Siege of Shadows

Gr 9 Up—Two months after Saul has disappeared, the Effigies can't seem to get along, never mind focus on finding the boy who is an accursed immortal with the power to vanish. Much like Fate of Flames, this story begins with a phantom attack and chaos that throws the four girls into emotional turmoil as they struggle to work together in spite of their disparate personalities, fears, and priorities. Maia wavers between her desire to find out the truth behind Natalya's death and her conflicting feelings for Rhys, who has not only charmed Maia but is apparently revealed as Natalya's killer through the memories Natalya shares with her. Though she has difficulty understanding and controlling the ability herself, Maia's unique skill of crossing into another Effigy's consciousness makes her particularly interesting to the Sect—but she doesn't know how much she can trust them. Ultimately, Maia's fears consolidate into one larger than any of the others: that Natalya will possess her for good. This is a complicated and dramatic adventure that bounces between violent fantasy battles and squabbles between teen girls forced into their superhero bond, from Maia's concern for the death of innocent bystanders to her insecurities over a teen magazine photo shoot.