Books like Wisdom

What struck me most about the latest in the My Blood Approves series is the evolution of Alice. She is at the heart of Wisdom. The title is appropriate - for she is growing in it herself. Wisdom seemed to me to be a bit deeper than the past three books - more introspective, with more character growth than any other in the series. It is clear that Alice has left her teen years behind and is ready to embark on a young woman's life. Gone is the angsty feeling that defined her at moments in past novels - instead she is developing a better sense of self - seeking out her place in the world. Making sense of things and making tough choices that reflect a surprising maturity. Alice's reflection on her eternity is an eye opener - for all the teen girls who would love to be a vampire (at least in the romantic vampire type tales) here's one that is and gets confronted with the knowledge that it's pretty much a forever thing - this is really grounding. What are you gonna do when whatever it is will need to sustain you through many lifetimes? Mind boggling - and something I don't think Alice really saw coming too clearly. In fact second thoughts are the flavor of the day for her in Wisdom - on more than one level. The rest of the gang is here as well - Ezra is still my favorite. I can't say I'm too fond of Jack or he and Alice's ongoing relationship - I am on Team Peter all the way. For as much as Alice grows in Wisdom Jack stays the same - I've a notion that is by design and fate. I can't shake the feeling Alice will outgrow him soon - if the next novel picks up where this one lets off. However it is clear that there is a lot of reflection by her and she makes her choices with full thought and knowledge. More secondary characters get screen time here and they are very enjoyable. The plot is more personal as it center's around the death of one of the characters - and the aftermath of that. The action scenes were very well written and absorbing. There was even one scene where I let out a little shout I was so SHOCKED--did not see that coming!Fabulous! Clearly a writer to watch. While the series retains its YA flavor it can be enjoyed by those of any age. I, for one, am so grateful to amazon for introducing the Kindle so we could all get to know some great new authors at prices that don't break the bank. Ms. Hocking is one of them!