Untold: The Lynburn Legacy Book 2 by Sarah Rees Brennan-ADVISIBLE

Brennan, Sarah Rees Untold: The Lynburn Legacy Book 2, 367 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013. $18.99 Language: PG (17 swears; 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13

 

Sorry-in-the-Vale is in trouble. When the Lynburn family returned to the manor house of this quiet village, they brought not only their sorcery, but their plans to regain control. Now that a split has occurred in the family ranks over how that control can be obtained and maintained, the villagers will find themselves caught in the middle of a deadly family fight. The decision must be made to either fight or submit. In the midst of this battle Kami and Jared, who are no longer linked psychically, must redefine their relationship. Is there any love left between them or was it lost when the connection was severed?

The second installment in the Lynburn Legacy series is a marvelous sequel. The plot is continued with the same fast-paced humor filled writing as the first book. The characters evolve as they discover different roles to play as more is revealed about their town and the Lynburn family. Typical teenage angsty moments set against a backdrop of murderous sorcery create a fun gothic romance. This romance between Jared and Kami, after the obligatory will they or won’t they, does become a bit overwrought, and readers may find themselves swooning and exclaiming frustration in equal measure. Hopefully the next book will better define their relationship and put Kami and the readers out of their misery of uncertainty. The humor is a welcome addition to a story in the supernatural vein, which too often can become histrionic. As is the usual, the first book in the series is stronger in plot and character development, but this sequel is a delightful read that is well worth the reader’s time and is a respectable continuation of an intriguing story.

MS,HS—ADVISIBLE. AEB