"Chosen" by Kiersten White

Chosen (Jan. 7, 2020) by Kiersten White.

*This is the sequel in a duology.*

*Includes certain SPOILERS.*

The Watchers Council’s castle has since become a refuge for downtrodden demons, um, within reason. For example, no lilliad demons allowed; magical broth made from the bones of human children is definitely not on the menu. Chaos demons will be considered, despite their slime factor. There is a vengeance demon in residence, but since the end of magic, Jessi has no powers and therefore cannot exact vengeance. They took her in “despite her obvious hatred for everyone over the age of ten.” Fortunately, this means that Jessi adores the Littles. Nina Jamison-Smythe is reeling, and she’s got her hands full. Her Slayer powers feel different since having them returned. She is overwhelmed by the loss of Leo Silvera and the absence of her twin sister, Artemis. Good riddance to Honora Wyndam-Pryce. She could die for all Nina cares, and it’s probably her fault that Artemis left, but in her favor, Honora does genuinely care about Artemis. Nina doesn’t feel she can share about the new darkness within (she’s very “murdery”) with just anyone, and on top of everything, there’s a new threat trying to rise. It’s portended by an odd triangle symbol and represents the Sleeping One, whoever that is. Is Sean and his demon drug ring connected to it? And if he is, are Artemis and Honora? Is Artemis going through some sort of teen-life crisis? Or is she just being selfish?

            Not being a Buffy fan, but knowing that the author is, I’m going to expect that this is a spot-on duology for those fans, doing it the justice that it should. I would expect nothing less from White. I am consistently entertained by the banter and Nina’s “murdery” thoughts, but I’m also charmed by Cillian’s devastation when he doesn’t get to name the kitten (better get another kitten). “Chosen” consistently focuses on the characters and the struggles within themselves and with one another. While it’s sugary sweet that Nina will bear the unbearable for her sister and love her despite anything, I struggled with that. Would I love a family member unconditionally if that family member pulled what Artemis did? I struggle to say yes, but I don’t have a twin sister; I don’t even have a sister. Anyone who has a twin sister definitely needs to weigh in on this!

            P.S. Pelly the unpellis demon, I would adopt it. (The unpellis is always prey and is so sweet that it would snuggle up to you as lovingly as a dog!)

            P.P.S. Do be firm with Tsip. She cannot have your eyeballs, even if she tells you it’s her birthday.

            Book One: Slayer