May 1, 2014
Gr 9 Up-Despain adds to the growing subgenre of Greek myth-inspired YA romance with this engrossing series opener. Haden is a disgraced prince of the Underworld, who is given the opportunity to win back the court's favor when the Oracle chooses him as the Champion who will travel to the human world to lure a girl who may be the key to saving their dying kingdom. Daphne, an aspiring musician, is whisked away from her small Utah town by her negligent rock star father to attend an elite music-focused high school in California. The destinies of Haden and Daphne are bound together, and while they initially clash, their relationship slowly blossoms amid car chases, near-death experiences, and concert duets. Typical tropes are present: brooding romantic lead with a damaged childhood; spunky Chosen One heroine with a ragtag group of friends, ready to step in and help her save the day; and a safe love interest alternative. The world-building falters, and the middle section slogs at times, but the intersection between the Persephone and Orpheus myths is well done, and Daphne's refusal to be a maid in distress is refreshing. The author also deftly handles family dynamics, and Haden's education on the human world will elicit chuckles. For fans of Sarah McCarry's All Our Pretty Songs (St. Martin's Griffin, 2013), Meg Cabot's Abandon (Scholastic, 2011), and Brodi Ashton's Everneath (HarperCollins, 2012).-Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal
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