The Devil’s Standoff by VS McGrath finds Hettie and her companions in Mexico, at the village of Villa del Punta. They’ve come at the behest of Walker Woodroffe, to return Diablo to its creator, Javier Punta. He wishes to unmake his deadly creation. But Punta is in a coma, and a vicious cryptid is stalking the area around the village, perhaps drawn to the magical energy node there. The longer Hettie and her friends linger, the more in danger they become. Her sister, Abby, needs training to control her increasingly erratic magical gifts. She begins to learn from Raul, Walker’s brother, and the resident sorcerer in charge of training the Village’s gifted children. But the threat of the chupas is growing, and they have human stalkers as well, intent on acquiring both Diablo and Abby.

This sequel was a fast paced thrill-ride that left me craving more. I love this world McGrath has introduced us to. It’s full of magic, blended with the tech of the time. This story brought us to the wilds of Mexico, and introduced cryptids in the form of chupacabra. I love when stories make use of the more unusual cryptids out there! The village itself is a fascinating place, sheltered by a strong barrier spell, and flush with trapped magic used to help crops grow and gather water. It seemed harsh, yet peaceful. A place I wouldn’t mind living actually.

I admit, I’m growing to dislike Abby. I know she’s young, but she’s old enough to understand responsibility. Her magic is dangerous in its wild, undisciplined form, and Hettie’s misguided act of love made her even more of a threat. As for Hettie, she’s experiencing all kinds of uncertainty, partially stemming from her accelerated aging. She’s gone from a teenager to a twenty-something adult, with no time to process or appreciate the changes in body and physiology. Walker’s brother Raul turned into a favourite, despite some of his own rather misguided actions. He did what he did for his people, to protect them. We also get to learn more about Zavi, whom we met in the previous book. His history was rather unexpected, to say the least. Diablo has become more defined as a character in its own right. I’m interested to see its end game. Diablo chose Hettie, and listens to her, going against its nature. Yet, for all that, she still wants free of it, and speaks of destroying it. I kinda felt bad for Diablo, knowing it’s sentience, and willingness to go against its nature, giving Hettie more than any other who has wielded it.

I want the next one now!!!!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Brain Mill Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for XPresso Tours.