Fragile Spirits

December 15, 2013
The formulaic plot of Shattered Souls (2011) continues in this companion novel. Although this book can stand on its own, quick recaps refresh returning readers and educate new ones on the roles and reoccurring lives of Speakers, who help Hindered and Malevolent spirits (Hindereds that have turned evil) to move on, and the Protectors who assist them. While Lenzi and Alden make return appearances, this story focuses on Alden's former mentee, Paul Blackwell, and his first "cycle" as a Protector. Once again, romance turns troubling when rule-oriented Paul is paired with Vivienne, a rebellious, pink-haired Speaker. Given that they work together in such proximity lifetime after lifetime, it's only natural that Protectors and Speakers form a special bond. But how will Paul and Vivienne even develop a viable working relationship when both teens have secrets that could leave them vulnerable? As in the first novel, the only action occurs in the few encounters with lingering Hindereds. The climax builds with the return of the vengeful Malevolent, Smith, a court martialed Civil War soldier, but the resolution takes so long to settle that some readers may lose interest. Even Paul and Vivienne's romance is more of a flicker than a flame. For die-hard paranormal fans only. (Paranormal romance. 13 & up)

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March 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up-In this companion novel to Shattered Souls (Philomel, 2011), the focus turns from the previous work's protagonists, Lenzi and Alden, to a secondary character, Paul. He is a Protector-destined to serve a Speaker-who is finally getting his chance to be paired with a Speaker-who hears voices of the dead. Paul has been looking forward to the moment of his pairing for a long time and is shocked to find that his match is not as enthusiastic. Pink-haired, black lipstick-wearing Vivienne has only agreed to be joined with a Protector because she wants revenge. Spirits have been speaking to her since she was a child, and she has done her best to ignore them. Now the teen has finally decided to heed the calls of the dead after her mother and aunt are murdered. The narrator does his best to work with the rebel despite her misgivings, and when they uncover the identity of the malevolent spirit that killed her family members, Vivienne will stop at nothing to have her revenge. While a small amount of background information is given, readers not familiar with the first book will likely feel that there are missing gaps to this tale. The underdeveloped plot and characters may also pique little interest in the story line. With so many paranormal fantasies available, teens will likely pass this one over.-Erienne Jones, Guilford County Schools, Greensboro, NC

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