Blacklist

February 15, 2017
The Beautiful Idols saga continues as the competitive Hollywood teens deal with the consequences of Madison's murder.It turns out that Hollywood it girl Madison is not actually dead, but the LAPD remains convinced that Aster murdered her--after all, Aster was found with a dress soaked in Madison's blood. Aster is, of course, innocent of the crime, so when she's released on bail, she decides to investigate the murder with her friend Layla, compromising herself with a series of break-ins. Meanwhile, the romances among all the other young people continue, with frequent but always completely sincere partner switches. Mateo needs to make money to take care of his cancer-stricken little sister, so he instantly becomes a successful model. Tommy attracts the attention of music promoters and gets a good start on his career, moving into a high-end apartment before he makes any actual money. Journalist Trena follows the murder story and starts to receive threatening anonymous messages with pages from Madison's diary, which reveals that Madison lied about her past. As in series opener Unrivaled (2016), all characters have supermodel looks and personalities that fit the trendy, uber-competitive setting, occasional references to brown skin and ethnic names doing little to supply a real sense of diversity. Noel emphasizes romance and emotional turmoil perhaps more than her mystery but ends with another cliffhanger; clearly, yet another overlong tome awaits. Chick lit to the max for those who want it. (Chick lit. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2017
Gr 10 Up-In this follow-up to Unrivaled, A-lister Madison Brooks has gone missing and is presumed dead. Aster Amirpour, the Unrivaled Nightclub Contest winner, is the number one suspect. Convinced that Aster is innocent, Layla, Tommy, and Ryan team up to help her clear her name. However, Layla finds herself ensnared in an elaborate plot to expose the -real Madison Brooks.- After receiving a series of threatening letters and fragments of Madison's past life, Layla soon learns that Aster and Madison aren't the only ones whose lives are in jeopardy. Although it is unclear why someone is intent on dismantling Madison's carefully constructed image, what is obvious is that Aster, Tommy, Layla, and Ryan are running out of time to save Madison and vindicate Aster. This second installment picks up where the first volume left off and reveals the vulnerabilities of the characters either loved or loathed in Unrivaled. Whereas the previous entry reveled in the excess and dog-eat-dog world inhabited by the teens, in Blacklist the setting is the background for a good old-fashioned whodunit. The scandalous, gossipy tone of the first book is underscored as the teens grapple with the underbelly of fame, notoriety, and the realization that nothing is as it seems. Like its predecessor, this is a suspenseful page-turner that is teasingly addictive; it works as a stand-alone entry in the series and as a worthwhile sequel. VERDICT Recommended for most libraries serving teens, especially those with fans of the previous title.-Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Schools

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2017
Grades 9-12 Hollywood was rocked by the disappearance of A-lister Madison Brooks during the events of Unrivaled (2016), and three desperate club promoters have suddenly found themselves at the mystery's center. Aspiring actress Aster has been arrested for Madison's murder, and her memories are hazy. Blogger and journalist-hopeful Layla has been receiving anonymous messages containing information about Madison's secrets, but Layla has grown wary of her gossip blog. Tommy just wants to focus on his blossoming music career, but he's having trouble forgettingespecially when it comes to Layla. When the three team up, they end up deep in a mystery darker than they'd suspected. Like its predecessor, this is tailor-made for readers interested in getting lost in the glitzy, sexy world of Hollywood stars. Best-seller Noel won't stay on shelves long, and another cliff-hanger ending means that those hanging on to find out the truth about Madison's disappearance should fasten their seatbelts: this ride isn't remotely over.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)