Book Review: Demon Song by Yu Kelsea
Genre:
Genre: Gothic Horror
Age: Young Adult
Format: ebook
This would be an excellent ‘intro to gothic’ novella for young adult readers. I really liked how Kelsea Yu used the opera house, Chinese mythology, and the cultural clashes between Megan and the other characters to really underscore the gothic elements.
After leaving Portland for Beijing, Megan’s mom leaves an abusive relationship, taking her daughter with her and, thanks to an old friend, landing at the Huihuang Opera Theater. But the theatre has its secrets, which Megan can’t seem to help but stumble upon. As Megan explores more of the theatre, she uncovers its past, with each step taking her deeper.
Without it feeling crowded, for a novella there’s a lot going on here. There’s Megan and her relationship with her mother, Megan feeling like an outsider, her growing friendship with Kristy, not to mention the growing mystery of what exactly is going on with the opera house and how it ties into folklore.
I really liked how mythology was incorporated, too, with Megan learning the tale of “The Monkey King and the White Bone Demon”, the current operatic adaptation being performed, with new friend Kristy as the lead.
Yu really creates an excellent atmosphere throughout the book, with the opera house really coming to life through Megan’s eyes, as she gradually uncovers the secrets, stumbling across hidden passages and strange storage rooms. There’s great use of tension, too, especially as we start racing towards the end, and get closer to finding out about the opera house’s history.
Like I said above, this would be an excellent novella to encourage young adult readers towards the gothic, and there’s plenty older readers will enjoy, too. Absolutely recommended from me!
I read Demon Song for the ‘Set on a continent that isn’t America or Europe’ prompt in our DHR Reading Challenge – check out our Challenge page to find out more and see how you can take part.
Review by Elle Turpitt
Twitter: @elleturpitt
Bluesky: @elleturpitt.bsky.social
I received this ebook from Titan Books via NetGalley for review consideration.
