At the End of the River Styx
Written by Michelle Kulwicki
Page Street YA
Ages 14-18
Available September 24, 2024

Bastian is a cinnamon gum-loving, directionless, nightmare-ridden senior in high school trying to survive after a truck collided with his car one year ago, sparing him and his twin brother Dorian but not their mother. He is 6 months away from graduating high school, but he can’t seem to focus on classes. Instead, he spent the life insurance money from his mother’s death on a decrepit bookstore, to the dismay of his high-achieving, responsible brother and their fiercely loyal friends, Riley and Mathais. Meanwhile, Bastian visits a mysterious place in his nightmares that readers quickly identify as purgatory, or River Styx. In this “in-between,” 18-year-old Zan carries out his 500-year sentence serving the Ferryman, the Greek god who swallows souls stuck between life and death. As Bastian’s grief grows and his visits to River Styx become more frequent, he spends more time with Zan, who can’t seem to lead Bastian to his death. Their relationship soon blooms into a heartwarming, flirtatious young love that reminds Bastian of his will to live, fix his bookstore, and be there for his brother and friends. Zan ultimately sacrifices himself for Bastian in a heartbreaking yet beautiful ending.

In Kulwicki’s first full-length novel, she turns a devastating situation into a story of hope, love, and honor. Using light Greek mythology, she creates an alternative world of River Styx and lost soul’s memories without overpowering readers who are unfamiliar with these stories. The relationship-driven plot between Bastian and Zan builds steadily throughout the novel with an even pace that quickens towards the end. Kulwicki showcases her strong characterization skills, creating lovable, distinct characters with witty banter that balances the gravity of death, grief, and depression. Although Bastian’s romantic love for Zan is a large factor in coping with his grief, it is not the sole reason for Bastian’s healing. Kulwicki’s also makes sure to center the important role of Bastian’s support system in his friends and brother and passion for books. In addition to the serious themes of death, the novel contains scenes with drugs and lightly alludes to sex and suicide. This novel radiates acceptance and love, engages readers in a gripping plotline, and gives readers hope in the face of dark times.