Silvern

Gr 7 Up—Strong-willed and savvy 16-year-old Jae Hwa Lee is having a complicated year. Jae has recently learned firsthand about the spirit world and is now blessed—or cursed as she often thinks—with the ability and strength to fight immortal demons. The story takes place in Seoul, and Jae's two best friends, Marc and Michelle, accompany her on her quest to defeat Kud, the god of darkness. Marc, Jae's boyfriend and a Guardian of Shinshi, works hard to keep her safe, though she often seems to find his protection overbearing. This is one wrinkle in the action-driven plot since Jae is constantly being attacked by one creature after another and her frustration with Marc's hovering grows wearisome. Jae is forced to make some difficult choices in order to keep her loved ones safe, and the conclusion of the story will leave readers desperate for the next novel. Greta Jung's voice for Jae is young and believable, though her other voices are harder to appreciate. Offering enough backstory for new readers to jump right in, Silvern will do well in libraries with demand for high fantasy and strong female protagonists, especially those of Asian decent. Additionally, a small side plot involving a visit to North Korea may interest those who would like to learn more about this closed-off country. Recommended.—Suzanne Dix, The Seven Hills School, Cincinnati, OH