Almost Final Curtain

September 1, 2011

Gr 8-10-Picking up right where Almost to Die For (NAL, 2010) left off, Hallaway continues to weave an action-packed story filled with twists, turns, and lots of suspense. Raised as a witch, Anastasija Parker has always been an outsider and led a secret life. Then, on her 16th birthday, she discovers that she is a dhampir (half witch and half vampire). Now she is torn between two groups that are sworn mortal enemies. As if things weren't complicated enough, she has deep feelings for Elias Constantine, her vampire protector and betrothed, as well as Nikolai Kirov, coven member and vampire hunter in training. Talk about having some serious issues to work out. As Ana tries to balance these opposing forces, she learns of a mystical talisman that was assumed lost. Used against the vampires, it can render them slaves to the witches for all eternity. As a dhampir, Ana is not blinded by ancient hatred and is possibly the only one capable of putting an end to this archaic feud. Ana is a true heroine who makes her voice heard. She is not willing to take things at face value and struggles to find a way to walk the fine line between two worlds. This is a satisfying read, but it leaves readers knowing that there is more to come.-Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

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