Silver in the Blood

Narrator Sandy Rustin enhances every aspect of this fantasy, which follows cousins Lou and Dacia, Americans traveling to Romania for the first time to meet their mothers' family. Rustin's narration has a formality that suits the Victorian era and the girls' privileged lives, and she creates voices for secondary characters that range appropriately over many nationalities and personalities. She particularly shines in her characterization of Lou, who starts the story with a tentative nature but grows in power and confidence as she gets drawn further into her family's supernatural secrets and discovers her shape-shifting abilities. Listeners will enjoy this atmospheric blend of historical, horror, adventure, and epistolary fiction. A.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

May 4, 2015
Teenage cousins and New York heiresses Dacia and Lou have always wanted to visit their mothers’ extended family in Romania, but during an unexpected trip to Bucharest their strange and secretive relatives reveal a shocking truth: they come from a long line of shapeshifters. In an enticing gothic romance, George (the Twelve Dancing Princesses series) paints a vivid portrait of fin de siècle Europe, highlighting its architecture, fashion, etiquette, and fascination with the supernatural. With the ability to transform into the Claw (wolves), the Wing (bats), or the Smoke (mist), the Florescu family has protected the infamous Dracula family for generations. Now, Dacia and Lou are supposed to lead a coup to put devilish Prince Mihai Dracula on the throne. Between chapters, diary entries and letters provide further insight into wild Dacia and timid Lou’s evolving characters. George’s well-crafted tale will keep readers rapt as these two best friends deal with the ramifications of refusing to commit murder and treason, navigate romantic suitors (Dacia has several), and come to terms with their newfound abilities. Ages 13–up. Agent: Amy Jameson, A+B Works.

January 1, 2016

Gr 6-9-Spoiled New York City debutantes and cousins Dacia and Lou travel to Romania to visit their mothers' home. After they meet their many cousins, uncles, and intimidating grandmother, a huge family secret is revealed to the girls: they are all shape-shifters, either the Claw (wolf), Wing (bat), or Smoke. Vivacious Dacia has many suitors, among them the charming Prince Mahai Dracula, who is spearheading an evil plot to overthrow the King of Romania. Much action and drama ensue, with the stiff manners of aristocratic society providing comic relief. Sandy Rustin does a wonderful job differentiating among the voices. With sweetness and clarity she unveils wild Dacia becoming unsure of herself and timid Lou finding confidence and strength. The journal entries and letters interspersing with the chapters are read in the girls' voices and add much to the backstory. VERDICT Fans of paranormal fantasy and Gail Carriger's "Finishing School" series (Little, Brown) will love this. ["Proper debutantes and snarling wolves? A winning combination for most libraries": SLJ 5/15 review of the Bloomsbury book.]-Julie Paladino, formerly of East Chapel Hill High School, NC

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.