Witch fire by Laura Powell

Burn mark series, bk 2. Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408815236.
(Age 13+) Recommended. Paranormal. Witches. Glory and Lucas return in their second adventure following Burn mark. Both are witches. Glory has known since childhood that she was destined to be a witch but Lucas from a family of Inquisitors, is finding it difficult to prove himself. Sent to an expensive private boarding school in Switzerland to investigate rumours about a terrorist organisation, they find that they have much to learn about themselves and each other.
Once again Powell has written a riveting tale of witchcraft in modern times. Her alternative world is original and very well conceived. Her descriptions of the covens and the criminals that lead them are fascinating as is the idea of an Inquisition that hunts down renegade witches. Once again her description of Glory's dream of a witch being burnt at the stake is horrifying.
The action is fast paced and kept me riveted with scenes of Glory and Lucas sky jumping from building to building and chasing down criminals in Cordoba, a small South American country that is vividly described.
Powell brings depth to her characters as well. Glory is struggling with the fact that her mother left her when she was a child and is overwhelmed when she learns that she may be alive. Lucas has to come to grips with the fact that the pathway that he thought he was destined for no longer exists. Minor characters are also well rounded and come alive for the reader, especially the driven inquisitor, Derek who makes another appearance in this book. The growing attachment between Glory and Lucas is also a pleasure to read.
This series is certainly different from much of the urban fantasy around and will appeal to readers who enjoy paranormal stories, action and adventure.
Pat Pledger