Asunder

Gr 8 Up—This novel picks up right where Incarnate (HarperCollins, 2012) leaves off. The citizens of Heart are still reeling from the terror of Templedark, and Ana's future in the community is uncertain to say the least. She is living with Sam, and they are learning to harmonize both in their lives and in their music. Ana's flute playing seems to have an effect on more than just Sam; a frightening and dangerous sylph seems to be drawn to and hypnotized by it. Once again, the innovation in the world-building is impressive; Meadows has sustained the mythology of Heart and delves deeper into the questions of human existence, foundations of worship, and the dangers of groupthink. It sounds like more than one would expect from a dystopian/othernormal romance, but it's a perfect match to its predecessor. While not a stand-alone novel, Asunder is definitely more meaty than many follow-up books. Teens looking for more than surface-level romances will appreciate it.—Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA