Another Jekyll, Another Hyde

Gr 8 Up—Madame Vileroy is as evil as ever. She is joined by several other characters from Another Faust (2009) and Another Pan (2010, both Candlewick) as she returns to the exclusive prep school Marlowe Academy. The demon-governess is once again stalking wealthy New York teens, putting their lives and souls at risk so that she can achieve immortality. Her newest victims are golden boy Thomas Goodman-Brown and his billionaire father. Using her powers of persuasion and deception, Vileroy becomes, much to Thomas's horror, his stepmother. Once installed in the Goodman-Brown mansion, she begins implementing her plan to destroy Thomas's soul and mind and resurrect the son she herself murdered centuries earlier. But Thomas may prove to be far stronger and more resourceful than Vileroy suspects. Though occasionally frustratingly stupid, he is a likable character, and the story provides enough suspense and mystery to keep readers engaged. However, many teens will be lost in several places if they haven't read the previous volumes, and the authors' attempts to fill in the backstory feel awkward and are not fully illuminating. Recommended where the series is popular.—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA