Inside cover blurb:
“There’s nowhere to hide.
Not when you’re an Effigy. No matter where they go, Maia and the other Effigies can’t escape the eyes of the press—especially not after failing to capture Saul, whose power to control the monstrous Phantoms has left the world in a state of panic. It’s been two months since Saul’s disappearance, and there’s still no sign of him, leaving the public to wonder whether the Sect—and the Effigies—are capable of protecting anyone.
When Saul suddenly surfaces in the middle of the Sahara desert, the Sect sends Maia and her friends out after him. But instead of Saul, they discover a dying soldier engineered with Effigy-like abilities. Even worse, there may be more soldiers like him out there, and it looks like the Effigies are their prime targets.
Yet the looming danger of Saul and this mysterious new army doesn’t overshadow Maia’s fear of the Sect, who ordered the death of the previous Fire Effigy, Natalya. With enemies on all sides and the world turning against them, the Effigies have to put their trust in each other—easier said than done when secrets threaten to tear them apart.”
-from publisher
Thoughts:
Not sure if I’ve already compared this series to Suckerpunch, but it’s totally Suckerpunch– a group of powerful girls coming together to save the world and themselves.
There’s very little Saul in this book actually, which I found surprising. The whole plot of the book revolves around the Sect, the organization which controls the Effigies.
The girls, particularly Maia, are in a precarious position. They face attacks from within, certain that there are traitors in the Sect. Then a new threat emerges- soldiers who appear to have Effigy powers.
I wonder if it’s a coincidence that the initials of this title are SOS….
I think I preferred the first book because the plot felt more compelling, but I am enjoying learning more about the origins of both the Phantoms and the Effigies.
A very unexpected cliffhanger ending! I don’t know how we’re coming back from that, but I’ll be here to read all about it!
Plus: The plot thickens! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Minus: Maia was a little obnoxious at times- should she trust the pretty boy, should she not…it got a little old.
If you like this book, try:
A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess- This main character can also control flames, just like Maia. But unlike Maia, she happens to be the only female sorcerer in Victorian London.