Scout's Honor by Lily Anderson

Abstract

Reviewed by: Scout's Honor by Lily Anderson April Spisak Anderson, Lily Scout's Honor. Holt, 2022 [416p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781250246738 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781250246745 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 9-12 Ladybird Scouts maintain an illusion of a women's social organization while kicking monster butt behind the scenes (think Buffy as a Girl Scout). Prue was raised in a family of scouts and showed remarkable early potential, but after her best friend was killed in a battle, she's spent the past few years trying very hard to pretend she is normal and choosing to make non-hunter friends who are far less likely to die hideous deaths in front of her. Still, Prue can't forget her legacy and family responsibility, and she's all too aware that one less (talented) scout means that everyone on the planet is likelier to be killed by interdimensional parasites, including her new pals who are unaware that this part of the world even exists. When a fresh wave of monsters comes through, Prue is already involved with the Ladybirds again as a trainer, and she can't help but dive back in as an eventual full-fledged hunter. Sharp, fun characters on both sides of Prue's life bring wit and humor, while the baddies are conceptually cool, feasting on human emotions in the lush feeding grounds of high school. The true focus here, however, is Prue, who's struggling with her completely understandable yearning to be normal and the complex mix of pride, protectiveness, and guilt that she brings to her Ladybird role. Even without actual monsters, many readers will likely relate to the weight of family obligations and how they may conflict with the development of an independent adolescent identity. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois