**Book Review: *Magical Girl Blues***

*Magical Girl Blues* is a haunting, imaginative blend of dark fantasy, coming-of-age drama, and supernatural mystery. With a compelling protagonist and a storyline steeped in eerie atmosphere and emotional depth, this novel redefines the magical girl genre, trading glitter and wands for ghosts, grief, and survival.

At its heart is fourteen-year-old Xenia Findlay, whose life has been torn apart by tragedy. The trauma of losing her parents and best friend in a car crash is vividly portrayed, grounding the story in a raw emotional reality that makes her journey all the more gripping. Xenia is a relatable and resilient heroine, struggling with grief and guilt while being thrust into a world of terrifying visions and sinister forces. Her growth as she confronts both inner demons and literal monsters is one of the book’s most rewarding aspects.

The setting of Porter Valley High is as much a character as Xenia herself. Beneath the surface of the picturesque town lies a creeping darkness that manifests in disappearing students and unsettling apparitions. Russell Isler excels at building tension, crafting a world where the boundaries between life and death blur and danger lurks in every shadow. The visions of Xenia’s deceased friend Bethany—and the chilling realization that these spectral visits might be warnings—add layers of mystery and dread to the story.

The magic in *Magical Girl Blues* is not the sparkly, whimsical kind you might expect. It’s raw, ominous, and deeply tied to Xenia’s emotional journey. The supernatural elements are handled with originality and flair, blending seamlessly with the overarching mystery of the missing students. The monster stalking Porter Valley is a chilling creation, and its eventual reveal is both shocking and satisfying, tying together the story’s many threads.

What sets this novel apart is its balance of horror and heart. While the stakes are high and the scares genuine, the story also explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of self-discovery. Xenia’s journey to unlock her potential and confront the darkness mirrors the struggles of adolescence, making her victories feel personal and triumphant.

*Magical Girl Blues* is a fresh, thrilling take on supernatural YA fiction. It’s a perfect read for fans of eerie mysteries, emotional character arcs, and stories that delve into the darker corners of magic. By the time the last page turns, you’ll be rooting for Xenia and eagerly awaiting what comes next in her journey.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ / 5

This is a gripping and thrilling read that will captivate fans of dark, supernatural mysteries and coming-of-age stories, particularly those who enjoy exploring themes of grief, self-discovery, and empowerment in the face of the unknown.

The most magical part of Magical Girl Blues isn't the actual magic, or the supernatural monsters- it's the relationships between the women in this urban fantasy story.

Xenia is the sole survivor of a car crash that took her parents and BFFFF, Bethany. As a result, she moves to Porter Valley with her eccentric great aunt and quickly experiences life in a small town. Xenia quickly finds out that several high school students have gone missing, and she starts to see visions that accompany migraines that are a consequence of the car accident. Meanwhile, Bethany is learning to live life as a ghost, forced to stay within a certain proximity to Xenia. The two of them learn that there's a secret plaguing the town of Porter Valley that is deadlier than anyone could ever imagine.

The characters- AH, the characters!- of this story are magical. Xenia is dealing with more grief than anyone ever should ever deal with in their entire life. She's strong, thoughtful, and such a good friend. The other characters we meet in town, mostly fellow high school students, are so real and flawed. You really get a feel for the town and relationships Xenia experiences, no matter how dangerous they are.

A small town is always a great setting, and Porter Valley is excellent. The town has its own demons, legends, and traditions that Xenia discovers as the story progresses. Isler's writing feels like magic itself, weaving words together in a way that feels fresh but cozy.

This book is part 2 of the The Clandestine Series, but works as a stand alone. I can't wait to go back and read part 1!

Xenia Findlay survived the crash that killed her parents and best friend Bethany. She moved to Porter Valley to live with her great aunt, and she is plagued by headaches and hallucinatory visits from her dead friend. Students of Porter Valley High are disappearing, and Xenia is starting to see them along with Bethany in her visions. She starts to suspect that magic and ghosts are real, and that a monster is lurking in the shadows. She has a brand new power that might allow her to save herself and her town.

Magical Girl Blues is the second book in the series "The Clandestine," though I haven't read the first book in the series. It isn't necessary to have read that to understand this one. Xenia deals with intense grief as well as headaches from head trauma from the accident that killed them. She sees auras and ghosts, and a raven seems willing to help her figure out what these powers are. There are other magical creatures in Porter Valley, as well as people who know about this hidden world. Xenia tries to figure out how her vision works, and what the auras are. It's a struggle on top of high school, but it's also hilarious that Xenia was working on her magic to try making a wand like magical girls of anime.

I really enjoyed this book, and my heart went out to Xenia and the teen victims. The grief is well portrayed in the novel, as well as the connections and activities that can draw people out from under its weight. Teens deal with a lot, maybe not monsters, but it will help them to see how others deal with major issues.

This was a strong sequel in the Clandestine series, it had that feel that I was hoping for and enjoyed how it worked with the first book. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and that feel that I wanted. Russell Isler has that element that I enjoyed from the genre and that it continued the story that I wanted.