Half Wild

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.

January 15, 2015
After he's abandoned once again by his infamous Black Witch father (Half Bad, 2013), Nathan grapples with his new, unruly magical gift and risks everything to save his true love.Nathan hides in the woods outside Mercury's cottage, waiting for his friend Gabriel to return and ever watchful for the Hunters nearby that seek to kill him. Though he's quite sure Gabriel is dead, he can't bring himself to leave. Instead, he daydreams of Annalise, who is trapped in a deathlike sleep, and he wrestles with the gift his father, Marcus, gave him: Nathan can transform into an animal, a bloodthirsty, uncontrollable animal that feels entirely separate from himself when he's changed. When a stranger appears offering to help him, Nathan's luck suddenly turns. Soon, he's reunited with old friends and introduced to a new alliance of all witches-Black, White and Half Blood-determined to bring down the monstrous leader of the Council, Soul O'Brien. As Nathan embraces the newfound wildness of his gift, he changes in visceral, satisfying ways. But reuniting with the ones he loves the most provides the most shocking catalyst of all. Green delivers vibrant characters, and Nathan's relationships arc in thrilling highs and lows. The start of his journey feels slow and too safe, but the climax ushers in a bloody, unforgettable cliffhanger. A character-driven page-turner offering both emotional depth and gory thrills. (Fantasy. 12 & up)

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February 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-The second book in Green's trilogy picks up the story shortly after the conclusion of Half Bad (2014). Nathan has escaped from the Hunters again, and is living alone in the forest. Although he has received his magical ability from his father, Marcus (a powerful Black Witch), he still doesn't know how to control it. He's angry and frustrated, and worried that he'll end up more like Marcus than like his White Witch mother. As well as his internal struggles, the physical battle between Black Witches and White Witches begins in earnest here, and many of the characters from the previous installment are involved. Readers may have difficulty keeping track of the large cast. Like many stories of good versus evil, family, friendship, and trust are key themes. Stubborn Nathan learns about all of these the hard way, and the author's strong writing and the engaging plot will keep teens intrigued. Scenes of graphic violence make this title appropriate for older readers. It's essential to have read Half Bad to understand this volume, and readers who enjoyed it will devour this sequel. VERDICT Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy.-Marlyn Beebe, Long Beach Public Library, Los Alamitos, CA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 1, 2015
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* In the second book in Green's dark trilogy, Nathan is struggling to understand and control the beast within, one of the gifts his Black witch father Marcus has bestowed upon him. Determined to rescue Annalise from Mercury's clutches and garner the return of the Fairborn knife, he strikes up an uncomfortable d'tente with Black witch Van and White witch Celia, who have formed an alliance of White and Black witches to kill Soul O'Brien. O'Brien has launched an all-out war against Black witches across Europe by seizing control of the Council of White Witches, thus creating chaos throughout both witch kingdoms. While it is easy to forget Nathan's ultimate questto be a good personas he fights and kills his way to Annalise's rescue and battles against the Hunters, his softer, more complex side is evident in the unexpectedly peaceful, loving relationships he briefly shares with Annalise, his father, and Gabriel. Once again, Green pushes the boundaries of definition; this time: What is wild? What is human or even civilized? The blood and gore, the willingness to endure and survive at any price, and the dichotomies between good and bad, love and hate, wild and civilizedall haunt the reader, climaxing in a tragic ending that portends the horror, violence, and possible relationships in the trilogy's final installment. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The first book in the series Half Bad (2013) has been optioned for the movies and rights have been sold in 27 countries. The series build continues with extensive national marketing campaign.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)