TOXIC HEART

Averting the vindictive intent of a greedy family while longing for the affection of an absent paramour can give a revolutionary girl heartburn.

In this sequel to Mystic City (2012), Aria Rose continues her evolution from clueless debutante to political activist. Bombs, kidnapping and torture are par for the course as the battle for power wages between wealthy denizens of the Aeries and mystic rebels in Manhattan’s decrepit Depths. Aria has renounced her lush life in order to help the mystics and their leader (her dreamy boyfriend, Hunter) establish equality. Though far-removed from dinner parties and servants, Aria remains a media darling, with allies and adversaries alike watching her every broadcasted move. When she discovers that Hunter has manipulated their private online conversations for propaganda purposes, Aria realizes she is merely a pawn that opposing sides are grappling to possess and resolves to find a solution herself. Aria has traded her confusion from Book 1 for determined self-empowerment this round, intensifying the narrative. Resilient though she may be, she has a fair amount of fumbles and self-doubts, maintaining her character’s plausibility. Intense action and kick-ass characters will thrill fantasy and action fans. And the aerobic pace endures to an ending that will have readers clamoring to know what becomes of Aria and the revolution she has unwittingly fueled. 

An electric, futuristic fantasy with loads of action, heartbreak and one delicious gold-lamé cat suit. (Urban fantasy/science fiction. 14 & up)