Helpful Score: 1
This was another teen paranormal book that I was a bit reluctant to read, since some of the popular teen series I have read lately have been kind of disappointing. I kept an eye on it though and the reviews were flattering, so I decided to give it read. I am glad I did, this was a wonderful book. I listened to it on audio and the audio book was well done, the person who reads matches Evie's personality perfectly. Paranormalcy is the first book in a planned trilogy; the second book Supernaturally is due out Fall of 2011.
Evie works for IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agency). She tags and bags paranormals to keep both the paranormals and the rest of human society safe. Evie's most unique ability is that she can see through any glamore; which makes her invaluable to the IPCA. This is why sixteen year old Evie hasn't left IPCA since she was eight, unless she is on a bag and tag job. Then a mysterious paranormal is caught going through the head of IPCA's office and he is unlike anything they have ever found before; his name is Lend and he befriends Evie during captivity. Evie then finds that paranormals are being killed at an alarming rate and IPCA needs to figure out why before whole species of paranormals are wiped out. As if crushing on Lend, finishing homework, and trying to save paranormals isn't enough...Evie has to deal with her fairy ex-boyfriend Reth who keeps trying to literally steal her heart...
Evie is a wonderful character. She is tough, snarky, loves to shop, loves pink, and is lonely. She is grateful for her place in IPCA but yearns to be part of the outside world. She is a fun character that I really enjoyed reading about and listening too...she was just so real, yet tough at the same time. Of course the other awesome character was Lend, he has a depth and a sensitivity to him that you don't see in a ton of teen male leads. The way Evie and Lend banter back and forth is funny, engaging, and shows the wonderful chemistry they have together.
There is a lot of action in this book and that is tempered with some interesting scenes dealing with Evie's struggles against Reth and with some tender scenes between Evie and Lend. The plot moved at a fast-clip making the book hard to put down. I really enjoyed White's writing style, she really nailed the dialogue between characters and made the book very natural sounding and easy to read.
White has also built a great world here. It is a complex world with a lot of depth but the reader is introduced to it effortlessly. The book wrapped in a wonderful way, but left a few tantalizing questions unanswered. I was impressed with the completeness of the story and eager to read the next book Supernaturally to see what happens to Evie and Lend. Really this was a great book and I highly recommend it. It was refreshing, fun, and something readers of teen paranormal books should really enjoy. It was an overall feel-good and uplifting book and just lots and lots of fun.
Overall a great read. For a while I was a little put-off by teen paranormal books because series like The House of Night, Wicked Lovely, and the Wolves of Mercy Falls have been okay but nothing spectacular. This book blows all of those out of the water. I also recently read Nightshade by Andrea Cremer; this was another really excellent young adult paranormal series that is something different. So pick up Paranormalcy and read it; and if you are looking for something else awesome check out Nightshade too.
Evie works for IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agency). She tags and bags paranormals to keep both the paranormals and the rest of human society safe. Evie's most unique ability is that she can see through any glamore; which makes her invaluable to the IPCA. This is why sixteen year old Evie hasn't left IPCA since she was eight, unless she is on a bag and tag job. Then a mysterious paranormal is caught going through the head of IPCA's office and he is unlike anything they have ever found before; his name is Lend and he befriends Evie during captivity. Evie then finds that paranormals are being killed at an alarming rate and IPCA needs to figure out why before whole species of paranormals are wiped out. As if crushing on Lend, finishing homework, and trying to save paranormals isn't enough...Evie has to deal with her fairy ex-boyfriend Reth who keeps trying to literally steal her heart...
Evie is a wonderful character. She is tough, snarky, loves to shop, loves pink, and is lonely. She is grateful for her place in IPCA but yearns to be part of the outside world. She is a fun character that I really enjoyed reading about and listening too...she was just so real, yet tough at the same time. Of course the other awesome character was Lend, he has a depth and a sensitivity to him that you don't see in a ton of teen male leads. The way Evie and Lend banter back and forth is funny, engaging, and shows the wonderful chemistry they have together.
