May 15, 2012
In Estep's third Mythos Academy novel, Gwen Frost not only fights but causes more trouble than ever in a mighty clash of titans. The psychometry gift that has earned her the title of Gypsy takes on new dimensions when Gwen investigates an enemy from the last book. Her best friend, Daphne, whom readers know well at this stage, also undergoes a surprising ripening of her preternatural abilities. Estep's ingenuity in devising strains of sorcery with which to endow her characters expands to drive her story forward, and set the stage for unprecedented obstacles and revelations. Where the author has previously shielded Gwen from malevolence so dark it would tarnish her soul, she now pitches Gwen into the abyss. Readers will thrill to participate in Gwen's transformation: She must accept the greatest responsibility yet possible in the battle of good vs. evil that the gods, goddesses and their magical mortals wage. Gwen also faces a difficult choice that a discovery about her recently murdered, and dearly missed, mother further complicates. The outcome is a secret Gwen keeps from friends and even from Logan, her Spartan heartthrob, who finally shares secrets of his own and titillates readers with his admirable ardor. The strongest installment thus far--Estep delivers. (Urban fantasy. 12 & up)
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August 1, 2012
Grades 7-10 Gwen Frost, a high-school sophomore, has a special interest in the Helheim dagger, the final artifact needed to release archvillain Loki from his underworld prison. Her mom hid it before being murdered, and if Gwen doesn't find it first, Loki will be free to wreak havoc in the modern world. The third entry in the Mythos Academy series is more of the same, but that's by no means a bad thing. Estep's combination of romance, action, and mythology will continue to appeal primarily to middle-school girls who can start here or at the beginning of the series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)