Wednesday meets Norse myth in this dark academia contemporary fantasy
Edith has always been a good girl—she has to be, or her foster family might think she’s like her violent father. No matter how much anger simmers inside her, she keeps it buried, hidden…
Until the day she’s pushed a step too far, and that anger comes bursting out in the form of literal claws.
It’s then that Edith learns she’s a berserkr, a descendant of ancient Norse warriors with the ability to turn into animals. To avoid jail for attacking a student, Edith is shipped off to the mysterious Skallagrim Academy. The ancient school is supposedly a haven for people like her, a place where she can learn to control her powers and then push them down so deep that they’ll never come out again.
But someone—or something—is stalking the dark halls of Skallagrim.
On her first night, Edith stumbles upon a gruesome murder and is caught at the scene of the crime by Amund, who is tasked with hunting down wayward berserkir. Now, with Amund suspecting Edith as the killer, she’ll have to catch the real culprit to prove her innocence before she ends up in the hunter’s crosshairs—or becomes the killer’s next victim.
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Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (March 3, 2026)
Length: 464 pages
ISBN13: 9781665979573
Grades: 9 and up
Ages: 14 - 99
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"In her second novel, Seitz puts a fresh, fun spin on a magical school—and explores both the suppression and power of women’s anger. Propulsive and gruesome, triumphant and hopeful, Beast Becomes Her is your next obsession."
– Allison Saft, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Starlight
"Gripping and immersive, Beast Becomes Her drew me into the brutal halls of Skallagrim Academy, where ancient magic, mythical shape-shifters, and gruesome murders had me racing to the pulse-pounding finish. A poignant tale about breaking vicious cycles of abuse and how harnessing your anger can set you free."
– Pascale Lacelle, New York Times bestselling author of Curious Tides and Stranger Skies
"Claw-sharp and clever, Beast Becomes Her is a powerful examination of what makes a monster, blending myth and magic into an edge-of-your-seat murder mystery. A wonderful addition to your dark academia TBR."
– Rachel Moore, author of Us in Ruins and The Library of Shadows
"Brimming with feminine rage, Seitz has crafted a story that is both deeply personal and yet utterly relatable. Set against the backdrop of a magical school where tensions run high and few can be trusted, her vivid characters stand tall as they fight to break free from the expectations of their past. With a chilling mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end, this is sure to be a new favourite."
– Elle Tesch, author of What Wakes the Bells and The Hanging Bones
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Please note that this book deals with themes of feminine rage and toxic masculinity, and as such contains some sensitive content. Domestic violence is depicted in flashbacks, along with references to child abuse and brief mentions of alcoholism. Other sensitive topics include murder, body horror, animal attacks/bites, facial injury, and bullying. Take care of yourself when reading.
A “sinuous dark fantasy” following a teen with Crohn’s disease and the draugr she awakens
Never go beyond the stave church.
Within Tiveden Forest, bloodthirsty monsters known as draugr lurk behind every tree, and secrets run through the soil like twisted roots. When her grandmother vanishes into the forest, Astrid won’t let Crohn’s disease get in the way of finding her. But in searching for her lost loved one, Astrid soon uncovers an even greater mystery:
A conflict that’s haunted her village and family for generations.
An ancient blood oath her ancestor made to protect them.
A deadly draugr imprisoned for centuries…who Astrid accidentally awakens.
Newly revived, Soren first mistakes Astrid for her ancestor, his ex-lover turned enemy. Astrid can’t tell if he would rather kill her or kiss her. But Soren knows the forest better than anyone, and Astrid quickly realizes that she’ll need his help to rescue her grandmother.
The deeper they venture into Tiveden, the closer Astrid gets to the cold, alluring Soren and the truth behind her grandmother’s disappearance. To save her home, a dark ritual must be performed before Midwinter—and only Astrid can fulfill her ancestor’s blood oath…or break it.
That is, if Soren—or the forest—doesn’t break Astrid first.
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Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (October 1, 2024)
Length: 416 pages
ISBN13: 9781665959926
Grades: 9 and up
Ages: 14 - 99
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"Debut author Seitz intersperses passages narrated by Skaga into Astrid’s first-person account, weaving an impressive backstory deeply rooted in pagan beliefs. Astrid’s story expertly conveys her pain as she unravels her family’s secrets and her own destiny...A bloody love letter to Norse mythology."
– Kirkus Reviews, 8/15/24
"Seitz folds elements of her own experience with chronic illness into Astrid's recurrent worries about her Crohn's diagnosis, and the reimagined Norse folktales and mythical creatures will appeal to fans of classic fairy tales, especially those who like the creepier side of those stories."
– Booklist, 9/15/24
"A solid debut dark fantasy inspired by Norse myth and folklore sure to please the intricate romantasy reader."
– School Library Journal, 10/1/24
“A romantic, blood-soaked tale about forging your own path and the shifting lines between love and hate. I was swept away by this journey into the forest of Tiveden, where the cold is unrelenting and your heart can be as treacherous as the creatures that prowl the darkness. Fans of enemies-to-lovers—and vampires!—will adore this one.”
– Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic
"Inheritance of Scars is sure to leave its mark on you! This debut is as deeply romantic as it is hauntingly atmospheric. Seitz has intricately woven together dual timelines to craft a tale spanning multiple generations. Readers will find themselves transported into the lush, wintry village of Unden where the small town is just as bloodthirsty and secretive as the monstrous forest surrounding it. And remember, no matter what you do, the blood oath must not be broken."
– Skyla Arndt, author of Together We Rot
“Seitz’s propulsive prose takes readers on a thrilling journey through terrifying forests filled with monsters, myths, and deadly magic. With a seductive silver-haired vampire, ancient blood oaths, and long-buried family secrets, Inheritance of Scars is sure to enchant dark fantasy readers.”
– Tanvi Berwah, author of Monsters Born and Made and Somewhere in the Deep
“Seitz has crafted a riveting and, at times, gruesome portrayal of legacy and what it means to inherit the ways of your foremothers. Main character Astrid’s journey toward self-advocacy is entwined in a heart-pounding quest for her lost grandmother with a dual-timeline look at the world of her ancestors. I felt like I was right there with Astrid and her reluctant (and handsome) guide. I can’t wait to read what Seitz cooks up next!”
– Rachel Moore, author of The Library of Shadows and Us in Ruins
“Inheritance of Scars is a sweeping, romantic adventure that’s as brutal as a cursed winter forest and as tender as a secret kiss.”
– Lyndall Clipstone, author of Lakesedge and Tenderly, I am Devoured
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Please note that this book portrays a number of difficult subjects, including death, animal death (non-pet), loss of a parent, grief, vomit, blood/gore, ritualistic self-harm, body horror, violence, night terrors, brief alcohol use, and allusions to cancer and suicide.