Bloodwitch (The Maeve'ra)
Gr 9 Up—Vance Ehecatl is a young shape-shifter who can transform into an exquisite but rare Quetzal. Abandoned by his parents at birth, he has been raised by powerful vampires at their stronghold of Midnight. Sheltered and protected from the outside world and given all possible comforts, Vance never questions his surroundings or his vampire superiors. When his friend Calysta dies by violent means, Vance flees in the forest where he becomes lost and disoriented. He is discovered by a fellow shape-shifter named Malachi Obsidian, who tries to persuade Vance to leave Midnight. Malachi explains that Vance is a bloodwitch who possesses dangerous and unpredictable magic. He further turns Vance's world upside-down by claiming that Mistress Jeshickan and her vampires are manipulating him to control his power. In order to unlock his true potential, he must be properly trained by his own people. The main character struggles to uncover the truth, determine his destiny, and distinguish friend from foe. Atwater-Rhodes once again draws readers into the mysterious and extraordinary paranormal world of shape-shifters, vampires, witches, and Tristes. Although Bloodwitch is the first in this new trilogy, characters from her "Den of Shadow" and "Kiesha'ra" series (both Delacorte) are referenced and might possibly appear in later installments. A satisfying read.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY