There's a new monster in TremorgladeOnce a month, teens and adults worldwide turn into Rippers, or werewolflike beasts. For the residents of Tremorglade, this transformation isn't scary and dangerous like it once was, though-not since Sel and his friends exposed the medical corporation that was using them for an experiment. Now, Sel's biggest problem is his separation from best friend Elena, who's moved far away. But then Rippers start getting bitten and hurt during Howl nights and experiencing strange aftereffects from their injuries. With the help of his neighbor Mika, a bold 11-year-old with hip dysplasia, as well as a mysterious newcomer to town, Sel once again sets out to uncover the truth, this time about the new creature that's bigger and badder than the Rippers. LikeBite Risk (2023), the first book in the series, this high-octane tale is filled with action from start to finish and has the perfect amount of spookiness and gore. The beginning quickly catches readers up on prior events before jumping right into the new challenge. Exciting twists will keep readers hooked and guessing until the satisfying ending wraps up this dilemma while promising more to come. While this is mostly Sel's story, the inclusion of some chapters featuring Mika's and Elena's perspectives adds extra depth and intrigue. Sel presents white; Mika is implied Japanese American, and Elena is cued Latine.Creepy and completely captivating.(Paranormal. 10-14)

Gr 5 Up— In Wills's sequel to Bite Risk , teenage Sel is trying to convince the world that werewolves are harmless as his fuzzy community is thrust into the limelight. However, when the sudden appearance of what seems to be a new, more dangerous werewolf threatens everything he has accomplished, Sel and his friends must work quickly to uncover a web of secrets before the damage is too great. Wills once again delivers suspenseful horror with fast pacing and a quippy, wry tone. The protagonist tweens are fun and distinctive, although two (Sel and Mika) get much more page time than the others. Mika, in particular, shines brightly. Written with sensitivity, Mika has a hip condition that limits her mobility, and although her condition is not the sum of her characterization, her skills and struggles are uniquely compelling. Otherwise, the book is not especially deep. Most of the adult characters are pretty thin and there's no larger theme beyond some light messaging about how easily social media can be manipulated and the dangers of prejudice (against werewolves). But with a story this fun, who cares? This book is all about twists, turns, action sequences, and cliff-hangers. Writing horror for the tween set can be a challenging act of balancing thrills without causing nightmares, and this book fills that niche with flair to spare. VERDICT The literary equivalent of a summer blockbuster, this spine-tingling creature feature is just right for middle grade readers.— Kate Stadt