ANNIE SKY

In the second book of Szedlak’s YA fantasy trilogy, a girl who recently traveled to another planet hosts a part-angel Watcher in her hometown.

Annie Sky’s high school friend squad is mesmerized by her new acquaintance, the “mega tall and buff” Phoenix, who boasts a jeweled sword and an impressive set of functional wings. Worried about Phoenix’s safety from inquisitive scientists, Annie hides the existence of the half-angel Watcher from her dad and younger brother, but she trusts her pals Eva, Pixie, and Bella to help accomplish the mission: getting Phoenix back to his native star, Diadem. Annie, a spectator to her mother’s car accident, doesn’t drive, and to send Phoenix home, they must take a road trip to a bookstore in Manhattan’s Chinatown that houses a magic mirror. With this portal, Annie reached the Black-Eyed galaxy, where she first encountered Phoenix. The Watcher’s appearance precedes sudden disturbing events in the town of Anderson Hill, where Annie lives, which could indicate a merger with Phoenix’s universe. Makka trees, native only to Diadem, spring up in Annie’s backyard. Gigantic three-toed footprints appear, followed by violent attacks. Phoenix hopes to prevent further leakage between the worlds by asking for help from the Keeper in the Garden of Souls, but the emotionally attached Annie can’t bear to have her Watcher leave. Szedlak comfortably and proficiently settles into the fantasy lane, making side trips to romance along the way. She sets a brisk pace, orchestrating the constant movement of her characters from the outset, when Phoenix abruptly lands in Annie’s closet. Their relationship is nicely developed: Annie teaches the angel about silverware and sour candy; he teaches her to stab demons. Both have experience with death and are concerned about Earth’s fate, and they strongly contrast with Annie’s friends, who are supportive and fun but immature. A return to the imaginative world of Diadem is a highlight: Watchers ride on “unisoroses,” passing “wildflowers caked in crystal dust” and “boulders suspended in midair.” The prosaic Anderson Hill has its moments, but Annie will never “hurtle through the thirteen treacherous rings of Dorbedos” there.

A fast-paced tale with a likable couple that shines brightest away from Earth.