Poison Tree

Gr 7 Up—Alysia thought she was trading her adrenaline-fueled adventures at the Bruja guilds for a more peaceful life as a mediator for SingleEarth, an organization that helps supernatural beings. However, just hours after arriving at Haven #4, the human girl is caught in paranormal crossfire, pulling bolts from mangled flesh and allowing a vampire to feed off her so she can save his life. Fellow SingleEarth member Sarik, a shapeshifter who is running from her past, had a younger sister who was brutally killed and she brings bitterness and anger into her relationship with her friends-vampire Jason, witch-in-training Christian, and Alysia-all of whom were present at that death six years ago. Readers might wish for charts for the various characters, their relationships, and the numerous groups and alliances. There is no shortage of other paranormal beings in this novel, and while there are hints of romance, most of the story moves forward by conflict: Crimson versus Onyx versus Frost; SingleEarth versus Bruja; Sarik versus her past and her father, and the mysterious Kral. There are plot holes-for example, 1000-year-old Lynzi isn't familiar with weapons-and the complex story can be confusing. However, the target audience most likely won't question how young people come out ahead of powerful, experienced adults.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX