Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THIS RAVENOUS FATE

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THIS RAVENOUS FATE

Hayley Dennings

Former friends turned enemies join forces and scour Harlem’s underground in the 1920s to battle vampires. (Ages 14 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel’s YA presentation is paired with repeated vampire violence, death, menace, racial oppression, grief, and mature emotional themes. Romance is present, while sexual content appears limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death is central to the plot; characters deal with murder, bereavement, and the mechanics of the afterlife.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of injuries and ghostly manifestations, but it is not gratuitously graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Uses occasional mild profanity consistent with YA fiction.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

Black queer identity and sapphic relationships are central to the characters and emotional storyline, though the book is also a supernatural historical fantasy.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious or spiritual beliefs may appear through cultural and folkloric elements, but faith practice is not a major focus or teaching element.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Teen romantic tension and a central relationship form a key part of the protagonist's emotional arc.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric horror elements, vengeful ghosts, and suspenseful sequences in a supernatural setting.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild romantic intensity; no explicit sexual content or nudity.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Minor mentions or social drinking may occur, not glamorized.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Features supernatural combat, hauntings, and depictions of violent deaths and dangerous encounters with spirits.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist frequently puts herself in danger to help others and face supernatural threats.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Features unique supernatural world-building and imaginative ghost-hunting lore.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Black characters and queer identities are central and appear to have agency and complexity; the book offers meaningful representation, though its range of diversity is limited.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The Harlem Renaissance setting may spark interest in Black history, culture, racism, and queer history, but the book is primarily entertainment rather than instruction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate loyalty, empathy, and willingness to protect others.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of destiny, the weight of responsibility, and moral choices in difficult circumstances.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates agency and resilience while navigating moral ambiguity.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THIS RAVENOUS FATE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THIS RAVENOUS FATE, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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