Review by Valerie:
In book one, the main character, Gwen, was amazing. We learned she has power to touch an object, psychometry, and know who touched it and what they were feeling, doing, thinking, etc. It’s a very powerful ability to have and possess yet she didn’t really feel special compared to her classmates at the Mythos Academy. In book two, Gwen is being trained to defend herself. After all, most of the students at the academy can use some sort of weapon, the walls in the training gym are full of them – from swords to wicked-looking arrows. And who else, besides Logan Quinn, would be training Gwen? He is the one she’s interested in, but since he broke her heart, she’s trying to keep her distance.

One of my favorite characters from book one returned in this one and had me rolling – Vic, her sword. Yes, you read that right. Gwen’s sword has one eye and thinks she’s just the most pathetic fighter ever known and makes his feelings known verbally. When Gwen gets invited to attend the annual Winter Carnival, she isn’t interested in going to watch everyone else party but mysterious events start happening that threaten her life and her best friend won’t take no for an answer. Knowing that vengeful reapers trying to kill her may appear at any time keeps Gwen on edge, but she’s excited to meet students from other Mythos Academies while at the carnival. Besides trying to hook up with a new guy, she’s practicing the ability to use her psychometry in ways she never imagined – like skiing as easily as her best friend does just by thinking of her friend’s skiing memories.

When the new guy, Preston, tries to hit on Gwen, who pops back into the picture? Logan. Gwen is seriously put out that he has the nerve to stop her from getting together with another guy when he’s not interested in her. Yes, the sparks were flying and I was loving it. As the attempts on her life continue, Gwen has to figure out who’s really trying to kill her and while you might think you’ve figured it out, they’ll be plenty of twists and turns to keep you surprised! A wonderful second book in this series with plenty of hints about book three!

Favorite Quote: “Please. The only things I could kill with ease were bugs. And even then only the tiny ones.” Page 7

“The flakes of snow kept pouring down, and clouds of frost filled the air between us, our breaths kissing back and forth. Looking at us from a distance, you would have probably thought we were a couple who’d snuck out of the party early to have a little quiet time together. But we weren’t a couple, we weren’t those happy people at all, and that realization made me miserable. Because even now, I wanted him to kiss me—wanted him to want me just as much as I did him.” Page 114