  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 05/15/2011 In Falcon Quinn and the Black Mirror (2010), Falcon, an angel, learned that he is the son of a monster and the queen of the monster-hunting Guardians. Deciding to live as neither a Guardian nor a monster, Falcon tries to enjoy a trip to the Monster Island amusement park and then a new year at the Academy of Monsters. However, suspicions swirl about the spring disappearance of two of Falcon’s friends, and Falcon vows to find them, solve the mystery of a vapor-emitting amulet, and discover where he belongs. Newcomers may be lost, but series fans will enjoy this installment. - Copyright 2011 Booklist. School Library Journal - 08/01/2011 Gr 5–8—It's a new year for Falcon Quinn but things haven't changed much. Sure, he's an angel now, but being the only angel anyone can remember isn't that great when all you're trying to do is find where you fit in. Couple that with the fact that most everyone—monsters and guardians alike—thinks he is a traitor and it looks like another lonely year for him. In this sequel to Falcon Quinn and the Black Mirror (HarperCollins, 2010), readers are introduced to several new characters, some good, some bad, and some who are exactly the same as already existing characters. The new arrivals are interesting for the most part, but only add to an already convoluted population of peripheral people. The story, while mostly enjoyable, is occasionally uneven, especially when characterizations are contrived more to fit the action than the established personality. And while there are some interesting plot twists, Falcon spends most of the story pondering his loneliness or the importance of being true to oneself. That said, Crimson Vapor is a quick, high-energy read that should be met with some enthusiasm by fans of the first book.—Erick Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TX - Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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