This book was tough. Everything sort of imploded and it was very stressful for me, but I did get some answers. This book was as compelling as the first installment of the series. And what's not to love? The characters are likable, lovable, interesting and multifaceted. In this book, poor Bianca has a lot to deal with. She is struggling with the loss of her mother and grandmother, as well as her childhood home. She has to adjust to living with her Papa in the castle, taming her magic and she still has that inheritance curse to worry about. Any one of these things would cause a normal teenager to crack, but Bianca, being of strong mind and will, constantly pushes through, knowing she is a small part of a bigger picture. We continue to see her friendships with Leda, Camille, Michelle and the High Priestess grow AND we get some new friendships. We are introduced to Merrick (possible love interest?) In fact, we get a little bit of romance for some of the other characters in this book. No, it did not become a romance, but I'm sorry, I can not pass on a little swooning. As always, Cross' writing is excellent, the story is compelling and she did not lose me at any point. I am awaiting the 3rd book with bated breath.
