Black Ice

Krinard’s able sequel to Mist expands upon the story of the god Loki’s plan to end the world by capturing the lethal weapons the Valkyries hold in safekeeping. In his way are the goddess Freya, her daughter Mist, and an ever-growing army. Dainn, an elf who is struggling to contain his feral side, knows that Mist doesn’t just need to be protected from Loki—whose lust for Dainn is menacing—but also from Freya, who is playing a game that may result in Mist’s demise. The introduction of Loki’s son Danny adds an intriguing dimension. His abilities are vast but unknown, as are his loyalties. The only snag is Dainn’s inexplicable reluctance to tell Mist about her mother’s plans, but readers who are more interested in supernatural action won’t mind the plot holes. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency. (Aug.)