JESTIN KASE AND THE TERRORS OF SHADOW METAL

The titular superpowered teen returns in this YA urban fantasy sequel, facing off against an evil threatening the lives of many—including the boy he’s crushing on.

It’s a fairly typical day for Jestin Kase, battling a giant monster in Chicago. The 15-year-old fights with magical, ancient Dragon Metal, which flows through his veins and can be manipulated to create armor and weapons. Jestin learns there’s something sinister afoot when he comes across an elf called Tirich, who hunts the entity that cursed his people with demon power. Meanwhile, a stranger wielding magic chains has been killing elves for unknown reasons. These dark doings connect to a being Tirich calls “Master of the Terrors of Shadow.” This malevolent presence covers the city in eldritch tendrils, putting millions in peril, including Jacob Colt, the boy Jestin may be interested in dating. Confronting this crisis, Jestin must rely upon people he doesn’t entirely trust, and his debilitating panic attacks make everything all the more grueling. Humor abounds in White’s tale as Jestin compulsively quips in all manner of potentially lethal circumstances: “I’m fine. Totally not crazy. Now let’s go talk to the vampire elf of living shadow sitting in our dungeon.” While this emphasis on comedy somewhat dampens suspense, Jestin’s genuinely funny sarcasm enlivens action scenes that showcase golems, blood-drinking elves, and a variety of creatures sporting claws and sharp teeth. More serious story elements also register, most notably Jestin’s concern for Colt, though their relationship develops here at a frustratingly slow pace. Still, the plucky teen hero and his faerie cat, Growly McHissy-Face, make for a wonderful duo.

A droll, charming protagonist carries this uproarious magic-laden tale over the finish line.