When 16-year-old Lily is attacked by a two-headed dog st one of the many signs of destabilization in modern-day London e is saved by Regan Lupescar, a half-human, half-Eldritche heartthrob. He reveals the existence of the Eldritche world to Lily after he realizes that she is the key to restoring balance in the city. Contributing to the chaos is a government group called the Agency, which is pushing secret (and unethical) medical research to further its goals, whatever the cost. This is familiar and popular fare unawakened/unaware human destined to save everyone from otherworldly threats t Lily and Regan are engaging characters, and their love story is sweet. First-time author Inglis utilizes third-person omniscient narration in a straightforward style that seems to put distance between the reader and the narrative, but hopefully this will change as she gains confidence in herself and her audience. Not quite as effective as these, but try this with readers of Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver trilogy or Shannon Delany's 13 to Life series.

Sixteen-year-old Lily is plunged into the world of the City's unseen, inhuman inhabitants; an ancient prophecy concerning Lily and "eerily beautiful" Regan is coming to pass. The historically distinct City of London, surrounded by an ancient Roman wall, is a perfect setting for Inglis's credible blending of the mythological and modern. Readers will be eager for the clearly projected sequel.

Gr 7-10 Girls from Middle Temple are disappearing, and Lily might be next. She is attacked by a bandoggea two-headed dogbut is saved from death by a stranger, Regan, through their shared rare blood type, H. The incident leaves Lily's understanding of the world chaotically ripped open. She learns that Regan is the Guardian of the Gates and that there is an old and new city of London. Dark beings known as the Chaos are "upsetting the balance" between old and new, and supernatural monsters are flooding London, attacking a small number of girls, and causing harm. To restore the balance, Lily helps Regan as layers of his world continue to unfold. Along the way, Lily discovers connections between her and Regan's world while developing a romantic relationship with him. Inglis blends light romance and urban fantasy with a touch of science-fiction. This action-packed work lacks thorough development of the fantasy world and an emotional connection to Lily. The plot is somewhat clunky and murky, and the characters don't feel fully formed. Still, the action and twists are enough to keep some readers engaged. The book ends wide open to the possibility of a sequel, which could potentially level out the story in future installments. VERDICT An additional purchase for those needing fast-moving plots and blended genres. Adrienne L. Strock, Teen Library Manager, Nashville Public Library