Tabatha Zeng is the apprentice of Julian Solomon, the most notorious fortune teller. When Solomon predicts his own murder - that he will die at the hands of his best beloved - and it happens in fact, Tabatha is forced to solve a crime alongside Callum Solomon (her murdered boss’s youngest son) in order to prove her innocence.

Firstly, the craft of prophecy is such a spellbinding concept - the way the fortune-telling affects even the strongest mind, with its occult vibes. It is a narrative in which Tabatha, with her witty voice, often speaks to the reader, giving a dynamic tone. With captivating prose, the narrator's internal monologues are balanced by fun banter, moments that make the reader attached to the story. I am always intrigued by the whodunnit and I found it well-done; the deductive reasoning was able to catch one's attention throughout the book. Even though the last pages rush for a neat ending, the twists play with one's expectations.

It was interesting to learn about the magical members of sorcerer Solomon’s family - the characters are full of personality, each dealing with their own flaws. This book is about finding your own confidence while Tang also covers legacy, loyalty and fate. The pop culture and classics references add enjoyment to the narrative. The romance is light and I wouldn't have minded reading more of it. Regarding the cultural (Chinese) background, there is an overprotective mom, yet not entirely stereotyped. I had expected Tabatha's magic to be further developed, in regards to the focus on her inheritance.

THESE DEADLY PROPHECIES is an entertaining and fast-paced YA fantasy. If you enjoy an amateur sleuth murder mystery with Chinese protagonist and engaging magic, read this book.

First of all this needs a lot of editing. There are no breaks between chapters, and the main character just insistently giving us breaking the fourth wall monologs was rough. She's got a great voice in a quirky YA way with was fun but maybe not for me anymore. This had a wacky cast and a great who done it murder mystery thing going for it like knives out. Cool simple magic system and the romance was there. Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced e arc of this one, it was fun.

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

⭐️=2 | 😘=2.5 | 🤬=2.75 | ⚔️=3.5 | 14+

summary: girl is an apprentice to this sorcerer guy who is killed and she has to solve his murder via this prophecy alongside his son bc this is a young adult fantasy novel and love interests are required even if there’s no chemistry whatsoever

thoughts: well. this was... less than stellar 😭 very very cringy, super repetitive prose; had the author read it aloud, like, literally once, they would have realized when characters sighed three times on one page or that they used the same sentence structure over and over again––just stupid, silly things that genuinely make a difference in the reading experience. the dialogue is physically painful?? 😐 like the banter between the MC and her love interest?? his nickname for her was “squishy wizard” I wish I was joking I WISH I was joking. but like beyond surface-level stuff, the mystery that we’re looking for from literally chapter one is never explained! in the last chapter the love interest is talking to the MC and he’s like “wow so wild that the supposed ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THIS BOOK was never resolved haha” which is just––like so concerning and so frustrating?? bc it’s not just leaving a mystery unaddressed but there’s also a specific emotional tie to the main mystery that’s ignored, so it’s not just a bad move plot-wise, but also a bad move character-wise. idk. this felt like a first or second draft that should have been refined for, like... a while.

one more minor thing. (speaking as one queer person!! in my opinion!! this is literally so subjective!!) I don’t think every book has to (or even should) have queer rep––I’d rather there be no queer characters than harmful rep (this is especially true when an author is handling strong themes about the marginalization of a non-queer group). not that anyone asked lol. all this to say, I really, really wish Tang hadn’t had any queer characters, because the queer character we got we literally only know is queer because she said “I’m gay” as a sick comeback to someone accusing her of being some guy’s mistress. do we see her in any sort of relationship or mention a partner or anything?? no. nothing. and then (view spoiler). the entire thing was hilariously atrocious. and again, I consider this a relatively minor issue because it is, like, one side character and clearly the author really thought they did something here with their token lesbian which is so funny to me but I would have preferred a story with no queer rep to whatever this is!!

Ok, this book was such a fun read. I loved following along Tabatha on this crazy mystery. Her banter with Callum was top tier. The ending actually surprised me even though I really thought it wouldn’t. If you’re looking for a quick and fun murder mystery then this will hit the spot!!

