A demon-hunting fix for readers who can forgive page-padding.
Following Dark Star (2012), a new demon in town named Susannah is looking for the girl with the power to open pathways to the Beneath, and the threat strains Audrey’s relationship.
Audrey’s boyfriend, Leon, is her Guardian, meaning he is mystically bound to protect her and has been granted magic abilities to do so—chiefly, he can sense when she is in danger and teleport to save her. That’s why it’s concerning when Audrey has an encounter with a group of Harrowers led by Susannah and Leon doesn’t show. Luckily for Audrey, a newly arrived Guardian hunting Susannah saves her. While the Guardians do their best to counter the new demonic threat, Audrey does not disclose the episode and the bond issues with Leon it implies. When Leon finds out, he too decides to keep the magical malfunction secret, concluding that Audrey is the source of the bond disruption. Audrey’s desire to keep him safe keeps them ignorant of the dangers she’s facing; luckily, her own powers are growing. Against this relationship drama, Audrey’s two best friends pursue interesting subplots, Susannah launches a series of testing attacks against the Guardians, and Audrey’s mother, more like Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters than the superhero Audrey’s narration promises, fights no crime. The plot’s uneven, but dialogue and characters are strong. In the last 50 pages or so, the story really comes to life for those readers patient enough to have made it through the first 290.
A demon-hunting fix for readers who can forgive page-padding. (Urban fantasy. 12-16)Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4231-4666-7
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Dec. 10, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
Vail captures the complexity of middle school social challenges, insightfully addressing the issues of friendships and...
Eighth-grader Truly’s foray into popularity spirals into a tempest of deceit and betrayal.
Upon turning 13, Truly is given a measure of technological freedom: a cellphone and access to social media. But this soon evolves into a quagmire of problems for Truly. When former BFF Natasha invites her to join the Popular Table during lunchtime and to collaborate on a school assignment, Truly is surprised but thrilled. However, Natasha’s overtures hide an ulterior motive. In the pursuit of popularity, Truly neglects her friendship with Hazel, who retaliates by plotting revenge utilizing social media. The Truly/Hazel dynamic is just one component of this interwoven story. Vail explores the motivations and private quandaries of the six characters who narrate the tale, from Jack, the quiet advocate for those excluded, to the socially conscious and manipulative Natasha, who yearns to be the most popular. With keen insight, Vail reveals the internal struggles with uncertainty and self-doubt that can plague young teens regardless of popularity status. Natasha’s schemes and Hazel’s misdeeds lead to a relentless barrage of bullying via social media for Truly. While a dramatic moment reveals the extent of Truly’s anguish, Vail concludes the tale with a resolution that is both realistic and hopeful.
Vail captures the complexity of middle school social challenges, insightfully addressing the issues of friendships and integrity. (Fiction. 12-15)Pub Date: Sept. 25, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-670-01307-4
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: July 28, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Choppy writing and stereotyped characters combine for a fluffy mess.
A transformation comedy from a debut author who seems to be aiming to become the next Louise Rennison.
Harriet Manners has all the markings of a geek. Loves learning and discovering facts? Check. Can't contain her enthusiasm for what she finds interesting? Check. Mocked by her schoolmates? Check. At least she has best friend Nat to help her face Alexa, the ringleader of the bullies, and escape Toby, Harriet's annoying stalker. In a sequence that sacrifices logic for humor, Harriet and Nat attend a fashion expo, where Nat hopes to be scouted as a model—but it is Harriet that is spotted. Tired of being branded a geek and feeling like she's lost her friendship with Nat, Harriet lets herself be drawn into the world of high-fashion modeling. Gorgeous male model Nick is the only bright side, because becoming a model can’t change who Harriet is underneath. In a clichéd conclusion, Harriet will learn that the only viable choice is to be true to yourself and to be honest with the people who love you just for who you are. The wacky humor and subtle girl-empowerment message of the Brit-chick-lit genre are on full display here, yet it just feels overdone and unoriginal.
Choppy writing and stereotyped characters combine for a fluffy mess. (Chick lit. 12-16)Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-06-233357-5
Page Count: 384
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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