/Geoffrey Huntingtonshelf | Sorcerers of the Nightwing

Although published by an adult press, the first volume in the Ravenscliff series is clearly better suited to younger readers: the main characters are in high school; the horror is fairly tame in comparison with the usual gory adult fare; and there’s nothing subtle about the good-versus-evil goings-on. But don’t mistake this for a “new” Harry Potter despite some similarities (adopted boy learns to tame inherited magical powers, seeks parents, finds friends, and fights horrible demon who wishes to return from banishment). It lacks both the depth and the cleverness of Rowling’s stories, drawing most of its horrific elements straight from such readily identifiable sources as The Wizard of Oz (”Just click your heels, and you will go where you want to go”), Superman, and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer (of course, without the wicked sex). Still, horror fiction is in short supply for this age group, and although this isn’t great, the familiar allusions and melodramatic action (and occasional satire) will help sell it, as will the ongoing mystery about the future and past of a teenage hero who needs only to tell himself “I’m stronger than they are” to make things happen (Booklist).

That, above, right there, is the perfect review no written by me.