The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart

January 1, 2013

Gr 9 Up-This sequel to Darker Still (Sourcebooks, 2011) finds Natalie Stewart, 17, coping with the chaos and intrigue that entered her life when she rescued Jonathon Whitby's soul from the painting in which it had been trapped. She hopes to have a regular courtship with Jonathon, but he's off working as a double agent with the men who imprisoned his soul while she tries to interpret her prophetic dreams and the runes that mysteriously show up on her skin. Humans and demons both figure prominently in a twisted attempt to reanimate dead loved ones using the magical talents of Natalie's young friend, Rachel, and the two of them must try to put a stop to The Society's latest plot while saving themselves. Despite the 1880 setting and rich language, the characters and story remain completely relatable to teens. Natalie is a strong protagonist dealing with both boys and demons. She also has to interact with an older female mentor, a younger female protege, and a jealous peer. The differences in the ways in which she relates to each of these women, as well as to the men in her life, make her a realistic and sympathetic character. Despite the glut of magical fantasy titles on the shelf, this is one worth recommending to your teen readers.-Sunnie Sette, New Haven Public Library, CT

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2012
Grades 7-10 In this second Magic Most Foul novel (Darker Still, 2011), Natalie Stewart has gained her voice and Jonathon Denbury is alive, his soul rescued from a painting by Natalie's newly discovered magical powers. Escaping to Minnesota upon Mrs. Northe's advice, the young couple experiences a few days of happiness before Jonathon decides to avoid the ominous Dr. Preston by returning to London, where he dons the visage of his doppelgnger to solve the mystery of his murdered family. Hieber's second YA novel is filled with bizarre evil: a resurrectionist doctor who collects severed hands; a dark, foreboding actor who inserts himself between Natalie and Jonathon in her nightmares; and a deaf-mute friend who hears the tormented spirits of the dismembered dead. Readers, who will benefit from a prior reading of the first book in the series, will enjoy not only the dark, supernatural mystery and then-daring romance but also the Victorian setting of elegant houses, beautiful gowns, and historical yet surprisingly contemporary New York City.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)