There is a lot of action in this book and that is tempered with some interesting scenes dealing with Evie's struggles against Reth and with some tender scenes between Evie and Lend. The plot moved at a fast-clip making the book hard to put down. I really enjoyed White's writing style, she really nailed the dialogue between characters and made the book very natural sounding and easy to read.
White has also built a great world here. It is a complex world with a lot of depth but the reader is introduced to it effortlessly. The book wrapped in a wonderful way, but left a few tantalizing questions unanswered. I was impressed with the completeness of the story and eager to read the next book Supernaturally to see what happens to Evie and Lend. Really this was a great book and I highly recommend it. It was refreshing, fun, and something readers of teen paranormal books should really enjoy. It was an overall feel-good and uplifting book and just lots and lots of fun.
Overall a great read. For a while I was a little put-off by teen paranormal books because series like The House of Night, Wicked Lovely, and the Wolves of Mercy Falls have been okay but nothing spectacular. This book blows all of those out of the water. I also recently read Nightshade by Andrea Cremer; this was another really excellent young adult paranormal series that is something different. So pick up Paranormalcy and read it; and if you are looking for something else awesome check out Nightshade too.
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Andrea for TeensReadToo.com
Evie was found abandoned as a toddler. After many foster homes and centers, the International Paranormal Containment Agency brought her to their home. And while her best friend was a mermaid, and her ex-boyfriend was a faerie, she always thought of herself as normal. But she could see through the paranormals' glamours to what they really were. And this was her job when she was sent out around the world to tag paranormals.
But now, suddenly, paranormals are dying and no one knows why. She meets a shapeshifter who she falls for and who helps her see what she really is and what her abilities are. And she soon realizes that her abilities might have a link to the deaths of the paranormals. Evie tries to find out how to stop these deaths and in the process discovers secrets that she never imagined.
PARANORMALCY was awesome! The first chapter title had me hooked (I read an ARC, so the chapter could always change, but I hope not). It was titled "Oh, Bite Me." Perfect!
I love characters who are sarcastic. And I love kick-butt girl characters who are also girly (If I ever need a weapon for something, I definitely want my own pink taser with rhinestones). And Evie is both. I just love, love, loved her! In fact, I kind of want to be her! She is just a strong character who also seems so real. I think she is one of my most favorite characters ever.
And Lend is awesome, too. What a paranormal power to have - to be able to change the way you look (Although if you can't really show your real self, I guess it could get old). And he was such a nice guy and so loving and supporting of Evie. I loved their relationship. It seemed to progress just right and nothing was too fast.
I even really liked the secondary characters. Lish, Evie's mermaid best friend, was so sweet (And the whole bleeping out curse words was bleeping great!). I even liked Vivian, who everyone was scared of. I felt sorry for her and wanted her to not feel alone and to have a family.
The plot had me guessing, too. I was never sure who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. Even up until the very end, I was going back and forth. And the cover is stunning - so beautiful (Can I look like her?).
I absolutely CANNOT wait for the sequel, SUPERNATURALLY, to be released next September! This is my favorite book of the year so far!
Evie was found abandoned as a toddler. After many foster homes and centers, the International Paranormal Containment Agency brought her to their home. And while her best friend was a mermaid, and her ex-boyfriend was a faerie, she always thought of herself as normal. But she could see through the paranormals' glamours to what they really were. And this was her job when she was sent out around the world to tag paranormals.
But now, suddenly, paranormals are dying and no one knows why. She meets a shapeshifter who she falls for and who helps her see what she really is and what her abilities are. And she soon realizes that her abilities might have a link to the deaths of the paranormals. Evie tries to find out how to stop these deaths and in the process discovers secrets that she never imagined.
PARANORMALCY was awesome! The first chapter title had me hooked (I read an ARC, so the chapter could always change, but I hope not). It was titled "Oh, Bite Me." Perfect!
I love characters who are sarcastic. And I love kick-butt girl characters who are also girly (If I ever need a weapon for something, I definitely want my own pink taser with rhinestones). And Evie is both. I just love, love, loved her! In fact, I kind of want to be her! She is just a strong character who also seems so real. I think she is one of my most favorite characters ever.
