Review: Even better than book 1!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 14, 2012
The Labyrinth, second book in the Acropolis series is even better than the first! Where at first the hyrbid demon kids at the Acropolis school were looking for freedom from prejudice and persecution, now they are on a new journey...one toward securing a haven, a new kingdom for those of half human and half demon blood. In the final book of the Redemption series (of which this series is a spin-off), hybrid demon Marcas Craig fought Lucifer for control of one of Hell's Outer Levels, to use as a safe haven for his kind. Now the kids from the Acropolis are invited to join this kingdom, but at a cost. They must journey through the Labyrinth, and secure the spear of destiny, which was used to pierce the side of Jesus Christ when he hung on the cross. Because it is stained with His blood, it is a powerful weapon that will secure Marcas' place as the hybrid king, and keep his kingdom safe.Wow, what an amazing journey our hybrid group goes through in this book. Danger and drama surround them, forcing them to come together...which isn't easy for demons, but these hybrids' human sides are working overtime as they band together as a unit to make it through the terrifying trials of the Labyrinth, at the end of which is the spear of destiny.Just as in the first book, Conor Reinhardt is a golden hero, a man of conviction. He knows that he started this thing with the hybrids, and will go into Hell with them to see it through. Despite the tremendous cost to his own way of life and family, Conor is steadfast in his protection of the hybrids. In this book, he has had to not only deal with the consequences of things he's done in the past and come to peace over them, he also must come to terms with his feelings for Emma...and all the hyrbids for that matter. A person who was once so judgmental has learned about the shades of gray between black and white, and this revelation adds much depth to Conor's character, developing him in such a way that he was the true star of this book.It was nice to see Emma learning more about her powers and abilities, as well as finding a family with her fellow hybrids. I hope in the next book, that she really gets her mojo on the powers front, because I'm ready to see her kick some ass!!!The book is a roller coaster ride of emotions, full of deep insights revealed in the characters through the author's poetic narration. She deals with the topic of death and grieving so poignantly that I was brought to tears when friends were lost. Another powerful work by R.K. Ryals, and definitely one of her best by far!