Review: Succulent Sequel in New Middle-Grade/YA Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 8, 2014
I'd like to thank Curiosity Quills Press for the copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review. The fact that this was free in no way impacts the integrity of my review.<blockquote>The Five find their way to Moab, Utah where, before they’re even settled in, evil finds them.As Paige fights to keep from succumbing to the pull of an Incubus that has her marked as his next conquest, Johnathan seeks to find a way to rid her of a curse she willingly accepted in order to save him.A surprising revelation initiates a long-awaited, yet unexpected, reunion for Alec who discovers a new magical talent he possesses.The FIVE, along with their mentor, Joe, must figure out what was meant by the last words of a Demon as it was sent back to the Netherworld—a promise of Gathering darkness—and stop the evil before it’s unleashed on the small town of Moab. And, the world.He was interrupted by the Demon’s laughter. “I shall return to this realm a short time hence. Along with a multitude of Demons and Fae.”“What are you talking about?” Joe asked.“He’s just stalling,” Seth hissed.“Believe what you will, young Quinaie Praesidia.”“How do you plan to return?” Joe persisted.“You shall know the hour is at hand when the heavens gather blackness and all the elements combine to protect the way. The very jaws of Hell shall gape open its mouth wide after The Five. You should all be very afraid.” It laughed its Demonic laugh, rows of teeth dripping green saliva that hissed as it hit the floor.</blockquote>Book two picks up roughly where book one ended,  with the "The Five," or their more formal name, "Quinae Praesidia— the Five Protectors," together and training with their teacher. Paige had cured Johnathan from the infection he obtained from the bite of a changeling. But the cure came at a steep cost. And now Jonathan was on his own quest to reverse what had been done to Paige, regardless of the cost. The trainer they had acquired in the first book was more than frustrated with Paige, what she'd done, and now with Jonathan. The entire group received a lecture on the dangers of any of them repeating anything even remotely similar to what Paige did. And yet Johnathan was still as determined as ever to do whatever it took to return Paige to her original condition.Once again this book is from Paige's point of view, giving us interesting insight into the mind of a sixteen year old girl. A sixteen year old girl who is very much in love. Ever since battling the evil sorcerer to a draw, they've been doing everything they can to prepare for the promised rematch. Since the sorcerer after them travels from place to place by using  tree roots and other vegetation, destroying it in the process, the group stayed to exposed areas as much as possible. Areas lacking vegetation, such as the high desert in Utah. And because their magic interferes with electrical systems they must walk to their intended destination, giving them plenty of time to practice what they know and learn new spells.Paige seems to be a lightening rod for trouble though, as she finds herself being targeted by an old, very powerful, Incubus. She is able to resist it by picturing Johnathan's face, but it knows many ways to seduce. Johnathan goes off the deep end upon hearing this, preparing for all out war that he intends to end with very dead Incubus. Johnathan struggles with the few images he saw of Paige kissing the Incubus while struggling under its spell. In a misguided effort to help Alec ends up causing further damage, sending Paige into her own jealous rage, creating issues for the entire group. And just when they need to be at the top of their game. They inadvertently learn something surprising information about Alec (that was foreshadowed in book one if you were paying attention). Information that could be great, or could spell disaster - and only time will tell.Throughout the book there are battles of will and magic that test the bonds of trust and friendship. But the Five manage to overcome everything thrown their way. At least they do until the final battle, the one the Demon had mysteriously referred to. That tests them to their very limits and beyond. The ending of the book is both sweet and bittersweet, and rife with cliffhanger suspense. This sequel will likely keep most readers attention, even with the romance being more front and center stage. As a gross generalization, there is plenty of action and exploding, slimy things to appeal to the boys, and sweet and tender romantic moments for the girls. Ms. Anderson does an excellent job of balancing the needs of her diverse audience throughout the entire book, maintaining steady pacing, spot-on dialogue, and staying true to the overall arc of the story for the entire book.