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Review

3.5 stars!

Book #2 in the Arcana Chronicles, this book has taken the series in a direction I definitely wasn’t expecting adding a delicious twist to the story, and further complicating the already complex world of Evie Green as she fights to survive in a deadly post-apocalyptic world.

The book ends right at the moment of that awful cliffy from Poison Princess, with Evie realising the full extent of her powers – right in front of her posse of fellow Arcana allies, and Jack, the boy she loves. Having made her first kill, Evie is even more determined to stop the fated ‘game’ that she has been thrust into, and remains desperate to reach her grandmother to get the answers she so desperately needs.

And Jack is by her side as always. But whereas in the first book Jack was Evie’s protector, she’s coming in to her own now and is all badass all on her own, and I loved seeing the shift in her as more of her past is revealed and she comes to accept who she really is. Jack has a little bit more work to do to accept the changes in the girl that he loves, and there’s more teen angst and heartache, but their relationship only strengthens with all they go through, and her gorgeous Cajun is totally committed, wearing his heart on his sleeve for his girl.

“Can’t help the way I was raised—anything supernatural is supposed to be either a miracle or satanic.”
I rolled my eyes. “And you’re still trying to figure out which I am?”
“Non. I’m trying to figure out if I’m still Catholic.” He grinned that heart-stopping grin.

But then the twist – winner of the last three games, Death, has been a constant voice in Evie’s head, and when he finally makes his appearance and claims her for himself, secrets from the past are revealed that are going to change EVERYTHING!

“My relationship with Jackson had felt fated. Whatever I had with Aric felt . . . endless.”

This book really took me by surprise. I never would have thought I could buy into the concept of Death as a broody, misunderstood antihero, but he totally is! There is so much depth to his character and I have to say that I really started to fall for him. But regardless of my feelings, it’s all about Evie, and I can see this particular triangle becoming very messy.

In between all of the romantic drama, the game is still underway, and there is action, adventure, danger and intrigue as our brave crew fight for their survival against zombies, cannibals, a depraved militia and the other Arcana. There is still some really enjoyable light moments, and Evie’s fantastic narration keeps the story from becoming too dark and terrifying. But having said that, this one is slower paced than the first, and I admit I got a bit annoyed at some of Evie’s behaviour…

Spoiler

How easily she is sucked into a world of comfort and ease when she knows her friends and loved ones are suffering and struggling for their very survival!

But with yet another cliffy, the stage is set for an exciting, emotional next installment and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next!

3.5 stars.