Tangled

January 1, 2012
Mo finds returning to normal life after the events of Torn (2011) difficult, especially because she's attracted attention from powerful forces both human and supernatural. When Mo stumbles on her dead best friend's sister having a bad reaction to magic, she has no choice but to summon Luc for help. But help for Constance comes with a price--the Quartoren, leaders of the Arcs, want Mo to repair the ley lines from which they draw their power. The magic is acting strangely, endangering Arcs and anyone near the lines. Trying to fix it is dangerous, but not trying is deadly. Dealing with the magic world--and Luc--means alienating her bodyguard, Colin, right when Mo wants to develop their fledgling relationship. While Mo tries to figure out what secret is holding Colin back and keeping him loyal to her Mafioso uncle, a mysterious new source wants to trade information about how dark Mo's family really is. Additionally, the Russian mob has noticed Mo, and they would like a mutually beneficial relationship. Everyone wants something from Mo, and everyone wants to keep important--possibly deadly--secrets from her. The plot sags somewhat in the middle, but set-ups are paid off when the tension rises through well-placed revelations. The ending is surprisingly satisfying for a middle book in a trilogy, resolving immediate conflicts while leaving enough for the next installment. (discussion questions, preview chapter of next book) (Paranormal romance. 13 & up)

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March 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-Seventeen-year-old Mo's life has been completely disrupted since her best friend was murdered in cold blood. In Torn (Kensington, 2011), Mo avenged her death by becoming a part of a magical ancient prophecy. Now she is desperate to have a normal life again, but she has some tough decisions to make. Her family's ties to the mafia and her destiny to fix the magic that has gone horribly wrong both keep normalcy at bay, and Mo must decide whether to save the world or herself, all the while trying to follow her tangled heart. The love triangle that began in the first book continues here, with two men vying for her affection: her tried-and-true bodyguard and the man she is bonded to by the magic. Full of suspense and mystery, the story will keep readers on the edge of their seats as the teen tries to discover the secrets of the people close to her.-Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.