Midnight Jewel

August 1, 2017
Grades 8-11 While this sequel will be best enjoyed by readers of the The Glittering Court (2016), most romance fans will relish Mead's telling of the classic plot of a picture bride sent to the frontier to pick a husband, this time narrated by Sirminican Mirabel Viana, a gorgeous refugee who has no illusions of finding love. That attitude sets up the inevitable romance that develops between Mira and Grant Elliott, a raffish spy on board the ship to Adoria. Despite a high ranking among prospective brides, Mira discovers that her background and darker skin color are a liability in the marriage market. Determined to save her beloved brother Lonzo from servitude, Mira joins forces with Grant and pirate Tom Shortsleeves, sneaking out after a long day of meeting possible suitors to run missions and get the money to free her brotherand perhaps herself as well. Although formulaic with regard to the romance, feminist elements and Mira's obvious intelligence, courage, and capabilities will have readers rooting for her and eagerly awaiting the next title. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: This sequel should extend Mead's Vampire Academybolstered sales cred. Stock up.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)