Betrayal

August 1, 2011

Gr 9 Up-In this sequel to Deception (Bloomsbury, 2010), readers find out more about ghostkeeper Emma and meet new team members. Bennett is sent away to keep from losing his powers, which happens to the weaker of the two when ghostkeepers fall in love. Of course, Emma does a certain amount of pining for him, and she feels guilty for Coby's death-which everyone at school seems to blame her for as well, but there is plenty of ghost- dispelling action to keep the plot moving. Simon, the new leader, trains the team hard as they prepare to meet Neos in what turns out to be not the final battle. The complications include the villain dispatching a siren to weaken Emma's resolve and a betrayal among the team, hence the title. In the end, Neos escapes to the Beyond, weakened by the loss of his amulet, and Bennett returns to the museum house. Emma is not sure about the changes in him as he has become addicted to the power-building herb Asarum. The setup is complete for the next round of superghost fighting. A light read for students who enjoy the paranormal.-Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

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