While Conway’s debut shows promise, an abundance of clichés may discourage readers from continuing the series. From immortals having both angelic and vampiric traits to the “classic, Abercrombie-esque face” of heroine Eila Walker’s love interest, familiar elements overshadow the novel’s potential. When 17-year-old Eila moves across the country to take possession of a previously unknown family home in Cape Cod, there are several surprises in store: the house is a mansion built more than a century ago, terrifying dreams about an ancestor’s suspicious death begin to plague her, and she meets Raef, a mysterious boy with coal-black eyes. Eila soon learns that she’s descended from a line of warriors who use the power of human souls to fight an ancient evil. With Raef’s help, Eila must find a way to defeat the ruthless clan that’s after her before more innocent lives are lost. In addition to the contrived elements (Eila is the last of her kind; her sole parental figure conveniently leaves town), the dialogue can be stilted, but strong supporting characters should help carry readers past some of these bumps. Ages 12–up. (BookLife)