In this sequel to Shadow and Bone (rev. 7/12), love interests Alina and Mal are running from the Darkling, an evil Grisha (mage) who wants Alina's sun-summoning ability for his own use. Once he captures them, he ships them back to Ravka on a whaler commanded by the privateer Sturmhond, who then engineers a revolt mid-voyage and spirits Alina and Mal away. Sturmhond is secretly Prince Nikolai, second in line for the throne of Ravka; his ne'er-do-well older brother "cares more about horses and his next drink of whiskey than his people," so Nikolai wants the Sun Summoner to help solidify his claim to the throne. In exchange for helping Nikolai, Alina asks for command of the Grisha army to shore up their defense against the Darkling, but will Alina's star rise only to see her relationship with Mal crumble? Bardugo builds on strengths she brought to the first volume, including a richly crafted fantasy world with its own twist on magic, a surfeit of handsome leading men, and plenty of teen-appropriate romantic angst. The Darkling's attack at the climax tears apart everything the characters have worked for and sets up the third volume in the trilogy. In the meantime, the tension Bardugo sets up between Alina's conflicting desires for power and for love is thoughtfully wrought -- and creates an engaging wish-fulfillment fantasy for teens who would be glad to have either. anita l. burkam (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The Grisha Trilogy turns from bildungsroman to political thriller in its second installment. Sun Summoner Alina and former Ravkan army tracker Mal, once her childhood friend and now her would-be love, are on the run. All they want is to put Ravka and the megalomaniacal Darkling far behind them. Alas, this is not to be. Captured by the Darkling and forced onto a ship captained by the notorious pirate Sturmhond, they find themselves in pursuit of the second of three magical amplifiers that will make Alina powerful beyond belief--and bind her ever-closer to the ancient, evil Darkling. Sturmhond has an unexpected agenda of his own, though, and turns on the Darkling. Darkling temporarily thwarted, Alina and Mal find themselves back in Ravka's capital as part of the ailing king's younger son's attempt to find his way to the throne. Bardugo's sophomore effort smooths out many of the rookie wrinkles that marred Shadow and Bone (2012); Alina's wry voice does not interfere with worldbuilding, instead keeping readers immersed in the plot. Characters are rich and complex, particularly the Peter the Greatlike younger prince and Alina herself, beset by competing claims and desires. Is she Mal's lover? Prince Nikolai's pawn? Commander of the Grisha Second Army? Saint? Scheming and action carry readers at a breathless pace to an end that may surprise them and will definitely leave them panting for the series' conclusion. (Fantasy. 13 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

After twice narrowly escaping the Darkling the most powerful Grisha (magician) in the land Alina and Mal find refuge of a sort at the court of the Ravkan king. While the Darkling creates his inhuman armies and regains his strength, Alina copes with disturbing feelings and visions related to her expanding light-summoning abilities, reassembles her own army of Grisha for the next battle, and tries not to lose a sweetheart who daily grows more emotionally distant. Although one could dive into this series here, readers will enjoy it all the more if they begin with Shadow and Bone (2012). In this hefty follow-up, Alina continues her first-person narrative as she, Mal, and Ravkan Prince Nikolai take center stage, with only brief appearances by the Darkling. Bardugo populates her fully realized world with appealing three-dimensional characters and an involving plot that keeps a steady pace. But she doesn't skimp on the introspective moments that will bond readers to the main characters and have them tapping their feet impatiently for the concluding volume. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A huge marketing campaign and strong reviews met the first book, and film rights are already set for this one, too. The buzz will be big.--Welch, Cindy Copyright 2010 Booklist