If I Should Die

Gr 9 Up—Surfaced secrets and life-changing discoveries abound in this fast-paced supernatural tale as it barrels toward its exciting, bittersweet conclusion. Bent on stealing powers that evil Violette believes Vincent possesses, she destroys his body, leaving him a drifting spirit. But Vincent is still able to contact his mortal love, Kate, and his revenant kindred (undead beings who spend their immortality sacrificing themselves for others). Kate refuses to lose Vincent forever, so she enlists help from her family, friends, and a supernatural healer. Her quest to find a ritual that could return him to physical form takes her from Paris to a secret antiquity collection in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Meanwhile, Violette, in her quest for power, continues to hunt for the Champion, the revenants' savior. While some readers might figure out the identity of the true Champion before the protagonist does, this doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Backstory fills in the gaps and encourages readers who are new to the trilogy to seek out the first two titles. Tension, danger, and romantic yearning are palpable. Despite fantastical elements, the romance reads realistically. There is some sexual content, but it is not gratuitous. The world-building is solid and unique. Recommend to teens who enjoyed Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" series (S & S).—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