The Redemption of Ajax

Gr 9 Up—When 17-year-old Sasha Annenkova tries to find answers to questions about her father's murder by cult worshippers, she doesn't realize that her investigation will almost get her killed. Rescued by über-handsome Jax, a son of Hell, she learns that she is Anabo, a pure soul with a free pass to Heaven. Not only is she destined to be with Jax, but she's also on the hit list of Eryx, Lucifer's nemesis, and his soulless minions. When Sasha's mother is deported back to Russia, the teen moves in with vengeful relatives. Events at her new school turn sinister when a history teacher and Sasha's brutal cousin try to recruit souls for Eryx. If he finds out that Sasha is Anabo, he will kill her. Meanwhile, Jax needs Sasha to love him if he has a chance at Heaven, but she would have to become immortal to be with him. Unfortunately, an intriguing and romantic premise does not save this novel from its lackluster and contrived plot. The instant, unbelievable connection between Jax and Sasha; the bogus reason for the mother's deportation; and the inevitable discovery of Sasha's father's murderer are all too convenient. The characters also spend so much time describing the mythology that there isn't much self-discovery or buildup. A few steamy scenes (including one overt sex scene) and the damsel-in-distress romance will engage some readers, but this won't be the series that everyone talks about.—Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Northampton Community College, Hawley, PA