3.5/5 stars
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's, 2012
332 pages
YA Paranormal
Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the sequel to Croak, which ended with a pretty big spoiler that fuels Lexie's anger with her new power of being able to damn and has caused her to be a pariah in the small town of Croak. The Seniors led by Heloise and Norwood are keen to ostracize Lex, the other Juniors, and the current mayor Uncle Mort. They end up having to escape to another Grim town DeMyse (something teased on the back cover) but which does not happen until more than halfway through the book.
I really loved the scenes in the decadent DeMyse (somewhat like Las Vegas) as well as our continued insight into the unfolding mythology of the Croak world. Some crazy stuff is going down, both exciting and less exciting. In the former camp, there are some fun new characters introduced and no one is safe. In the latter camp, I am fervently against Lex's damning ability and the decisions she makes in regards to those powers; I hope the error of her ways will be revealed to her in her next book.
One thing I really didn't like was the continued romance of Lex and Driggs. While I didn't really buy their romantic chemistry in Croak, I was really grossed out with the way the author described their very physical relationship. They smush their lips together, they stick their tongues down each other's throats, etc. It was super gross to me although I did believe in their romance more this time around. I'm not opposed to that kind of intensity; I was just disgusted by the way it was written. I was also disappointed by Lexie's continued use of "slut" and other such words in regards to Sofi who is displeased that Driggs likes Lex so much. I'll admit that Sofi is not gracious in defeat but I don't think she deserved such words (she does deserve some other words...)
Overall: A bit of a disappointment although the humor continues and the promise for some epicness remains for the third book: all-out war.
Cover: I love the blue for the title especially against the orange fire in the background. Glad to see the scythe reappear.
I read this one, but not CROAK, and was fairly disappointed.
ReplyDeletemy younger sister started reading croak and she couldn't get into it. so i pushed croak to the bottom of my reading pile.
ReplyDeleteI did not read Croak. I do really like the cover :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the books, but the way you describe how the romance is written it makes me think that I might not love the books. Who knows though, one day I may give them a shot!
ReplyDeleteHah hah, I'm sorry you were grossed out by the physical relationship--it probably did go a bit far here and there. I'm glad you enjoyed it overall, though! I thought it was very fun, too. :)
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden