Bianca and Lucas are determined to maintain their budding romance despite the revelation of Lucas’ family history and his subsequent departure from Evernight Academy (see EVERNIGHT for more details). Unfortunately, a chance encounter with a vampire outside the walls of the school changes everything for both Lucas and Bianca, and now Balthazar is a party to their secrets as well. Meanwhile, just what is causing the frost and ghosts to appear at Evernight Academy? Will Bianca be forced to choose between the life she’s led as the child of a vampire and her growing love for a vampire hunter?

STARGAZER is the second book in the Evernight series and is best appreciated if one has read EVERNIGHT first. EVERNIGHT is a stunningly clever book with some intriguing twists and turns and STARGAZER is a spectacular sequel! Readers will enjoy seeing the familiar faces of characters such as Balthazar and Raquel while gaining new insight into their motivations. Please note that STARGAZER is part of a four book series and therefore the book does not end with all the issues resolved. In fact, it adds more fuel to the fire, making me want to read HOURGLASS immediately to see what happens next.

Bianca is a character with whom it’s easy to relate. Her trust has been shattered by everyone around her as the world she thought she knew is suddenly changed. Her parents have sheltered her from many of the negative aspects of being a vampire, only preparing her for the positive benefits and now Bianca is beginning to see the bigger picture and wonder just where she fits in. Her love for Lucas is understandable in this context and it will be curious to see how this love grows or changes in future books.

Claudia Gray writes a tale that is sheer fun to read! The fast pace keeps the story flowing smoothly along while the mysteries heighten the sense of danger. The class discussions with Mrs. Bethany on Shakespeare add a sense of depth to the storyline as often these discussions parallel the events occurring in the plot.  STARGAZER is a dark tale and Claudia Gray does an excellent job at creating and maintaining the eerie atmosphere that permeates the entire book. Bravo!

Publisher: Harper Teen (February 2010 Reprint)

Other books in series: Evernight series

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