The Halcyon Bird

September 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up-After Mia Dellatori's demon was exorcised in The Demon Catchers of Milan (Egmont USA, 2012), her adventure continues in Milan, where she has joined the family's trade of hunting and exorcising. Her demon still haunts her in even more troubling ways. Just as Mia seems to be settling down, her world is turned upside down when she meets the intriguing Bernardo Tedesco, adding a bit of romance and adventure to the paranormal setting. While supernatural themes are always appreciated by teens, this original twist on demon-hunting will entice them even more. The protagonist continues to grow as a character. This, combined with a fast-paced plot and likable secondary characters, make Beyer's second installment in the series a win for fans of the first book. Though this novel could stand alone as new characters are introduced, readers will want more background on Mia's family and demon-hunting culture. The book ends on a suspenseful note, and teens will anxiously await the final title in this trilogy.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2014
Grades 7-10 Mia Delatorri, fresh from being possessed by a vengeful demon, has been studying in Milan. She has been dedicated to learning from her cousins and grandfather the ways of catching and exorcising demons, and she is ready to try it on her own. While dealing with demons is hard, hiding it from new romance Bernardo is even harder. Her personal life causes entanglements that are wholly new to Miaand enticing to the evil demon that still tails her. Though the Italian phrases scattered throughout the story are a bit distracting, fans of Beyer's fantasy series set in dreamy Milan will be pleased.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)