About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the paradox of wanting a normal life while feeling like they do not quite fit in any one world. As the sequel to Paranormalcy, this story follows Evie as she navigates the mundane challenges of high school and the dangerous pull of her former life at a supernatural containment agency. It is an excellent choice for readers who feel a sense of 'otherness' or are learning to set boundaries with people from their past who do not have their best interests at heart. Evie's journey explores the difference between being needed for a talent and being loved for who you are. While it contains fantasy violence and some romantic tension, the tone remains lighthearted and empowering for readers aged 12 and up.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
There are scenes of fantasy violence, including battles with supernatural creatures that involve physical peril and the use of magical weapons. Parents may want to discuss the theme of 'emotional grooming' or manipulation, as the faerie Reth consistently attempts to control Evie's choices by withholding information and claiming ownership over her. This provides a good opening to talk about healthy vs. toxic relationships.
Ideal Reader
A middle or high schooler who enjoys sassy, fast-paced urban fantasy with a strong female protagonist. It is perfect for the reader who loves Buffy the Vampire Slayer or stories where the 'chosen one' would sometimes rather just go to prom.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of the manipulative dynamics between Evie and Reth to facilitate a conversation about healthy boundaries. A parent might notice their child feeling frustrated by the 'rules' of being a teenager or expressing that they feel like they have to hide parts of themselves to fit in at school.
Age Experience
Younger teens (12 to 14) will focus on the romance and the cool factor of the paranormal creatures. Older teens (15 to 17) will likely resonate more with Evie's struggle for autonomy and the difficulty of balancing duty with personal desire.
What Makes It Special
Kiersten White balances high-stakes faerie lore with a distinct, humorous voice that prevents the story from becoming too dark or brooding.
Read plot summary
Evie has left the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA) to live a normal life with her shapeshifter boyfriend, Lend. However, she quickly finds that high school and gym class are less exciting than she imagined. When her former boss, Raquel, asks for help and her faerie ex-boyfriend, Reth, reappears with warnings of a war in the faerie realm, Evie is pulled back into the world of paranormals. She must navigate a new recruit's jealousy, her own emerging powers, and a prophecy that suggests her soul is the ultimate prize in an ancient conflict.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Evie finds that 'normal' life is more boring than she expected. Why do you think she struggled to adjust to high school after her time at IPCA?
2
Compare Evie's relationship with Lend to her history with Reth. What makes one relationship healthy and the other manipulative?
3
Jack is a complicated new character. Did you trust him at first? Why or why not?
4
Reth claims that everything he does is for Evie's benefit. Do you think a person's intentions matter if their actions take away someone else's choices?
5
By the end of the book, how has Evie's definition of 'home' changed?
