Book Review: The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson and Emily Raymond

The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson and Emily Raymond is a young adult novel centered on Hannah Doe, a teenage girl who claims she can time travel between present day New York City and the year 1347. After a frightening incident that police believe to be a mental health episode, Hannah is taken to Belman Psych, where doctors diagnose her as schizophrenic. But as Hannah’s story unfolds, the question lingers ... is she truly mentally ill, or is something far more extraordinary happening?

Thank you to NetGalley and LittleBrown Books for Young Readers for providing a digital Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of The Girl in the Castle. I was genuinely excited and grateful to be selected to read and review this book ahead of its publication.

The synopsis immediately caught my attention, and the cover art was striking. Going into the novel, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction the authors would take, and I initially expected a young adult fantasy. There was a brief moment of disappointment when I realized the story leaned in a different direction. That feeling didn’t last long, though, because this turned out to be a compelling and surprisingly powerful read ... one I finished in under twenty-four hours.

While the opening chapters are a bit slow, the story quickly gains momentum and delves deeply into themes of mental health in teenagers and young adults. Readers who deal with mental illness daily, or who have experienced suicide close to them, may find some of the content difficult. That said, James Patterson and Emily Raymond handle these themes thoughtfully, offering insight into what someone with mental illness might experience inside a psychiatric facility, as well as shedding light on the emotional and professional challenges faced by doctors, nurses, and interns working there.

Aside from the slower start, there was very little I found negative about The Girl in the Castle. The story is engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant. I would love to see a follow-up that continues Hannah’s journey. Overall, this was a strong and memorable young adult novel, earning four out of five stars.

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