Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/01/2026 Anya can only withstand her brother’s abuse and parents’ fighting with the support of her best friend, Lizzie, so it’s no wonder that she’s devastated when Lizzie moves away. It also explains why the usually timid Anya is willing to steal magical keys from the neighborhood witch in order to open a portal to Lizzie’s new place. But when it turns out that using those keys breaks a law decreed by Zeus himself, the girls tumble into the dangerous underworld, where they must face the consequences. Only a chance run-in with Senka, Charon’s ward, means that Anya might have a chance to survive the terrifying new territory and set things right. The stellar sequel returns readers to the same vibrant, unsettling (under)world, but the outsider’s perspective makes it feel fresh. Thoughtful discussions of abuse and loneliness are bolstered by gentle humor, fierce friendships, and compassionate characters, and frequent subverting of expectations will keep readers on their toes. A fantastic follow-up that revels in the gift of found family and the power in taking control of your own story. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.