Title: The Triton Series: The Dirty Adepts
Author: Ivel T. Kratz
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1665549696
Pages: 114
Genre: Teen / YA Fantasy
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

Read Book Review

Teagan struggles to cope following the loss of her father which will be a long road to closure as his death continues to haunt her and a dark secret that he took to the grave is threatened to be dug up. Darkness begins to erode in her life following the news that her therapist’s daughter has gone missing, only for her body to be discovered along with other shocking revelations. When the supernatural invades her life, she finds herself capable of doing otherworldly things and must stay a step ahead when a mysterious agency sets its sights on her.

The poetic writing of author Ivel T. Kratz features vivid descriptions and poignant details with clever word choices such as: a mystic river of desperation; her head split open by dirty secrets; a glimmer of her future seen in his left eye; and his tone dripping with regret and guilt. These vivid word choices are reflective of styles reminiscent of Emily Dickinson or Sylvia Plath which weaves darkness, emotional perplexities, and inner turmoil, all while weaving a supernatural current throughout a tale of grief and discovery.

The elegance in the writing is stunning with visuals that set every tone that Teagan’s story experiences such as Marblehead trees swaying to the August morning song, reality bit her so hard that she bled his words, the sun screeches like a banshee, and lab doors crack open to dissipate the weakening smog. Every choice in the writing reflects Teagan’s mental state with a thorough exploration of who she is.

Darkness runs throughout the story with dreams of Beatrice’s murder which is a catalyst that triggers darker elements from being hunted by The Contingent and various bloody fight scenes. The imagery featured is dark and could be triggering for some people at certain points within the story. Memories are an important element within the story through Teagan’s abilities but also through her memories and perspective of her father. The memories she has of him serve as a light at the end of the tunnel for her as they’re poetically described as sweet strawberries in this winter of hers. Remembering the good times with him lightens the bitterness and cold that she’s living within. Their relationship is at the heart of the story which changes perspectives by incorporating her father’s viewpoint as a way to show the man he was versus the memory that haunts her. Unraveling the full picture of who he was, his perspective creates an opportunity to understand more about what’s plaguing Teagan, even if it’s a truth that she has yet to discover. This coincides with her relationship drama with Cole and Ezekiel which is another example that shows the darkness within her life and the slow spiral out of control.

Death serves as a ghost in a way similar to her father’s role as his death haunts her around every turn and in each decision she makes. The theme of death is prevalent from the beginning with the murder of Beatrice to the consistent focus on Teagan’s father’s death. The strained relationship with her mother is a stark contrast to the one with her late father which is evident immediately with her bitterness towards her and the refusal to even sit beside her in the faux image of being her daughter. As the story progresses, complicated layers are carefully peeled back as secrets are uncovered that could change how she sees both of her parents.

Themes of memories, death, secrets, grief, and affairs are rampant throughout The Dirty Adepts which creates a poetic blend of action, supernatural, and relationship drama.