Half-pixie/half-human Zara, Nick, and their friends imprisoned evil pixies in Need (2008), but more of the wicked sprites are springing up everywhere, and a pixie king is convinced that Zara is his queen—something hard to refute since her skin turns blue every time he appears. Nick is fatally wounded during an ambush, causing Zara to believe she must give in to her dark side to save him. This entry successfully delivers expected characters, tensions, and romance. Norse lore adds a new dimension, but feels extraneous rather than integrated into the story. Still, fans will rejoice in the familiar. Grades 7-12. --Cindy Welch
Description:
From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up—In Carrie Jones's sequel (2010) to Need (2008, both Bloomsbury; Brilliance, 2009), Zara and her friends have been capturing pixies and locking them up to save their Maine town. Like vampires, but apparently messier and more violent, out of control pixies need to feed on blood. Zara's father, the pixie king, was imprisoned in the first book, and he begins to lose power over his people. But, as Zara and her friends learn, there are rival kings. Julia Whelan does a wonderful job of giving each character a distinct voice, and her delivery and comic timing are spot-on. Norse mythology is woven into the tale, adding a different layer to the fantasy elements. There is plenty of backstory throughout the book to allow listeners to catch up and get to know the characters and their situation. The ending is a bit abrupt, and listeners are left eagerly awaiting the next installment.—_Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA_
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From Booklist
Half-pixie/half-human Zara, Nick, and their friends imprisoned evil pixies in Need (2008), but more of the wicked sprites are springing up everywhere, and a pixie king is convinced that Zara is his queen—something hard to refute since her skin turns blue every time he appears. Nick is fatally wounded during an ambush, causing Zara to believe she must give in to her dark side to save him. This entry successfully delivers expected characters, tensions, and romance. Norse lore adds a new dimension, but feels extraneous rather than integrated into the story. Still, fans will rejoice in the familiar. Grades 7-12. --Cindy Welch