Love and magic collide in the thrilling sequel to 2009's New Blood
. Orphaned sorceress Pearl Parkin lives on the rough streets of Victorian London, disguised as a boy for her safety and because women are rarely allowed into the elite ranks of magicians. Opportunity finally knocks in the form of Grey Carteret, the most powerful conjurer in England, whom she finds unconscious in the gutters near a man murdered by magic. Grey is summarily charged with the crime, so Pearl offers to help him in exchange for an apprenticeship. The two join forces to find the killer while slowly realizing their desire for one another. Fans of the first book will be delighted to get a more in-depth look at the rules governing the different magics and magical society, and clever plotting keeps things moving quickly toward the splashy final battle. (Jan.)
