Halo (Part 2: Episodes 7 to 10)

Cameo, codenamed Halo, has rebounded from her failed relationship with Rebar. Her new boyfriend is Rush, leader of the rescue group Ricochet. They rationalize their own cheating behind Rebar’s back versus his betrayal with Cameo’s twin, Camille. But it is for naught when Rush is also unable to resist Camille, and Cameo develops feelings for Rush’s best friend, Shook. Shook introduces Cameo to the Lakota Medicine Man, White Wolf, when she seeks answers regarding her mother’s mysterious magic. White Wolf can only warn her about Malika. Nevertheless, Malika convinces kind-hearted Cameo that she deserves her daughter’s forgiveness, while secretly carrying on a love affair with Shade, who wants to destroy Ricochet. With family like this, Cameo doesn’t need enemies. Turns out there may be another reason Malika is a terrible mother. Is there another hidden parent buried under the mountain of deception?

This book is packed full of drama! The characters are shallow and governed by base motivations. They embrace sexism, betrayal, infidelity, and cultural ignorance without irony, because that’s just who they are. The writing style is prosaic, lacking in nuance or poetry. We are told that the multiple criss-crossing hook-ups happen because the parties are muscular, hunky, or sexy; therefore, relationships are driven by biology not intellect or depth of feeling. There are confusing paranormal elements added that do not seem to fit with earlier episodes of the book. It takes stamina to remain focused on the unabashedly disastrous “trainwreck” that is Cameo’s life, delivered in serialized format to extend its length. On a positive note, Cameo maintains her altruistic nature and faith in her God throughout.

Joan Lai