Dark Goddess

December 1, 2010

Since slaying her best friend (Devil's Kiss, 2009), Billi SanGreal has been frozen in grief, relieved only by her grim dedication to the Templars, a secret order sworn to defend humanity from supernatural enemies. Currently, these enemies are werewolves targeting a young psychic as a sacrifice to their goddess, Baba Yaga. The quest to rescue this Spring Child and avert global apocalypse sends the Templars to Russia, where ancient myths mix uncomfortably with modern oligarchs and where Billi must confront her inner Beast and (even more terrifying) a possible new romance. The grisly violence (lovingly depicted) and staggering body count (mostly offpage) keep this sequel firmly in the horror genre. The evocative contrast established in the previous title between the Templars' glorious past and squalid present suffers when the action shifts from London backstreets to Muscovite palaces and primeval forest. Still, Billi remains a compelling heroine—strong, conflicted, yearning for tenderness—and the copious allusions to Slavic legends add exotic savor. The final confrontation with Baba Yaga falls a bit flat, but the bittersweet conclusion is ripe with potential repercussions that will keep readers hooked. (Horror. 12 & up)

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February 1, 2011

Gr 9 Up-In this sequel to Devil's Kiss (Hyperion, 2009), Billi SanGreal the only female member of the Knights Templar, discovers a powerfully psychic child. A pack of all-female werewolves kidnaps her, and Billi and crew must head to Russia to face them and their goddess, Baba Yaga. There they are assisted by the Bogatyrs and their leader, Ivan, a descendant of Anastasia Romanov. Ivan and Billi quickly develop a bond when she saves him from a ghul (vampire). While still maintaining her tough edginess, Billi gradually becomes a more sympathetic character in this installment. The action is fast paced and scary, while still allowing time for character development. The plot is steeped in lore from multiple cultures and religions. Given this, it is puzzling that no one remarks on the fact that all of the Templars just happen to have Arthurian names. Sadly, one can not help but notice that the cover is heavily white washed. It portrays Billi, who is described as favoring her Pakistani mother, as Caucasian. Boys will enjoy the story as well, but will likely not be interested in carrying around a book that looks like a paranormal romance. That said, Billi will appeal to those who appreciate tough and independent heroines, and the stories have broad appeal to anyone who enjoys horror stories.-Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

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