Overall, predictable but still imaginative, formulaic but still suspenseful. Characterizations work well despite this. Staple genre plot points abound, such as the impossibly handsome love interest and star-crossing impediments to love.

The author manages to explain the essentials from the previous plot without taking up too much space. Despite the fact that it’s the second in a series, this installment stands on its own quite well. Additionally, she touches on a theme of freedom versus authoritarianism within the essentially dictatorial draki society. Although the romantic entanglements fit the usual romance-novel pattern, the author manages to keep suspense high with thrilling fights and several escapes. Meanwhile, Jacinda also finds herself reluctantly attracted to Cassian, the young draki prince Tamra loves. Jacinda decides to take her lumps, try to fit in again and forget her heartthrob Will-until Will shows up in town (you knew they’d meet again somehow). However, their mother and, especially, Jacinda face punishment for the infractions they’ve committed. In this first sequel to Jordon’s Firelight (2010), Jacinda and her family return to the hidden mountain home of the draki “pride.” Her twin sister, Tamra, finally manifests into a draki that can cloud humans’ minds, making her as valuable to the pride as Jacinda with her fire-breathing ability. What’s a dragon-girl to do when she’s in love with a boy who hunts dragons?

Vanish by Sophie Jordan