I thoroughly enjoyed "These Deadly Prophecies"! It's a quick and action-packed read with a compelling murder mystery plot. While it could have benefited from more world-building, the constant action and intriguing magical elements kept me engaged. The characters, although not deeply developed, were likable, and the book had its share of humorous moments. Overall, it's a fun and entertaining read, perfect for fans of YA mysteries with a touch of magic.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited to receive the ARC for this book, I’d read snippets and I never thought in a million years that I’d get it but here we are!! I loved the story overall, I think it says a lot about growing up, having faith and confidence in yourself even though you’re different, and setting things straight when you make mistakes, especially ones that hurt other people.

Part of why it lost points in style in particular were the points when Tabatha broke the fourth wall. That’s entirely a personal style thing and it didn’t take away from the overall story too much, and there were parts of that style that I did enjoy and think were important to the story itself.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to friends who like magic and mysteries, and I think it’s a really great young adult book that reminds you that yourself is the best version of you.

**Characters:** 9

**Setting:** 5

**Plot:** 9

**Pace:** 8

**Style:** 6

**Ending:** 9

**Enjoyment:** 10

64 / 16 = 4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this YA whodunnit. Tabatha's narration is sparkling and quippy. It reads incredibly well. I never try to guess the murderer in a mystery like this, but was able to figure it out. I did have the motivations and how completely wrong, so still got to enjoy the reveal at the end. Great for readers who like a confident, funny female lead.

Tang's fast-paced murder mystery of sorcerers and teen sleuths is highly enjoyable and full of surprises. I enjoyed this story, the world that Tang has built, and the magic and people she's created inside it. I think any fans of Knives Out and magic-based fantasy will love it.

The pacing is quick, the story really pulls you along and I loved how Tang devised her twists to keep me guessing. Though I did discover who the culprit was before the big reveal, I didn't mind because there were still some elements that came with the how and the why that made for some surprise.

One of the best things about this story is the writing. Tang's main character, Tabatha, has such a snarky, quippy voice and it comes across beautifully on the page. She sounds like the sarcastic teenager she is and she has lots of little self-effacing moments that keep her grounded and real. She's messy, she has insecurities, but she also has heart and she knows how to put her trust in others without giving herself completely away. Callum is an interesting, jock-type counterpart, but I love the comparison of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys for their dynamic. I also enjoy the fact that neither of them is fully in control of any situation because, well, they're both teenagers trying to figure things out.

I also liked that the parental figures are present and a part of this story. It's not some isolated teen event. Tabatha's mother is caring and supportive, despite Tabatha's feeling like she's overbearing and hypercritical of the one thing she has set her sights on - the occult. The Solomon family adult figures are all highly messy and very much reminiscent of the Knives Out family that make the comparison feel very valid. Still, they bring the drama to the story that is definitely welcomed.

Overall, I'd say that this is definitely worth the read, especially if you're a mystery fan and you enjoy a little bit of magic mixed in. There's humor amidst the drama and gore/violence (which is never over the top). It's fast paced and it's lots of fun.

i have mixed feelings about this one. the synopsis was very intriguing and i went in to this thinking i would fully love it. sadly, that was not the case. the pacing was off in this book. there were times where nothing was happening and then everything happening all at once. frankly, it left me bored for chunks of the book. i did, however, really enjoyed the magical element to the story. the sorcery magic in the real world was very cool in my opinion.

This book had so much potential but ultimately in the end it just fell flat for me.

There is very little actually action or mystery, and the book has a repetitive, monotonous, often boring tone. What happens in the very beginning of <I>Knives Out</I> doesn't happen until about 60% into this book, and I think if there was some plot rearrangement it couldn't helped the story tremendously. That being said, it felt like there were multiple random plot holes or leads that never followed through.

I also wish there was more world building. We're kind of thrown into the world where sorcerers just exist and are like celebrities among people, however more backstory could've greatly helped, and more use of sorcery. Because somehow, this book made magic quite boring.

The world and the characters were flat and uninteresting, and I couldn't really be bothered to care for any of them. Hester, specifically, because she had the weirdest introduction and the shortest amount of time in the book, serving very little purpose.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Teen for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3/5 stars.

I wanted to like this SO bad, but it was just lacking...a lot. Now, it is a fairly quick read and is basically constant action/murder mystery solving...and I'll admit the end had me there for a second...but there's just...a lot lacking. For an urban fantasy novel, there's no explanation for why the occult is a branch of study in like...K-12 nor is it explained how some people have the skills and others don't. I'm not expecting a full fledged high fantasy telling, but there needs to be some sort of explanation. Especially when there are three schools of magic and people are typically good at one of them, and a big portion of the plot also rests on power and sorcery...it's hard to suspend disbelief when there's no world building.

The characters were also meh with development.

I will also say this book was hilarious in some parts but also cringe in some parts...but I did enjoy some of the references in it.

**SPOILER-FREE REVIEW**

Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. This book was SO fun!

I was drawn to These Deadly Prophecies from the moment I read the book description: "A teenage sorcerer’s apprentice must solve her boss’s murder in order to prove her innocence in this twisty, magic-infused murder mystery perfect for fans of Knives Out and The Inheritance Games."

I know that oftentimes when there are comparisons to other works/"for fans of..." statements in book descriptions they fall flat, but I was willing to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did These Deadly Prophecies fit the vibes, it actually exceeded my expectations.

"But no matter what ugliness ensues, you must promise me this: find my son Callum and stay by his side. Come hell or high water, you stick to that boy like glue, you hear? It is the surest chance we have of keeping everyone safe."

Tabatha Zeng is a high school senior and apprentice to one of the wold's most famous fortune-telling sorcerers. When her boss predicts his own murder, Tabatha initially thinks he's pulling a cruel prank. Despite this, she promises him that, should his prophecy come true, she will seek out his youngest son Callum and stay by his side. However, her plan is complicated as she and Callum are pinned as the primary suspects in Sorcerer Solomon's murder. In order to clear their names, the two must learn to trust each other and work together to determine the identity of the true killer. But with questions surrounding their safety and the inheritance to the Solomon fortune up in the air, they find solving a murder to be more difficult than they expected.

I enjoy reading thrillers, murder mysteries, and fantasy, and this book did an excellent job of weaving all of those genres together into a fun and witty read. I particularly loved the magical realism of this story, where being a sorcerer is as valid a career path as becoming an engineer or a lawyer (though Tabatha's parents may disagree). While the pacing felt a bit off at times, there was nothing so glaringly off that it pulled me out of the story. This is a solidly teen/YA read, which there is absolutely nothing wrong with, but that is something to be mindful of if you're used to reading primarily adult fiction.

Overall, These Deadly Prophecies was a quick and enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of the murder mystery genre.

When I heard this book was being shelved next to the Inheritence Games and Knives Out but with magic added to the mix I knew I had to read it. While I think it was a bit more like the Inheritance Games than Knives out it was a wild ride. I did want to know a little more about the world and how magic works in it. As the story progressed I definitely understood a little more of it, but it was an interesting concept and I wanted to know even more. Tabatha is finishing high school but she is already a sorcerer’s apprentice and not just any sorcerer but one infamous for the most rare talent of fortune telling. When her sorcerer is murdered she has to work with his son to investigate the death so she is not blamed. But as she learns it’s not easy to be Nancy Drew when all of your suspects are extremely rich and powerful. The story was quick moving and the characters were interesting and I was invested in their success. I would love to see more in this universe but the story was pretty wrapped up so I’m not sure I’ll get that wish.

3.5 stars rounded up

This took me a little while to get into because it's not quite what I expected, but I ended up enjoying it. These Deadly Prophecies is a contemporary fantasy/murder mystery with a teen girl protagonist. So it reads more or less like a YA contemporary mystery, plus magical elements. I think it's going to be a fun book for a lot of people.

Tabatha Zeng is a high school student AND the apprentice to a famous sorcerer with fortune-telling powers. But when he is murdered, she and her boss's son Callum are at the top of the suspect list. So of course they team up to uncover who the real culprit is. Throw in lots of messy family drama, magical twists, and some teen romance for good measure! It's a pretty solid YA mystery, and the comparison to Knives Out is a good one.

