The Inquisitor's Mark

Gr 4–7—This volume picks up right after the events of book one. Just weeks after saving the seven-day world from destruction at the hands of the evil King Wylit, Jax Aubrey discovers he might not be the orphan he thinks he is. When his best friend is kidnapped, Jax learns that he may have a mysterious long-lost Uncle and possibly the family he craves. Unfortunately, Uncle Finn happens to be the Inquisitor for the ruthless, criminally minded Dulacs, the family that had Jax's guardian Riley's entire family assassinated. During a search for Jax's liege-lady, Evangeline's sister Riley is trapped in the eighth day and Jax uses the time to rush to New York to save his friend and find out more about his family. Sure enough, Jax is related-his Uncle and Jax's deceased father look eerily alike, and Jax even has a near-identical cousin, Dorian. But is Dorian a friend or just another pawn in the seeming endless political intrigue of the Dulacs? Jax will need to find out soon or he could lose Riley, Evangeline, and much more. Salerni does a good job of portraying Jax's desperate need to fit in and find a family. Readers learn more about the Eighth Day, the Transitioners, the magical Kin, and their connection to Arthurian legend. The narrative is split between Jax and Dorian and there could have been a little more distinction between the two voices at times. The concept and the characters, however, are strong enough to carry the weight of a few minor flaws and The Inquisitor's Mark should continue to entertain its audience who will now eagerly await book three.—Erik Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TX