This speculative coming-of-age YA novel follows a teenager as she undertakes a magical journey to bring her deceased childhood friend back to life.

A poignant quest for hope with original, fantastical twists, perfect for fans of Dustin Thao and Ann Liang.


Monika can’t bring herself to celebrate her last summer before college. Instead, she’s still grieving the loss of the one classmate who didn’t make it to graduation, a boy named Shun with whom she had a complicated relationship.

Then, during her final Japanese Club meeting, Monika hears about the Yomigaeri Tunnel, a local urban legend. Those who venture into this mythological passageway undergo harrowing trials to confront their hidden secrets and worst fears. According to the lore, anyone who makes it through the journey is rewarded with the ability to resurrect one soul from the dead.

Monika jumps at the chance to bring back Shun, but she soon discovers she’s not alone. Sharp-tongued and fierce Shiori is hell-bent on reviving her mother and won’t let anyone stop her. As Monika and Shiori confront the ghosts of their pasts, they have to decide: Are they friends, or foes?

This emotional, offbeat book about hope and healing is an essential read for anyone who’s ever needed a friend in the darkness.
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Kelly Murashige (she/her) primarily writes contemporary fiction with fantastical twists rooted in Japanese mythology and culture. Though she can be shy, she loves obsessing over books and video games. You can visit her online at www.kellymurashige.com.
Praise for Kelly Murashige

“Tenderly told and vividly imagined . . . shines with originality and empathy. A stunning debut.”
Sarah Suk, author of Made in Korea
 
“A vulnerable, magical tale [that] chronicles the sweetness that can draw us back into the world and toward each other, even after our hearts are broken.”
Jodi Lynn Anderson, New York Times bestselling author

“A truly lovely reading experience that I recommend most strongly to anyone who has ever been lost in a whirlwind and needs a gentle hand to lead you back.”
Locus Magazine

“A new voice that speaks above the silence, unafraid to delve into the painful realities of teenage struggles, and with a touch of fantasy.”
Nichi Bei News

About

This speculative coming-of-age YA novel follows a teenager as she undertakes a magical journey to bring her deceased childhood friend back to life.

A poignant quest for hope with original, fantastical twists, perfect for fans of Dustin Thao and Ann Liang.


Monika can’t bring herself to celebrate her last summer before college. Instead, she’s still grieving the loss of the one classmate who didn’t make it to graduation, a boy named Shun with whom she had a complicated relationship.

Then, during her final Japanese Club meeting, Monika hears about the Yomigaeri Tunnel, a local urban legend. Those who venture into this mythological passageway undergo harrowing trials to confront their hidden secrets and worst fears. According to the lore, anyone who makes it through the journey is rewarded with the ability to resurrect one soul from the dead.

Monika jumps at the chance to bring back Shun, but she soon discovers she’s not alone. Sharp-tongued and fierce Shiori is hell-bent on reviving her mother and won’t let anyone stop her. As Monika and Shiori confront the ghosts of their pasts, they have to decide: Are they friends, or foes?

This emotional, offbeat book about hope and healing is an essential read for anyone who’s ever needed a friend in the darkness.

Author

Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Kelly Murashige (she/her) primarily writes contemporary fiction with fantastical twists rooted in Japanese mythology and culture. Though she can be shy, she loves obsessing over books and video games. You can visit her online at www.kellymurashige.com.

Praise

Praise for Kelly Murashige

“Tenderly told and vividly imagined . . . shines with originality and empathy. A stunning debut.”
Sarah Suk, author of Made in Korea
 
“A vulnerable, magical tale [that] chronicles the sweetness that can draw us back into the world and toward each other, even after our hearts are broken.”
Jodi Lynn Anderson, New York Times bestselling author

“A truly lovely reading experience that I recommend most strongly to anyone who has ever been lost in a whirlwind and needs a gentle hand to lead you back.”
Locus Magazine

“A new voice that speaks above the silence, unafraid to delve into the painful realities of teenage struggles, and with a touch of fantasy.”
Nichi Bei News

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