look into the very real lives of youth who find themselves in homes and communities who do not support them and even lead them towards harm.

Main character, Isa, is lovable and relatable, and her dwindling group of old high school friends are diverse and wonderfully queer. I loved that the author included a transgender character but didn’t introduce the readers to him as trans from the first scene he appears in the story; we get bits and pieces that gradually lead to a more obvious telling. And the setting, an old mining town with a dark history, where there are voices on the wind, and an Angel that seems to coerce and push a little too hard, creates a world that was easy to become lost within. Every detail is written so vividly and I felt that I could see the story play out in my mind’s eye. I’m sure a production company might fail to do Wen-yi Lee’s story justice, but it certainly reads like a book that would be perfect for a on-screen adaptation! I would 100% watch it!

I highly recommend reading The Dark We Know. It is the perfect book to have on a spooky Fall TBR list. Content warnings should be checked out before delving in; there are some scenes that will be difficult for some readers, deadnaming and multiple deaths that appear to be suicides being among them.

As always, a big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Zando — Gillian Flynn Books, for allowing me the access to the ebook of this story. I loved every minute of reading this story.

The Dark We Know, by Wen-yi Lee, was published on August 13, 2024.

I loved the writing style of this, so lyrical and flowy, contrasted by the creepy story and events. The plot goes pretty dark sometimes and it was an interesting balance with the sometimes poetic language.

The main character Isa is compelling, having to return home after her abusive father's death and trying to survive long enough to get back out. I liked how strong she was for getting out and being herself and also thought her guilt for those left behind was relatable and real.

I didn't quite follow the plot regarding how/why the evil came about, but appreciated the atmosphere anyway.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Gillian Flynn Books and NetGalley for the copy.

This book was haunting. That is the best way to describe it. I love books about grief and loss, and I think this is a very solid addition. It's spooky but not in a scary way, it's heartbreaking but not in an insensitive way. I think this is such a beautiful book. Be warned, it is very heavy and it sits with you. But I do think it's worth it.

Ooops, I've been so busy talking to my creative writing students about THE DARK WE KNOW that I didn't realize I had not written my review. This is a fantastic addition to YA horror and LGBTQIAP+ rep. The story has some very original elements to it while still finding a home among well-known titles like The Haunting of Hill House (Shirley Jackson) and IT (Stephen King). (I always love being able to challenge a Stephen King fan to read a horror book by someone who is not a white cisgender heterosexual male!)

THE DARK WE KNOW is a compelling novel with an excellent main character (Isa) and some very surprising turns. I highly recommend it and can't wait to see what Wen-yi Lee writes next.

A solid YA horror - an atmospheric and atmospheric debut, with an emphasis on LGBT+ representation in a suffocatingly small town, religious-induced horror elements, and how trauma shapes our present. However, the pacing was a bit off which could have helped it feel more immersive.

The reason why I chose this book was because of the book cover. Yes, I judge a book by its cover. Oh my God it was a really great book. I really enjoyed this book. I will be Picking up more books from this author very soon.

"From Gillian Flynn Books, a lyrical young adult horror by debut author Wen-yi Lee that's perfect for fans of She Is a Haunting, Stephen King's IT, and The Haunting of Hill House.

Growing up in Slater, Isadora Chang never felt at ease in the repressive small town, even before she realized she was bisexual - but after the deaths of two childhood friends, Slater went from feeling claustrophobic to suffocating. So, Isa took off before the town could swallow her, too. Even though it meant leaving everything she knew behind, including her last surviving friend, Mason.

When Isa's abusive father dies, however, she agrees to come back from art school just long enough to collect the inheritance. But then Mason turns up at the cemetery with a revelation and a plea: their friends were murdered by an evil that haunts the town, and he needs Isa to help stop it - before it takes anyone else.

When Isa begins to hear strange songs on the wind, and eerie artwork fills her sketchbook that she can't recall drawing, she's forced to stop running and confront her past. Because something is waiting in the shadows of Slater's valleys, something that feeds on the pain and heartbreak of its children. Whatever it is, it knows Isa's back...and it won't let her escape again.

Wen-yi Lee's young adult debut is an intimate and gripping exploration of trauma, healing, and the lasting power of friendship, as a runaway teen must finally face the sinister forces that defined her childhood, and in doing so, demand her right to survive."

I mean, if you're stupid enough to go back you have to see it through...

This was a powerful yet heavy read. Beautifully written with an expert touch, this explores loss, identity, and trauma. While this falls into the horror category, it isn't the scary type of horror novel that keeps you up at night but is haunting and stays with you long after the last page is turned. The character development and atmosphere were perfectly built and delivered. For those looking for a fast-paced, twisty, easy to read story, this is not for you. For those who love a solid read that keeps its own pace and tells an in-depth story from start to finish with strong emotion, this is for you. Four stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Zando, for this ARC.

Sometime spirits are brought on by generations of trauma. When the mines owner’s were alerted about a threat to the community; they refuse to listen and fire the whistleblower. Tragedy befalls the town and the mine owners decide to cover up the mishap rather admit they made a mistake. From then on, an entity decides to ‘take’ children from the community as a way to punish the town for its continued ignoring of the lives lost. Isa was the only one who left to find answers. The ‘Angel’ continues to harass the inhabitants of the town and no one can figure out what was going on. I needed to read this book with the lights on and some background noise due to the intensity of the feelings I had. Excellent read. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy small town horror with the supernatural thrown in. 🔥⭐️⭐️🔥⭐️

Welcome to Slater. An old mining town that forgot to die while everyone in it kept dying off. A place with a mysterious past full of hushed secrets, whispered rumours, and a well known origin story that may or may not be true. Slater is a town where time works differently, it traps things. This is the perfect setting for a coming of age story.

