Torn

March 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-This follow-up to Switched (St. Martin's, 2012) finds Wendy more confused than ever. Just weeks earlier, she discovered she's a changeling and Princess of the Trylle, a humanlike race of trolls. Shortly after returning to her (human) brother, Matt, Wendy is kidnapped by Vittra trackers and learns that their king is her father. Wendy is a powerful troll with an important decision: Will she rule the Vittra and trust her father to follow through on his promise for peace between the warring races? Or will she claim her birthright and fight for what she knows is right? The world Hocking has built is detailed and beautiful. Wendy is a likable, well-rounded heroine. However, neither the Vittra threat nor the teen's romance with Finn is convincing. Throughout this engrossing sequel, readers learn more about the Trylle and Vittra and of the origins of their war. Enough background exists that this novel can act as a stand-alone. Give it to fans of P.C. Cast and Kelley Armstrong.-Alissa J. LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI

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