Hemlock

Gr 9 Up—Mac, Kyle, Jason, and Amy used to do everything together, but when Amy is savagely mauled by the white werewolf that has been terrorizing their town, her friends' lives begin spinning out of control. They all blame themselves for her death and are grieving in their own ways. Lupine syndrome is on the rise, and everyone in Hemlock is frightened. Moreover, because Amy was the granddaughter of a senator, her murder becomes national news, attracting a ruthless group known as the Trackers who seek out lupine-infected individuals and throw them into isolation camps. As the Trackers become more and more brutal, Mac begins investigating what really happened the night of Amy's death. In her search, she uncovers the truth behind Jason and Amy's breakup, Kyle's real identity, Jason's connection to the Trackers, and numerous other deceptions. Mac, unlike some of the other characters, is fully developed and believable. While some aspects of this fantasy-thriller fall flat and the pacing is occasionally slow, Peacock manages to hold readers with the intense love triangle between Mac, Kyle, and Jason. Although much of the plot is wrapped up at the end, the epilogue leaves possibilities open for the next two installments in this projected trilogy. Though far from perfect, this respectable first novel will be enjoyed by fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Stephenie Meyer.—Lauren Newman, Northern Burlington County Regional Middle School, Columbus, NJ