I think I went in expecting more of a fantasy tone with a lot of world-building, but instead the tone is very contemporary (though there is some world-building) and it reads a little young. Because of my expectations it took a bit to adjust to what the story actually was, but I think this is going to be a hit with a lot of teens. I received a copy for review via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I was hooked the second I heard it was described as a magical Knives Out. I did get a bit of that vibe but I would say it felt a bit short of my Knives Out meets the Inheritance Games expectations. I think my biggest issue was the pacing. I found that for a shorter book (256 pages) the plot would speed along and then abruptly stop and then pick up and stop again. The narration style was unique and felt more like an internal monologue with bits of the story being told through Tabatha’s thoughts. Its first person with Tabatha engaging us the reader and it’s very much a tell us not show us style of writing. I also found that Tabatha’s character fell a little flat to me she kind of relied on the other characters big personalities to progress the story and I never really felt like we got to know her. I think I was expecting more magic. Tabatha maybe performs magic once or twice and it’s not memorable at all considering she’s one of the greatest sorcerers apprentice’s.

The mystery was intriguing and I do love a whodunnit with twists. The last 25% of the book really flys by and the ending seemed to happen very fast. I personally think it could have been fleshed out a bit better and the reason why felt like it was trying to be profound but was basically a miscommunication. Overall this was a fun YA book and I know this review sounds super negative but I did enjoy the story. The magic blended well within the contemporary world and the characters are quick witted and there’s fun banter. I think that overall this just wasn’t a personal favorite but it’s not a bad book or story. I think it’s great for YA readers and fans of mysteries mixed with magical murders.

Thank you Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC

This book was a fun read and I can't wait to read more from this author. The main character Tabatha has to solve her teacher's murder along with one of his children. It was fun to see how they struggled to come up with the answer to the mystery. It had magic, mystery and some romance.

Tabatha is apprenticed to the Sorcerer Solomon, a man who has prophesied his own death. In this twisty mystery, Tabatha teams up with his Son to work out who perpetrated the crime...

There are some good twists in this book, and Tabatha was an interesting character. I found it a struggle to get into the book though, something about the writing style just didn't work for me!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for review

This was a fun book that kept me guessing until the end. I always enjoy mysteries where everyone's a suspect and this one fits the bill. The twists and turns and red herrings were entertaining and the ending made sense to me. Always a plus.

I liked the characters and wouldn't mind reading more about them, but the book could easily be a standalone if there isn't a sequel, like most YA fantasy/mystery books seem to have these days.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book! This book had been on my radar for a while, I was instantly drawn in by the title and cover. Our main character is an apprentice under a famous fortune teller who comes across the fortune of his own grizzly death. The apprentice and one of the fortune tellers sons must work together to solve his murder. I really enjoyed this book throughout and the way that it was written as our main character’s memories of the situation. I wanted a stronger ending to this, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

A teen sorcerer's apprentice must solve her teacher's murder and deal with the strange inheritance he left her while also dealing with his very complicated family, it's Knives Out but with magic and a bit of romance! Tabatha Zeng is the apprentice to one of the world's most famous sorcerers... and she's known about his prophesied death for months. Tabatha apprentices's under fortuneteller Sorcerer Solomon, and he predicts that he will die a brutal death by "his most beloved" and that Tabatha must stick close to one of his sons, Callum Solomon, no matter what after his death. Tabatha finds herself in the list of suspects as well as in the potential crosshairs of whoever murdered her boss. It's up to her and Callum, her boss's youngest son, to solve the mystery before the killer aims for one of them and in order for them to both clear their names. Yet the Solomon family is complicated, filled with drama, money, and power... and Tabatha can't trust anyone, not even the boy she's begun to work with and who has begun to worm his way into her heart. This was such a fun murder mystery with a dash of romance and magic. I loved the Knives Out vibes in this book and it perfectly balances the mystery with the drama. I had so much fun reading this one and the story kept having fun twists and turns. You don't know who could have done it and it was a really nice twist at the end. I really loved the chemistry between Tabatha and Callum, I can't resist a cute investigative couple. Tabatha herself was a really fun protagonists to read. Overall, if you enjoy Knives Out and are looking for a fun mystery read, I would absolutely recommend this!!

*Thanks Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*