This sequel to Wicked Lovely (2007) focuses on a damaged mortal girl who unknowingly becomes the property of a dark faerie king. An abuse survivor, Leslie wants to take control of her body by getting a tattoo. What she doesn't know is that her tattoo will bind her to the iniquitous Irial, who plans to take enough of her mortality to enable him to feed on both mortals and faeries. Niall, a servant assigned to protect Leslie, finds himself falling for her despite an injunction against romancing mortals. Unfortunately, the intrigue and themes of physical and sexual autonomy get lost in the bloated writing; the speech of the teen characters is archaic and ridiculous. Rather than stimulate the senses, the overwrought descriptions only serve to confuse the reader and slow down the plot. Too many throwaway characters make up the periphery of this meandering, cluttered book. Despite its many shortcomings, however, this title is likely to be just as popular as its bestselling predecessor. (Fantasy. YA)
