C. David Belt has again delivered an engrossing, intriguing, and at times terrifying read.  Best understood after reading Book 1 of the trilogy (The Witch of White Lady Hollow), this second book once again follows Tabitha Moonshadow (now Kilmore), along with husband, Josh, and adorable baby Joseph.  The Kilmores are poor college students, living on love and dreams.  They embrace each other and their shared use of The Power.  It saves them, yet it also leads them into the very heart of evil.  As they draw on this Power to save themselves and those around them from the forces that would destroy, they also turn to their faith and trust in God to help them in their battle.  As the story unfolds, we find amazing contrasts of innocence vs. malice, faith vs. despair, and love vs. lust.

One predominant theme in this book is that of masks.  Masks, both literal and figurative, add to the suspense of the story.  Who can be trusted? What are people hiding? Who is good and who is unspeakably evil?  Even the best of intentions can be hidden behind a mask in the face of uncertainty.  As we see some of these masks slipping at times, we understand more fully what people may be concealing: fear of being judged; fear of being rejected; fear of feelings exposed that might be better left covered up; and even the most depraved intentions behind a mask of goodness and apparent goodwill. 

Recommended for the mature LDS reader, caution for paranormal, depravity, violence, sexual assault, suspense, and language.

Leslie Whatcott – St. George, Utah