Starred review from January 12, 2015
This riveting second entry in Green’s Half Bad trilogy continues the story of Nathan, the outcast child of Black and White Witches, as he struggles to find his bearings amid a deadly power struggle in the witch world. Simultaneously, Nathan attempts to control his newfound magical Gifts and comprehend the prophecy that claims he will kill his father, Marcus, the most feared Black Witch in Europe. Along with a handful of (mostly) trustworthy allies, Nathan sets out to rescue love interest Annalise, who has been trapped in a deathlike coma, and becomes involved in the formation of a tentative alliance of Black and White Witches, sworn to overthrow the corrupt Council. Although this tale has some of the weaknesses inherent in bridge novels (despite explanatory references to events in Half Bad, readers will need to start with that book), it features the same powerful language, well-developed characters, fascinating magic, and harrowing action sequences as its predecessor and will leave its readers anxiously awaiting the final volume. Ages 12–up. Agent: Claire Wilson, Rogers, Coleridge & White.