Storm Kissed

April 4, 2011
Prophecies fragment the Nightkeepers, heroes who stand between Earth and the underworld, in Andersen's sixth adventure of the Mayan end times (after Blood Spells). Snake "Dez" Mendez is struggling to make things right after years as a criminal under demonic influence, but his former guardian thrusts him into a situation that requires him to keep secrets and tell lies. He also has the chance to win back Reese Montana, the girl he loved and lostâbut the prophecy that binds him could also keep them apart forever. Andersen successfully shifts point of view to hide Dez's secrets from readers while still gaining their empathy, balancing Dez's toughness with his vulnerability to Reese, but she misses the opportunity to transcend stereotypes of Hispanic gangs or acknowledge modern Native American or Hispanic culture despite a plethora of ancient prophecies and artifacts.