The Halcyon Bird

Gr 8 Up—After Mia Dellatori's demon was exorcised in The Demon Catchers of Milan (Egmont USA, 2012), her adventure continues in Milan, where she has joined the family's trade of hunting and exorcising. Her demon still haunts her in even more troubling ways. Just as Mia seems to be settling down, her world is turned upside down when she meets the intriguing Bernardo Tedesco, adding a bit of romance and adventure to the paranormal setting. While supernatural themes are always appreciated by teens, this original twist on demon-hunting will entice them even more. The protagonist continues to grow as a character. This, combined with a fast-paced plot and likable secondary characters, make Beyer's second installment in the series a win for fans of the first book. Though this novel could stand alone as new characters are introduced, readers will want more background on Mia's family and demon-hunting culture. The book ends on a suspenseful note, and teens will anxiously await the final title in this trilogy.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI