Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Seeing good and evil spirits is a gift Zoe guards with her life. Despite her guardian angel's disappearance, Zoe forces herself to accept that she still has a purpose-- but how does she carry the weight of her brother's drug abuse, the hardship of living with an autistic sister, and a best friend who's obsessed with a guy who only wants Zoe? She never felt more alone. When a mysterious spirit appears, Zoe thinks she has a new guardian angel. Instead her brother's addiction worsens, her parents are on the brink of separation, and her best friend tries to kill her. The spirit she thinks is her new guardian isn't there to protect her: he's out to destroy her family and seize Zoe's soul ... for Hell.
Is Penitence appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This contemporary fantasy deals with teen protagonist experiencing spiritual warfare while managing heavy family issues including drug addiction, autism care, and potential murder by a friend. Religious/spiritual themes are central.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include suicide attempt, substance abuse, and addiction (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will connect with a protagonist juggling supernatural gifts and very real family struggles while fighting to save her soul from demonic forces.