Sweet Peril

Gr 9 Up—In this steamy sequel to Sweet Evil (HarperTeen, 2012), Anna Whitt, born to a guardian angel and a fallen one, finds herself bearing the weight of a prophecy that predicts her leadership in a Nephilim army that she must establish to rid the world of demons. Sick of being under the constant watch of threatening demon whisperers, she decides to play her high school's good-time girl and embraces a party lifestyle. Her father, Belial, the Duke of Substance Abuse, sends her off to recruit other Neph allies, with the aid of Kope, who carries a torch for Anna. The duo find themselves traversing the globe, from Syria to New Zealand, in order to convince others to join her cause. She not only has demons to contend with, but also Kope's lovesick glances and her own heartache for Kaiden Rowe, the son of the Duke of Lust. Higgins ensures that Sweet Peril hits every paranormal romance trope squarely on the head. Good girl tempted by seductive but distant British bad boy rocker? Check. Threatening demons that pop in right before a long-anticipated smooch? Check. There's even a handy purity clause in the prophecy that guarantees that the sexual tension stays high. Fans will sweep through Higgins's tale in anticipation of the trilogy's finale. The simple narrative style and straightforward plot make it a good pick for reluctant readers and dedicated genre fans alike.—Joanna Sondheim, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City