Isadora Chang tried to get out. She really did. And it worked for a couple years. She took an art scholarship. She recently botched her portfolio showcase by producing what she called a four canvas argument for a child therapist instead of work on the theme of Forgotten Places. Maybe her work, which she doesn't remember drawing at all, is closer to the theme than she wants to admit. She recognizes the people in the painting but she doesn't talk about that. She's brought back to Slater by the death of her father, she's only there for the inheritance. Something at or in or possibly under Slater has been waiting for her to return.

With creepy hints of Stephen King’s IT, Wen-Yi Lee takes us on a journey of exploration and identity. You can't read this without thinking about who you are, and remembering what it was like discovering or developing that.

If it takes a village to raise a child, I hope that village isn't Slater. There's a powerful family running things, you can tell them by their eyes. There's supposed to be a witch somewhere out in the woods. And there's an Angel, or, at least, what they call an Angel. It had something to do with the founding of the town but what exactly that was is the stuff of lore. Until it isn't.

There's a song coming from the mountain, almost welcoming Isadora home. She's heard it before, others have too. The song calls for you, dear reader, and there's no place like home. Pick this up and find out for yourself what it's all about.

The horror is perfect, the writing is lyrical, the characters are fascinating!

I love the morally grey characters, I love that they're not all "good" or "bad" but painfully, perfectly human.

This is an author to watch for! Definitely doing amazing things!

In THE DARK WE KNOW, Isadora returns home for her father's funeral, which forces her to face all the deaths she left behind—and what's killing them.

This supernatural horror features gorgeous writing and a deep exploration of heavy topics, including suicide, suicidal ideation, and child abuse. If you are looking for a dense, lyrical read with a strong use of dream sequencing and metaphorical/liminal space, this one is for you! I especially loved the thoughtful and nuanced take on bisexuality, but don't come in expecting any romance.

I felt the narrative was respectful of all topics addressed, but make sure you check out the triggers before reading.

A chilling and lyrical exploration of trauma, identity, and the darkness that lurks in the most unexpected places. This is a masterful blend of supernatural suspense and deeply human fears. The arc of involuntary creation adds a fresh and unnerving twist to the haunted artist trope, making Isa’s struggle both psychological and supernatural.
Lee’s writing shines in her depiction of Slater itself, a town that feels alive with malevolent intent. The oppressive atmosphere is palpable, and the town’s history as a former mining community lends itself well to the novel’s themes of buried secrets and the weight of the past. The author skillfully intertwines the town’s dark legacy with Isa’s personal history, creating a narrative that is as much about uncovering the truth of her friends’ deaths as it is about Isa reclaiming her identity and agency. This is a story about the ghosts we carry with us, the art that shapes us, and the courage it takes to face the darkness both within and without.

This is easily a 5 star read. What an addictive and haunting read it was. Although it was horror, it was not the kind of book that made me scream from fear, instead, it was a book that left me haunted. There are so many aspects that made this book 'unputtable'. Ultimately, this book, for me, is about grief, letting go and moving on; a book about breaking free and choosing who you want to be in a society that dictates us and judge our every move.

I love all of the characters and how multi-layered they are. They're not just black and white, good or bad, they're multi-dimensional and you can feel their anguish, their yearning to be the person that they want to become, their fears and their weaknesses. They're teens, and they act like one, but they realized their mistakes, correct them and move forward in life.

The eerie place of Slater, was another selling point for me. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, I could feel the chill in every place that they go to, the history behind it, the people that once lived in it. Slater itself was realistically made. From the atmosphere, to the imagery of the place, the history of the town, and the people that had lived in it, it made the reading more immersive.

This book didn't disappoint me. From the pacing, mystery, to even the writing, which was just so lyrical, eerie and enchanting. A girl who can connect with the ghost thru her drawings? All while she try to save the town and the ghost of the people that she loved, while trying to break free from the town that suffocated her.

Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read such an amazing book. And to the author, Wen-yi Lee for this compelling and haunting world that you shared with us.

The Dark We Know by Wen-Yi Lee is a haunting exploration of trauma, identity, and the inescapable pull of the past. The novel centers around Isadora Chang, an art student who fled her oppressive hometown of Slater to escape its stifling atmosphere and the lingering grief of losing two childhood friends. Wen-Yi Lee skillfully intertwines the supernatural with real-world issues, creating a story that is as much about confronting personal demons as it is about battling literal ones.

Isa is a compelling protagonist, whose journey back to Slater is fraught with tension and unease. Her return is triggered by the death of her abusive father, but it's the revelation from Mason, her last surviving friend, that truly sets the plot in motion. The pacing is well-managed, gradually ramping up the suspense as Isa becomes increasingly entangled in the town’s dark mysteries. The supernatural elements are chilling and well-crafted, with the eerie songs on the wind and Isa's inexplicable sketches adding layers of dread to the narrative.

What makes this book stand out is its deep emotional core. Isa's struggle with her bisexuality, her complicated feelings towards her hometown, and her unresolved grief all add a richness to the story. Wen-Yi Lee does an excellent job of portraying Slater as more than just a creepy backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, a place that feeds on the pain of its inhabitants.

However, the novel occasionally stumbles with its pacing, especially in the middle sections where the build-up to the climax feels slightly prolonged. Some readers might find the resolution too tidy, given the complex emotions and themes explored throughout the book.

Overall, The Dark We Know is a gripping and atmospheric read, perfect for fans of supernatural thrillers with a strong emotional undercurrent. Wen-Yi Lee delivers a story that lingers long after the final page, much like the dark secrets buried in Slater.

Beautiful & raw & lyrical & twisty & unexpected & vulnerable & it's rooted itself inside me like the most gorgeous, terrifying dream. I will read anything Wen writes, and that's a threat.