Mystic City

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Aria Rose, the daughter of one of the two ruling families of New York City, has huge gaps in her memory. She's told that she is madly in love with Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies, the other ruling family of NYC, and that they will marry in a month—but she can't remember anything about him. Instead, she feels drawn to Hunter, a rebel mystic. In Lawrence's dystopian sci-fi tale (Delacorte, 2012), mystics have magical powers but have second-class status and are confined to the Depths, the area of what used to be Central Park. They are feared and drained of their mystic energy twice a year by the government. As the wedding date comes closer, Aria begins to wonder if everyone is lying to her. Is there anyone she can trust? Capably narrated by Celeste Ciulla, this debut novel draws listeners in with its intriguing premise. The setting of a New York City overcome by global warming, searing temperatures, and flooded streets is fascinating. There's lots of action, mixed with a touch of Romeo and Juliet. Give this to fans of Ally Condie's Matched (Dutton, 2010) or Legend (Putnam, 2011) by Marie Lu. A sequel is forthcoming.—Julie Paladino, East Chapel Hill High School, NC