Charmed

March 1, 2015
Los Angeles teen witch Indigo returns in this follow-up to Hexed (2014), honing her magic skills rapidly as she uncovers information about Los Demonios, an other-dimensional prison used by both the Family, a society of witches and warlocks, and their sworn enemies, the Priory, who are sorcerers.Picking up just weeks after the events of the first novel, Indie has returned home from her warlock boyfriend Bishop's house. Though panicked about her friend Paige's whereabouts since she was kidnapped by a sorcerer, she's still expected by her aunt and legal guardian, Penny, to attend high school and abide by house rules. Swift pacing moves the action along quickly, and the emotional drama between Indigo and her aunt is convincing and provides balance. Romance fans will find Bishop and Indie's chemistry swoon-worthy, though descriptions of his tangled hair, tattoos, and leather jacket feel repetitive. A romantic subplot involving Indigo's attraction to Cruz, another guy who helps her in Los Demonios, resolves abruptly, feeling tacked on rather than integral to the story. Still, Krys' ear for the good quip continues to please: "Sorry I took so long. Dude just wouldn't die." Snappy dialogue, a satisfyingly epic battle, and unexpected heroes make for a conclusion that will satisfy readers of the first installment. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)

March 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-Former cheerleader Indigo Blackwood is still exploring her newly awakened supernatural powers after an epic battle over a magic witch's bible left in her family's care has left her mother dead and Indie in the care of her reformed party-animal aunt. After getting caught up in an ancient witch and sorcerer rivalry, Indigo's childhood friend Paige is banished to a hellscape alternate dimension of Los Angeles called Los Demonios. Paige's family has had their memories erased and are unconcerned about their missing daughter, while Indie's aunt Penny and boyfriend Bishop are convinced that postapocalyptic Los Demonios is far too dangerous for them to attempt a rescue. Forced to carry out her rescue mission in secret, Indigo experiences a brief flirtation with warlock Cruz that makes her question her relationship with Bishop and uncovers a deadly sorcerer plot that threatens teens kidnapped from Los Angeles. Indigo must also grapple with some shocking secrets about her supernatural heritage. VERDICT Krys's sequel to Hexed (Delacorte, 2014) wraps up everything fairly neatly, while still laying the groundwork for future novels in the series with hints of a school for witchcraft and wizardry in New York.-Madigan McGillicuddy, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, Atlanta, GA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2015
Grades 8-11 Little more than two weeks after the events of Hexed (2014), Indigo Blackwood, witch not exactly extraordinaire, is dealing with her aunt's stinging betrayal and the abduction of her best friend, Paige. She's caught between hating her aunt and fearing for Paige's life as well as between the Priory and the Family, the two major opposing magical forces. To find her friend, she must travel to the demon-infested hell dimension called Los Demonios while learning more about herself and her incredible magic on her way there. Compelled to be heroes, Indie and her friends (and some new and unexpected enemies) join forces against impossible odds and find that sometimes the people they know the best have the biggest secrets. Krys' biting wit and sharp characters are a couple of the best things about this seriesand this installment, in particular. It's well worth picking up, as it stands out from the pack of modern fantasy with a meaty backstory and dark humor.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)