The Katerina Trilogy, Vol. III: The Morning Star
In the fast-paced conclusion of the Katerina Trilogy, the powerful young necromancer has made her romantic choice—George—but their attempts to be together are thwarted at every turn. And now Konstantin’s spirit has possessed Danilo and kidnapped Katerina in his rush to find the Morning Star, with which he can regain rule of Russia. New locales, particularly Egypt and the nebulous Greylands, are vividly portrayed. Bridges’ character-building and pacing are perfect, though she does resort to a deus ex machina at least once to make the story’s resolution work. Readers won’t care because the bittersweet ending satisfies. Grades 7-10. --Melissa  Moore