Arcadia Burns

Gr 9 Up—This sequel to Arcadia Awakens (HarperCollins, 2012) picks up shortly after that book ended. Rosa Alcantara, 18, has learned to deal with her ability to shape-shift into a snake. With the death of her sister and aunt, she finds herself the head of her Italian Mafia family, and she must constantly guard against those who are looking to overthrow her for money or other personal gain. She finds it difficult to maintain her relationship with handsome Alessandro Carnevare. His relatives are also shape-shifters, but they are panthers and longtime enemies of her family. As Rosa rises to power, she uncovers a secret that her father had kept-an old conspiracy known as the TABULA, which threatens to destroy the Alcantara and the Carnevare clans. Both teens scramble to protect their families even though it might mean that they can't be together. The combination of supernatural elements, the Mafia, and forbidden love makes the story line unique and complex. Sure to appeal to readers who prefer action and dark mysteries.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI