Silver in the Blood

May 4, 2015
Teenage cousins and New York heiresses Dacia and Lou have always wanted to visit their mothers’ extended family in Romania, but during an unexpected trip to Bucharest their strange and secretive relatives reveal a shocking truth: they come from a long line of shapeshifters. In an enticing gothic romance, George (the Twelve Dancing Princesses series) paints a vivid portrait of fin de siècle Europe, highlighting its architecture, fashion, etiquette, and fascination with the supernatural. With the ability to transform into the Claw (wolves), the Wing (bats), or the Smoke (mist), the Florescu family has protected the infamous Dracula family for generations. Now, Dacia and Lou are supposed to lead a coup to put devilish Prince Mihai Dracula on the throne. Between chapters, diary entries and letters provide further insight into wild Dacia and timid Lou’s evolving characters. George’s well-crafted tale will keep readers rapt as these two best friends deal with the ramifications of refusing to commit murder and treason, navigate romantic suitors (Dacia has several), and come to terms with their newfound abilities. Ages 13–up. Agent: Amy Jameson, A+B Works.

April 15, 2015
Turn-of-the-last-century socialites discover the bloody secrets of their Old World family in this lush historical fantasy. Cousins Dacia Vreeholt and Louisa Neulander, raised in Gilded Age New York, are sent in 1897 to Romania to reconnect with their mothers' aristocratic clan. Once in Bucharest, Lou and Dacia (who arrives marked by a minor scandal involving a London playboy) quickly realize their reclusive relations, the Florescus, socialize only with the Dracula family-descendants of the infamous Vlad the Impaler. Meanwhile, the cousins' intimidating grandmother keeps wondering aloud if each is a "Wing," "Claw," or "Smoke" and pushing Dacia to accept invitations from Dracula scion Prince Mihai. As Mihai begins to pursue Dacia, her London and American suitors arrive in Romania to warn the cousins about the Florescus' supernatural connection to the Draculas, who seek to reclaim the Romanian throne. In absorbing alternating journal entries and letters, Dacia grows ever more frightened and cautious while Lou's interest in her family's fascinating secrets deepens. George captures the exquisite beauty of 1890s Romania-city town houses and sprawling country estates, opera halls, artisanal shops, folk dresses, and the stunning "forested slopes of the Carpathians"-while also creating an increasingly foreboding atmosphere for Dacia's and Lou's life-changing revelations. Thoroughly researched historical details and bright if naive protagonists conjure a winning period adventure. (author's note) (Historical fiction/paranormal fantasy. 12-17)

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May 1, 2015

Gr 6-9-In 1897, two American debutante cousins, Louisa Neulander and Dacia Vreeholt, travel to Europe to visit their mothers' family in Romania. Their relatives, the Florescus, turn out to be shapeshifters with three possible forms; the claw (wolf); the wing (bat); and the smoke (mist). Dacia and Lou receive their powers from domineering clan head Lady Ioana. She demands they use their abilities to aid a descendant of the Dracula family, suave Prince Mihai, to overthrow the Romanian crown. Lou and Dacia team up with Johnny and Theo, members of an ancient society, to stop the attack and break free of their coercive relatives. Unresolved questions leave room for a sequel. George's novel has just enough history, fantasy, and romance to suit a range of readers. Although less dense, this work has a similar feel to Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer's "Cecilia & Kate" novels (Harcourt), mixing magic and manners. Most readers will intuit that Prince Mihai is too perfect to trust. However, Dacia and Lou gather strength from each other in less obvious ways. Some secondary characters are not fleshed out, but may play larger roles in future installments. The theme of familial obligation suits the historical period with its emphasis on appropriate behavior and socially acceptable marriage-making. Sprinkle in the Romanian setting and magical female empowerment, and there's more than enough to keep readers' attention. VERDICT Proper debutantes and snarling wolves? A winning combination for most libraries.-Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2016
Gr 6-9-Spoiled New York City debutantes and cousins Dacia and Lou travel to Romania to visit their mothers' home. After they meet their many cousins, uncles, and intimidating grandmother, a huge family secret is revealed to the girls: they are all shape-shifters, either the Claw (wolf), Wing (bat), or Smoke. Vivacious Dacia has many suitors, among them the charming Prince Mahai Dracula, who is spearheading an evil plot to overthrow the King of Romania. Much action and drama ensue, with the stiff manners of aristocratic society providing comic relief. Sandy Rustin does a wonderful job differentiating among the voices. With sweetness and clarity she unveils wild Dacia becoming unsure of herself and timid Lou finding confidence and strength. The journal entries and letters interspersing with the chapters are read in the girls' voices and add much to the backstory. VERDICT Fans of paranormal fantasy and Gail Carriger's "Finishing School" series (Little, Brown) will love this. ["Proper debutantes and snarling wolves? A winning combination for most libraries": "SLJ" 5/15 review of the Bloomsbury book.]-"Julie Paladino, formerly of East Chapel Hill High School, NC"

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.