DESCENDANT

Livingston delivers a significantly stronger story—and heroine—in this sequel to Starling (2012).

It opens where the first book ended, with readers learning the Fennrys Wolf has survived various dangers while Mason Starling has been transported to Asgard, home of the Norse gods. Fenn is determined to find Mason and prevent her from taking up the Odin spear, which would transform her into a Valkyrie and set Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse, in motion. Each chapter brings a perspective shift, and readers switch among Fenn, Mason and other characters’ adventures before the two are reunited, just in time. The pair return to our world and two startling discoveries that bring the Greek gods into the mix (the Egyptians are there too) and up the ante significantly. It’s up to Fenn and Mason to make things right, but in doing so, they may just be playing into the hands of prophecy. Despite the serpentine plot, those unfamiliar with the first installment should have a relatively simple time following this action-packed story, and though Fenn still acts as her savior, Mason is noticeably stronger than before, making the climax more believable.

Those who’ve been awaiting this sequel should be pleased.