Kamai's mother told her two disturbing things when she was young: Kamai had no soul, and she was never to open the black door in the in-between space where she could soul-walk. Kamai comes to discover her soul, but only after opening that black door and nearly unloosing "the Darkness" on her world. It takes determination, strength of purpose, and the support of good friends to close and lock that door against someone she loves. Strickland constructs a somewhat melodramatic but always engaging tale akin to Faust and his deal with the devil. Her imagery is potent and productive, her world building solid, and the growing attraction between Kamai and the dark Veyhn is believable and made more complex by Kamai's asexuality. First-person narration from Kamai limits readers' knowledge, letting them unravel the mysteries as she does. Strickland also manages to slip in a sub-subplot about a female soldier mai's eventual bodyguard o is transgender. Give this to dark fantasy fans.

Gr 9 Up-Kamai is a soulwalker who visits other people's souls while they are sleeping. Kamai never knows what she will discover but some souls are simple while others are dark and mysterious. Kamai's mother, also a soulwalker, is a Pleasure Artist who sleeps with both men and women. Her intimacy with others allows her to know their secrets and sell them to the Twilight Guild, which uses the information to better society. While Kamai is mentored by her mother as a soulwalker, she is warned to never enter the black door, which is always present regardless of which soul Kamai visits. When her mother is murdered, Kamai is lured by the black door and after entering, she finds Vehyn, who is half human. As Kamai learns more about Vehyn, an unexpected twist takes readers deeper into the mind of the main character. While the romance that develops is dark and Beauty and the Beast like, Kamai begins to come to terms with her asexuality. Other characters also come to terms with their identity and one is transgender. The author has done an outstanding job of helping readers fully understand how these characters feel, delivering a thoughtful explanation without preaching. Kamai is a well-developed heroine who uses her wits and readers will want her to succeed. VERDICT Perfect for those who enjoy dark romances with insightful characters. Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI