Never

April 15, 2013
Left powerless and near death in Reaper (2012), Wendy must unravel the mysteries of her Reaper family before the Lady Walker's evil plans reach fruition. While physically comatose, Wendy joins her ghost friends in a desperate attempt to thwart her family's schemes and stay alive. These plots now come from two angles, as her cousin Jane isn't working with Reaper leader Elise anymore. Also, there's the Lady Walker, who, in between reaching out to invite Wendy to join her side, opens pathways to the Never for the terrifying creatures that live in the space between worlds. These grotesque creatures are a welcome addition to the story, as horrifying as they are fun. To defeat Elise's manipulation and the Lady Walker's destructive plans, Wendy must uncover her mother's history with Elise as well as Piotr's past and history with Reapers (and surprising Reaper mythology). The expository flashbacks and dream sequences occasionally disrupt the story rhythm, but the action scenes are exciting and mostly believable. Some of the awkward dialogue that plagued the trilogy's previous installments is minimized by the faster pace and near-constant action. Wendy's siblings, drawn into the fray, join the cast of side characters endangered to raise stakes. The conclusion drops a few plot points entirely, but it ends on an emotionally complex, satisfying note. Easily the best book in the trilogy. (Fantasy. 12-17)

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July 1, 2013

Gr 9 Up-McEntire weaves together realism and magic as she continues the story of Wendy, a Lightbringer who tries to protect the world and her loved ones from the creatures that live in the Never, the space between worlds. As she faces battles there, she must decide whether bringing the worlds back into balance is worth risking her life-and her soul. Convincing characters, intriguing mystery, a relatable urban setting, and a twist of romance come together beautifully in this final installment. It will draw in established fans and new readers alike, and is reminiscent of Lauren Kate's "Fallen" (Delacorte) and Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" (S & S) series, and Holly Black's Tithe (S & S, 2002).-Anna Berger, formerly Literature Consultant, Piper City, IL

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