In this second entry into this series, Persephone Alcmdei is living with her grandmother and Beverly, the young daughter of Persephone's friend who was killed in VICIOUS CIRCLE. This book involved several ongoing plots and previous characters from VICIOUS CIRCLE. They consisted of her exploration of her deepening feelings for Johnny, a werewolf and supposed King of the Wolves, her elderly witch grandmother that lives with her, her new relationship with young Beverly, her deceased friends daughter, the Eximium and her nomination as High Priestess, the fairies, Menessos and of course her acceptance of her destiny as the Lustrata. 
 Johnny, is living in Persephone`s home. He has convinced Persephone that she is the Lustrata and as the Lustrata his pack is hers to summon as she needs. She is an advocate for the waerwolves and writes a column about them and provides kenneling in her basement for when they turn furry and need a safe place to stay. Persephone is also trying to come to terms with the vampire mark "the stain" as she calls it, that she received from Menessos in VICIOUS CIRCLE and her unwilling attraction to Menessos. 
 Persephone receives a phone call from Lydia, a coven witch, who has nominated Persephone for the position of High Priestess. At her grandmothers urging, she agrees to apply for the position. After all, Persephone is the Lustrata and she will need a close relationship with the Coven Elders. The witch chosen for the High Priestess involves the Eximium, which is a series of tests set forth by the Elders. During the course of the Eximium, witches are murdered and the police are called in. The resolution of the murders is quickly resolved in approximately one third of the book. The first of the book is her relationships with her family and Johnny, the second part is the Eximium and the third is the final confrontation with the fairies. 
 What is it I like about this book? There frankly, is not a lot of action. She isn't a kick butt heroine that is featured so prominently in urban fantasy, but I enjoyed it. I think it has to be the characters and the storytelling, which are both very interesting. I like Persephone; she seems real, even as a witch. She isn't all kick butt, take no prisoners, she is approachable, and likeable. Her character grows and makes for a very interesting and fast read. I will definitely read the next books in this