Underworld

October 1, 2012

Gr 7 Up-In order to escape the Furies, Pierce is dragged into the Underworld by her boyfriend John, who just happens to be lord of the Underworld of Ilsa Huesos. Pierce is angry with John at first, but willing to accept her life as possible consort to him, until her cell phone shows her disturbing images of her cousin, Alex, trapped in a coffin with little air. Pierce believes that she is the only one who can save him. She promises John that she will remain forever in the Underworld if he will take her to save Alex. Along the way, Pierce learns the true story about John's dark side, his death, and the power of the Persephone diamond. As the Furies close in, Pierce must decide who to trust. In Meg Cabot's suspenseful romantic story (Point, 2012), two very flawed characters manage to find love, but whether or not they will be happy will be determined in the last book of the trilogy. Natalia Payne's tone reflects Pierce's vulnerability and kindness as well as her naivete, and she gives the narrative a breathy quality that adds to the suspense. Those who enjoy twists on mythology, particularly the Persephone/Hades myth, will be hooked and eagerly await the final book.-Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.