The Key

After another comrade dies in a brutal demonic showdown, only four Chosen Ones remain. Now that they’ve seen what their enemies are capable of, these burgeoning teen witches are even more dedicated to mastering their magical skills in order to stop the end of the world. Exactly how to accomplish this task remains the central question in this series ender. The predatory Council insists its own officially sanctioned group of witches can halt the apocalypse, but they need Chosen One Minoo to complete their circle. Minoo is tempted; however, the mysterious Guardians who delivered the original prophecy insist the girls must stick together—but can the Guardians be trusted? As before (The Circle, rev. 9/13; Fire, rev. 7/14), plotlines and side characters are many, the pace is somewhat meandering, and angst levels are high. Recently deceased Chosen One Ida narrates from the Borderlands, and her chapters weave together many of the series’ dangling threads, explaining the magical origins of the Chosen Ones’ power and raising the already-considerable stakes of the impending final battle. When the prophesied apocalypse finally descends, watching the Chosen Ones shed their petty concerns to come together as a team of truly formidable heroines is worth the wait. jessica tackett macdonald

After a brutal demonic showdown, only four Chosen Ones remain. Now these burgeoning teen witches are even more dedicated to mastering their magical skills in order to stop the end of the world. As before, the trilogy-ender's pace is somewhat meandering and angst levels are high, but watching the Chosen Ones come together as a team of truly formidable heroines is worth the wait.