I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads 
 5 adventurous stars. 
 Recommended for a mature 14 + due to violent content. 
 I'd asked to review this title, being a huge fan of Jennifer Estep, and didn't think I'd get approved. I was new to this series, so I purchased the first book and devoured it in one sitting. It hit all the elements of a great Young Adult Urban Fantasy title, perfect for the young at heart reader that I am. 
 With book #1 receiving a solid 5 star rating from yours truly, I was filled with trepidation to begin book #2. Simply because of this thing called the first book curse: where the first book is the best book ever and the second book falls short. Or the first book is meh but it's a slow build, making book #2 spectacular. Trepidation because it fell into the former category of the first book curse. Whew, am I relieved that wasn't the case. 
 Starting off with a bang, Lila is battling with a monster- a troll. With the one she is sworn to protect, Devon, and his sidekick, Felix. After which, they meet up with their nemesis & his sister - Felix's Juliette- plus a new character is introduced. It sets the pacing, engaging readers who are curious about the tournaments mentioned in said conversation. 
 This series, including this book, has action, monsters, magic, a tourist-filled West Virginia town, and incredible world-building that is as intriguing as it is original. 
 Lila is a strong female, young yet not dumb. She's the perfectly flawed role model. Not too perfect where she doesn't seem real, never making a mistake. But she also can take care of herself, never falling into the trappings of a YA TSTL character. She's also not overbearing in the arrogance department- not a know-it-all. Lila is an all-around intriguing character that will entertain both boy and girl young adults, and those like me who believe books have no age-range. 
 There are violent moments, but this is an Urban Fantasy series, so you'd be disappointed if there wasn't. There are a few threads of romance going on in this series. The 'I can't like you even though I do' between Lila & Devon, and to be quite honest, that thread feels a bit forced- not fluid. Another thread is between Felix and Deah, Romeo & Juliette. Then the newcomer is thrown in the mix. 
 There is a little bit of everything to entertain those young and old and in between. If Urban Fantasy is your genre, Jennifer Estep's writing is solid, her world-building is consistent, and her storytelling is stellar.