So...I admit, my review of the first book was a tad harsh when taken together with this book. WOW. Ms. Northcott has not just written a singular story with this series but has actually created an entire (and fascinating) world in which the books take place. There is an entire UNTOLD back-story just sitting there on the tree; waiting to be plucked down and put in your pocket.

As for this specific volume, the pace was fast, dialog great, twists and turns. A solid read. BUT, what truly sold me on this and on Ms. Northcott as an uber author is that the story takes place in a very defined universe. The reality of the situation is that she could make a lifetime career of churning out books not on just the characters of the Vs. series but on the background of their world; the future of the their world. I am simply in awe. The possibilities are quite endless...comic adaptions (though, if I recall this started as a comic idea), a MMO PC game as there is no sci-fi hero game worth playing anymore, and on and on.

This book made me excited about Ms. Northcott's future. I will now be first day of sale person for all future works by this wonderful author. ( )