Originally Posted at http://thespinecracker.blogspot.com/

One of my new favorite heroines is back, and Allie has to sort through a lot of emotions and missing memories in hopes of figuring out who she's become, this time around. We start a couple weeks after the end of Magic to the Bone, and I really enjoy when an author does that in a series. I feel like my characters haven't made any important moves or decisions without me. {I'm aware how bizarre that sounds}

Allie is very inward in this installment and she's sad and a little lost actually. She's not quite as tough because she doesn't really believe in herself; I think she doesn't really trust herself most of the book. I ended up really enjoying who her character became, but it took a little bit of frustration to get there. Having a transition in her character so early in the series was an interesting move by Monk, but I have to admit that it makes me really interested to see what's in store for us later on.

My favorite part of this book is all the new characters that are introduced. I have secret hopes for all of them, which says a lot about the power of each of them. But, if I had to pick one favorite it would be Davy. He becomes Allie's confidant and she really needs someone in her corner, so of course I have a soft spot for him. I hope he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Even though Zayvion Jones isn't around as much as I would have initially liked, or hoped for I began to appreciate his absence. And I actually think Allie {and the series} will be better for it.

Bottom Line: A good follow up to a series that is still one of my favorite finds of 2010