Underworld

August 1, 2012

Gr 8 Up-This modern-day twist on the Greek myth of Hades and Persphone picks up where Abandon (Scholastic, 2011) left off. Pierce Oliviera is back in the Underworld with her boyfriend and death deity, John. Not only does he want her to stay there, but he also feels that it is the only place where he can truly protect her from the Furies, evil beings who are bent on harming her. When Pierce's family is threatened, she convinces John that they must leave the Underworld in order to help and to try and make their own destiny. Their crazy adventures in Isla Huesos reveal important information about John's dark past, the island, and the wealthy and powerful Rector family. They also strengthen Pierce and John's relationship, proving that love requires trust, sacrifice, and a certain amount of risk. This fast-paced sequel is filled with action, romance, revenge, and lots of suspense. Cabot's main characters become more defined while new ones add some spice to the plotline. This is a satisfying read for teens who love mythology, the paranormal, and intrigue, and the cliff-hanger ending will leave readers eager for the next installation.-Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2012
Grades 8-12 As the sequel to Abandon (2011) opens, readers will find Pierce in bed with John, the deity of death. He tells her nothing happened. But did it? And then there's that little misunderstanding over the food. Once Pierce has eaten in the Underworld, that means she has to stay. But she thought that only applied to pomegranates (like Persephone), not waffles. The juxtaposition of Pierce's Everyteen voice and the deadly goings-on sometimes makes for an odd mix, rather than the cute-hip Cabot seems to intend. However, this second book in the trilogy does have some things going for it: an atmospheric setting, a collection of intriguing characters (including a Fury of a grandmother and a gay sexton who oversees the Florida cemetery that's the gateway to the Underworld), and, of course, the requisite tortured hero, whose only wish is to make Pierce's stay down below not seem like an eternity. Book three will have more than a few issues to resolve. HIGH DEMAND BACKSTORY: Cabot's popularity and the extensive publicity campaignto say nothing of the fans who have already found the first bookensure demand for this one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)