When I Was Death
books by Alexis Henderson
A group of teen girls does Death incarnate's bidding in this haunting speculative young adult novel by the author of The Year of the Witching. Roslyn Volk isn’t herself anymore. It’s been a year since her sister, Adeline, died in the woods under mysterious circumstances, and Roslyn is still tormented by her absence. So when the elusive caravan of girls that Adeline spent her last summer with rolls back into town, Roslyn joins them to finally figure out what happened to her sister. Strange, beautiful, and intriguing, the girls are closed off from the world. And as it turns out, they’re brought together by a force more sinister than Roslyn’s nightmares could have conjured Death himself. Death has spared the girls from untimely endings, and to pay for their lives, the girls travel the... The story’s conclusion aligns well with the journey that precedes it, offering resolution without unnecessary excess. This thoughtful ending contributes to overall satisfaction. The pacing of the book reflects an understanding of reader engagement, avoiding both stagnation and haste. This balance supports a comfortable and enjoyable reading experience.