The orphaned children of a terrorist witch coven are pulled into danger and intrigue by their parents’ legacy.
Justin Daggett is used to getting kicked out of schools—his sister is a notorious troublemaker, and, as they and their three adoptive siblings are a package deal, when one gets removed, the others all follow. Before their executions for waging a brutal war against the witch Congress and other covens, the Moonset coven—Justin and his siblings’ parents’, whose story is told through chapter epigraphs—cast a powerful curse that prevents their children from being separated. But after an expulsion immediately followed by a wraith attack, possibly linked to the warlock who’s the last remnant of the Moonset rebellion, the Congress changes strategy, beefing up the Moonstone children’s protection and moving them to the town where their parents started the coven. Justin must piece together the Congress’ agenda while under threat from escalating dark magic. Distrusted and feared by other witches, the orphans face suspicion and are kept helpless by protectors who refuse to teach them useful magic despite the attacks. The orphans’ attachment is tempered by realistic sibling squabbling, and the characterization in general is rich. While the story’s climax comes and goes quickly, the political maneuvering in its aftermath is tense and exciting.
Another page-turning magical mystery from Tracey. (Urban fantasy. 14 & up)
