Nocturne

July 15, 2011

In this follow-up to Claire de Lune (2010), a teen everygirl turned werewolf is torn between her newfound role as a member in a pack of the centuries-old loup-garou and her friends in the human world.

Struggling to conceal the secret, Claire feels the strain in her relationships with her boyfriend and best friend and is eventually commanded by her mother, the pack leader, to carry out a grisly task to prevent exposure. Her inner turmoil drives the novel, and the third-person narration nicely sketches in the details of her character—particularly evocative are the vivid descriptions of sensory experiences when she is in wolf-form. Also appealing is that gossip and school dances take on a realistic level of all-consuming importance for Claire and her peers, even as she leads another life as a supernatural creature. However, while many readers may be satisfied with the happy ending, it may feel too contrived for others. This may be especially the case if they have read the earlier installment and see that abrupt resolution of conflict seems to be a common thread in what looks to be the beginning of a series that needs to be read successively.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

September 1, 2011

Gr 8 Up-Not only is Claire Benoit a typical teenage girl dealing with school, bffs, boys, and finding the perfect dress for the Autumn Ball, but she is also a werewolf. She is the newest member of the pack where her mom is the alpha and her boyfriend, Matthew, is their gardien. Juggling two lives is certainly more than she bargained for and it begins to take its toll on her and the people she loves. Her relationship with her best friend becomes strained, and a new girl, Amy, takes an interest in Claire's life that puts her and the pack at risk. As the situation intensifies, Claire struggles to make the right decision as well as abide by the laws of the pack. Johnson once again spins a tale with unique werewolf lore that is authentic and original. Claire's conflicting emotions, self-doubt, and need to stay true to herself while obeying the pack ring true, but at times the story line seems to drag. The ending leaves room for more in the series.-Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.