Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.99 hardbound, ISBN-10 0375870431, September 2014
Kami has lost the boy she loves, is tied to a boy she does not, and faces an enemy more powerful than ever before. With Jared missing for months and presumed dead, Kami must rely on her new magical link with Ash for the strength to face the evil spreading through her town. Rob Lynburn is now the master of Sorry-in-the-Vale, and he demands a death. Kami will use every tool at her disposal to stop him. Together with Rusty, Angela, and Holly, she uncovers a secret that might be the key to saving the town. But with knowledge comes responsibility—and a painful choice. A choice that will risk not only Kami’s life, but also the lives of those she loves most.
In her usual fashion, Sarah Rees Brennan delivers a funny, heartwarming story wrapped in danger and adventure. The Lynburn Legacy explodes into a satisfying conclusion. The ending may come a bit too easily for some readers, but nonetheless it fits the story well. The death of a much-loved character somewhat balances a sudden surfeit of happy endings. What else can I say? Oh, Jared is still kind of a jerk, but I think he’s starting to figure out how to have a heart and share it, too.
As a complete series, Lynburn Legacy is dark yet charming and witty. Brennan’s original premise of a boy and a girl who hear each others’ thoughts matured nicely into an epic battle between the peasants and the despots, with right on the side of the people, and quite a bit of smoochy time into the bargain.
Recommend to: Fantasy fans who like a heavy dose of romantic angst
To buy or not to buy: A great choice for public library YA collections
Storytime Hooligans 