Skinned

Gr 7–10—The Shadowing has almost begun and the last chime child is the only protection the human world has against the Netherworld. For Callum to succeed in preventing demons and evil beings from crossing over, he must fight and master his magical abilities. With the help of Jacob, a Born Dead; his dog Doom, a Churchyard Grim; and his friend Melissa, a witch in training, he channels his visions to anticipate his enemies' next move. What they discover is worse than they could possibly have imagined. A sinister human coven is plotting to allow the Demon Lord himself to cross over when The Shadowing begins. In order to succeed, the coven eliminated all the other chime children and are plotting to sacrifice a powerful demon, Black Annis. Callum, Jacob, and Melissa are being put to the ultimate test in thwarting the coven's plans and keeping the gateway between the worlds demon free. Slater has woven a fast-paced plot full of action and suspense. Great characters coupled with an eerie setting make for a terrifying horror story that readers will absolutely love.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY