A year ago (March 2025) Rigsby WI by S. E. Case came out and March 2026 Burn It Down: Rigsby WI Volume 2 came out. Flux: Rigsby WI Volume 3 will be out in 2027 and I’m hoping that means volume four is in 2028. Of course, I want all the stories for each character now, as I’m not happy that I have to wait a year for book three, let alone until 2028!
You see, I became invested in the four main teens/friends of this town, Rigsby WI. I want to know who can thrive at being a teen, who will graduate high school, who will have a life outside of this small, everyone knows you, but never sees you, town. I want to know who can survive life. Things are deceptively easy, but it is darker and deeper than they seem at first glance. Overall, this set in the “early aughts” story is a coming of age adventure that we know currently or in our past. And we know that there will be others like these kids. They are relatable, while not always being (for the adult reader, AKA me) likable. Everyone is human, making mistakes, nobody has the answers yet they think they do. Sometimes this volume falls into stereotypes (the “poor kid” has a skanky mom, mostly dead-beat older half sister, the trailer park has the local drug dealer) and that took me out of things. There is some shifting in the story flow making things a bit off centered, but then is balanced by using different color(s) or style for flashbacks vs current events. I would have liked to seen more of Anna doing the events in her life (such a her violin, which seems like the only way she’ll ever be able to leave town), but the shorter story has its moments and benefits too.
And while overall I felt it was a good read, the use of drugs, alcohol and suggested sexual assault or sexual events and situations makes this an edgy story that is not for everyone (including myself at times). At least aged 13 (14 safer) and up readers will want to see how Anna has had a troubled life and root for her to come out on top. Read volume one first and see how Bethany’s story starts things off.
