Teens with a taste for the paranormal school story and a tolerance for raucous humor will be involved with and amused by this romantic fantasy.
Set in the same world as Ashby’s first book, The Zombie Queen of Newbury High (2009), this companion deals with the students of Burtonwood, a school where the pupils aid the Department of Paranormal Affairs by killing demons, dragons and other monsters. Emma, a sophomore ready to receive her assignment, is stunned and furious when she is assigned to miniature, dress-mad, malicious fairies instead of the dragons she expected to slay. Emma sulks and fumes until affairs become too dangerous to credibly insist that she doesn’t need help. Then the story gains momentum, and the plot really clicks on. The exciting plot, humor throughout—often provided by the little fairies—and relatively innocent romance between characters will grab readers and keep them involved despite the initially weak worldbuilding. Kids who enjoyed Douglas Rees’ Vampire High books will find the same qualities in this punnily titled outing.
Give this lighthearted and lightly satirical book to younger teens and those preteens who won’t be put off by the length. (Paranormal adventure. 12 & up)
