SNAKEROOT

This new Nightshade sequel takes up the action after the close of the first trilogy, when the wolf Guardians finally won their epic battle to banish evil Bosque Mar into the Nether.

Now, Bosque wants to come back. By playing on the emotions of Ren’s sister, Adne, now romantically entwined with Connor, Logan manages to infiltrate the Searchers at their headquarters, Rowan Estate. Thinking the war is over, the Searchers let their guards down until events finally compel them to see that another battle looms. By that time, much has been done against them, and there’s a new war that should provide many more sequels for happy fans. Cremer, as always, keeps the narrative moving along briskly, but the focus here is more on magic than suspense. The wolves, including former protagonist Calla, remain wolves, never to return to human form. Instead, the Weavers, who create magical portals, and the fighters such as Connor appear to be taking center stage. Much intrigue results when the evil Logan dupes major Searcher figures into helping him. Those new to the series would be well-advised to read the first trilogy before beginning this book, as the history is so complicated and the characters so numerous that readers need a good background to get a grip on the plot.

Plenty of suspense sets the stage for continuing this hit series.