Passionaries

December 1, 2013
Revered by some, hunted by others, Lucy, Cecilia and Agnes may have survived the staggering violence that claimed Sebastian's life, but their hopes of returning to any semblance of normal after the events at Precious Blood are quickly and quite decisively dashed (Precious Blood, 2012). Their new and very public status as saints has left them targets for haters, most notably an Opus Dei-like faction of the Catholic Church hellbent on killing the girls before they realize their full power. Once again, Hurley brings a dark and shadowy version of Brooklyn to life. It's the perfect backdrop for this subversive, gritty novel. And while it lacks some of the spectacular drama that characterized the first novel, perhaps since the deliciously nefarious Dr. Frey remains too far in the wings, readers will find plenty to hold their interest. Though the evil doctor sacrifices far too much screen time by relying too heavily on his minions, the girls pick up the slack. Readers will also relate as Lucy, Cecilia and Agnes struggle to make peace with their destinies and to maintain faith in each other and in themselves despite their extraordinary circumstances. At the end of the day, sanctity aside, they are teenagers trying to make sense of the cards they've been dealt. Unfortunately for them, the deck is stacked. A terrific second volume. (Paranormal thriller. 14 & up)

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February 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-This second installment in Hurley's supernatural Catholic-themed trilogy finds three teens who have been reincarnated as saints grieving separately over the loss of their surprisingly shared beloved, Sebastian. There's Cecilia, the gritty musician; Lucy, the socialite; and Agnes, the good girl. The teens are dealing with the fame and notoriety of possibly being reincarnated martyred saints, when they learn that someone has stolen Sebastian's heart with the intent of making it a religious relic. Both the girls and their nemesis, psychiatrist Dr. Frey, want the heart. Hurley's premise is interesting. Unfortunately, the world-building and background information doesn't quite gel. New readers will feel like they've tuned into a movie halfway through and may struggle to be invested. While the protagonists are distinct and capable of being formidable heroines, the heavy-handed messages of self-worth, belief, and faith sadly come off as cliche. "Ciphers" like Frey, people in powerful positions bent on manipulating the populace, are indistinguishable mustache-twirling baddies. Dialogue can waffle between trite or melodramatic, with an occasional swear word used. The emotional weight of the conclusion's stand-off is overshadowed by cartoonish, Matrix-like moves and gore. Loose threads and characters still in danger pave the way for book three. A strictly additional purchase where there are fans of Blessed (S & S, 2012).-Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2014
Grades 9-12 Cecilia, the singer; Lucy, the It girl; and Agnes, the Catholic school student, are trying to process the events of the past month. Mysterious Sebastian, who called them together for a heavenly vocation, is now dead. Supplicants follow them as saints. And Dr. Frey, psychiatrist and mortal enemy, is determined to join forces with the Catholic Church to eliminate them. Let the bloody chaos begin. Book two of the Blessed series follows the girls, now on their own, as they try to figure out their relevance, protect themselves, and keep their faith in Sebastian strong. This gory offering is no simple bridge book in a trilogy. There are professions of faith, horrifying murders, and the continuing mystery of their mission. Hurley, also author of the Ghostgirl series, has taken on a huge job, but for the most part, she handles her multinarrated saga wellthough at times it seems as if no one will be left alive. The ending is particularly disturbing, but those who have made it this far through the grit, death, and incense will await the redemption of the final chapter.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)