Serafina and the Splintered Heart (Serafina #3)

In this third installment of the series, readers find Serafina and her friends meeting their biggest challenge yet: supernatural powers bent on destroying Biltmore forest and the historic Biltmore home and all its inhabitants. Twelve-year-old Serafina is on her own; the resourceful friends she gained in the first two novels are mysteriously absent. Readers of the previous installments may not be surprised that the narrative revisits the black cloak that "just won't stay gone," and they will revel in the cloak's latest reincarnation. Serafina eventually discovers her best friend, Braeden, and his trusty Doberman, Gidean, in residence at her beloved Biltmore Estate—yet he cannot see or hear Serafina. She also wonders about the odd passage of time since she had previously seen her friends. Serafina does finally learn what mysterious power has prevented her from communicating with her friends, and they once again are able to form an alliance against the evil sorcerer. Beatty does a fairly good job of summarizing previous goings-on, but kids should read the series in order. Along with empowering themes about friendship, choosing right over wrong, and perseverance, Beatty again crafts a dark fantasy with bone-chilling imagery, suspense, and unique supernatural elements. VERDICT This compelling continuation of the intriguing series revisits puzzling themes, multifaceted characters, and nonstop action, all set against the beautiful Biltmore locale in Asheville, NC. Hand this title to fans of Kevin Sand's The Blackthorn Key, Chris D'Lacey's "The UNICORNE Files," or Tony DiTerlizzi's "The Spiderwick Chronicles."—Julie Shatterly, W.A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC

Each character continues to surprise both one another and readers with their emotional complexity. A captivating, edge-of-your-seat, action-packed fantasy.