Teen Hyde by Chandler Baker (review)

In this disturbing new entry in a series about monstrous youth (the first being Teen Frankenstein, set in the same small Texas town), the author explores the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde through the perspective of a teen girl with some dark secrets. After being a victim of assault, Cassidy just wants a new designer drug to do its job of making her feel sunny, bright, hopeful, and in charge again; however, it seems to have some shocking side effects. Cassidy is the Dr. Jekyll in this scenario, and Marcy, her alter ego (or other personality, or drug-induced temporary psychotic self), has some bloodthirsty ideas of justice and and interest in righting wrongs that have been done to her and other teen girls. Marcy and her story are more compelling than Cassidy, but that’s largely intentional, as Cassidy is working very hard at being bland, walled off, and numb, and the revenge story is unmatchable for drama. A brief author’s note acknowledges the serious nature of sexual assault and offers a resource.