I'm a huge fan of Lish McBride, and it's so nice to get a continuation of Ava's story -- I think it might read better without the years-long gap between the two books. It certainly continues to be full of quirky, smart characters and the weirder side of the paranormal. It did feel a little more like checking in with old friends, rather than a full on adventure, so that's why I'm not so sure about it. ( )

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Very Good
Audience: Middle/High School
Recommended: Recommended

This sequel is best read after the first book in the series, Firebug, but can be read on its own in a pinch. Pyromantic is a satisfying and fun paranormal romance that's sure to please YA fans of the genre. Packed with action, humor, and plenty of attractive and interesting magical creatures, this book is a fun, light distraction. Ava and her friends, all magical creatures of some sort or another, work for the Coterie, a criminal organization with good intentions. The Coterie faces a new and terrifying threat in the form of a disease that targets the supernatural, and its familiar but fun cast of swoon-worthy teens divide their time between dealing with the illness and figuring out their own romantic entanglements.

A memorable scene in which predatory kelpies (aquatic horse-like creatures) wear cardigans makes me wish the book leaned into its more absurd and self-aware moments more often. With few exceptions, the supporting cast is only lightly fleshed out, coming across as types rather than individuals. On the plus side, the focus on the everyday, practical concerns of being able to summon fire (replacing clothing often, getting sick at the smell of burning flesh) or other powers is refreshing and interesting. ( )