by C.C. Hunter ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 20, 2014
This is great for readers wanting to return to Shadow Falls, but it won’t attract new audience members.
Hunter (Chosen at Nightfall, 2013, etc.) returns to the supernatural school/camp Shadow Falls, switching protagonist from Kylie to Della—there’s a love triangle, naturally.
Della’s efforts to conceal her vampire status have led her family to suspect her of drug use, alienating her from their esteem and affections. An offhand remark leads Della toward a family mystery and a missing uncle (possibly a fellow vampire). Back at Shadow Falls, Della has run-ins with a (hot, mysterious) new vampire, Chase, who competes with Steve, the sexy shape-shifter, for her affections. When Della catches the scent of a killer vampire after a double homicide, she begs the Fallen Research Unit (sort of a supernatural FBI) agent who runs the camp to work the case—it is her dream to work for the FRU. Complicating things, Chase is investigating too. Additional mysteries involve a ghost, Della’s cousin and Della’s health problems (a strange cold that causes her vampire senses to wax and wane—usually in ways that help the mystery plots). The many plotlines don’t overwhelm as they’re all predictable, and many eventually consolidate. Although the worldbuilding assumes readers are familiar with Hunter’s earlier novels, snatches of narration sometimes repeat themselves. The strongest elements are the friendship among Della, Kylie and Miranda and their hilarious (and sometimes-naughty) girl-talk sessions.
This is great for readers wanting to return to Shadow Falls, but it won’t attract new audience members. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)Pub Date: May 20, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-250-04745-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2014
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by Lauren Roberts ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 7, 2023
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
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by Stephanie Garber ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 31, 2017
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations.
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New York Times Bestseller
Magic, mystery, and love intertwine and invite in this newest take on the “enchanted circus” trope.
Sisters raised by their abusive father, a governor of a colonial backwater in a world vaguely reminiscent of the late 18th century, Scarlett and Donatella each long for something more. Scarlett, olive-skinned, dark of hair and attitude, longs for Caraval, the fabled, magical circus helmed by the possibly evil Master Legend Santos, while blonde, sunny Tella finds comfort in drink and the embraces of various men. A slightly awkward start, with inconsistencies of attitude and setting, rapidly smooths out when they, along with handsome “golden-brown” sailor Julian, flee to Caraval on the eve of Scarlett’s arranged marriage. Tella disappears, and Scarlett must navigate a nighttime world of magic to find her. Caraval delights the senses: beautiful and scary, described in luscious prose, this is a show readers will wish they could enter. Dresses can be purchased for secrets or days of life; clocks can become doors; bridges move: this is an inventive and original circus, laced with an edge of horror. A double love story, one sensual romance and the other sisterly loyalty, anchors the plot, but the real star here is Caraval and its secrets.
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations. (Fantasy. 14 & up)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-250-09525-1
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
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