Sophie Mercer is back, brandishing self-deprecating sarcastic wit while suffering from both a broken heart and a sizable chip on her shoulder after discovering that she is not a witch but an extremely powerful demon. In this follow-up to Hex Hall (2010), Sophie’s father, head of the Prodigium Council and also the only other known living demon, whisks her off to Prodigium headquarters in England to help her learn how to control her powers, and—he hopes—change her mind about her wish to have her powers removed. Meanwhile, having witnessed the damage unleashed by uncontrolled magical abilities, Sophie's vampire buddy Jenna is desperate to protect her friends and family by becoming a regular girl. Although everyone at Thorne Abbey is solicitous and welcoming, Sophie can’t shake the feeling that something is very wrong. Small wonder: First, someone is raising new demons, ones with unstable powers and a penchant for trouble. Adding to the thrills, Prodigium-haters L’Occhio di Dio are still on the hunt for Sophie, with the apparently evil, but crush-worthy, Archer Cross leading the charge. Soon, the plot twists fold back on themselves, revealing treachery within the Prodigium’s upper echelons, Archer’s own triple-agent leanings and his love for Sophie. The climax leaves chaos and many strings dangling. Brisk pacing, sparkling romantic chemistry and genuine heartache will satisfy fans and attract new readers to the series. (Fantasy. YA)