And Lend is awesome, too. What a paranormal power to have - to be able to change the way you look (Although if you can't really show your real self, I guess it could get old). And he was such a nice guy and so loving and supporting of Evie. I loved their relationship. It seemed to progress just right and nothing was too fast.
I even really liked the secondary characters. Lish, Evie's mermaid best friend, was so sweet (And the whole bleeping out curse words was bleeping great!). I even liked Vivian, who everyone was scared of. I felt sorry for her and wanted her to not feel alone and to have a family.
The plot had me guessing, too. I was never sure who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. Even up until the very end, I was going back and forth. And the cover is stunning - so beautiful (Can I look like her?).
I absolutely CANNOT wait for the sequel, SUPERNATURALLY, to be released next September! This is my favorite book of the year so far!
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
PARANORMALCY is a fun, fast, and furious new read, a wonderfully fresh addition to the YA paranormal genre.
Kiersten Whites debut novel contains elements that will appeal to both the girly and the tomboyish. For instance, Evie has an incredibly female-power role of policing paranormals, getting to kick butt and show off her combat skills. But at the same time, she also LOVES her fair share of girly stuff, from the color pink, to fashion, to flirting with cute boys, to naming her belongings. Evies snarky but assuredly feminine narration had me grinning like an idiot from cover to cover. I typically dont even like girly-girls all that much, but Evies personality balanced the books darker, more sinister plot.
PARANORMALCY is not your typical YA paranormal read: indeed, it has more in common with an elaborately written adult urban fantasy series. While the book doesnt dive too deeply into the potentially interesting topics such as what the world outside of IPCA headquarters looks like, I appreciated how it brought up thoughtful questions about the distinction between employer vs. prisoner, true free will vs. imposed (though still broad) boundaries, and more. Kiersten White has created a marvelously complex paranormal world that Id be excited to read more about in sequels.
Bringing the feminine to the gritty urban fantasy genre or complexity to an already female-oriented paranormal genrewhatever way you like to spin it, PARANORMALCY is one heck of a great read. Evies story reads smoothly, a breath of fresh air. I cant wait for more!
Kiersten Whites debut novel contains elements that will appeal to both the girly and the tomboyish. For instance, Evie has an incredibly female-power role of policing paranormals, getting to kick butt and show off her combat skills. But at the same time, she also LOVES her fair share of girly stuff, from the color pink, to fashion, to flirting with cute boys, to naming her belongings. Evies snarky but assuredly feminine narration had me grinning like an idiot from cover to cover. I typically dont even like girly-girls all that much, but Evies personality balanced the books darker, more sinister plot.
PARANORMALCY is not your typical YA paranormal read: indeed, it has more in common with an elaborately written adult urban fantasy series. While the book doesnt dive too deeply into the potentially interesting topics such as what the world outside of IPCA headquarters looks like, I appreciated how it brought up thoughtful questions about the distinction between employer vs. prisoner, true free will vs. imposed (though still broad) boundaries, and more. Kiersten White has created a marvelously complex paranormal world that Id be excited to read more about in sequels.
Bringing the feminine to the gritty urban fantasy genre or complexity to an already female-oriented paranormal genrewhatever way you like to spin it, PARANORMALCY is one heck of a great read. Evies story reads smoothly, a breath of fresh air. I cant wait for more!
You just have to love a book with a main character who says, "bleep" instead of swearing. Very good story. Can't wait for the sequel!
I gave this book 2.5 stars. If I were to rate it based on the story alone, I'd give it 4 stars. The story was wonderful, and the plot pulled me along. I also think it's set up well for a sequel. Great characters, and a unique twist on the paranormal stuff.
However, the book has one major flaw. It's written in such a way that, for me, it felt like I was reading something a 12 year old would text to her tween friends. The grammar was terrible - and this was deliberate, I assume, as otherwise I'd have to seriously question the editor's qualifications. There were words in here that don't exist in the English language. Some words and conjunctions were deliberately misspelled.
I assume the author was trying to go for a "young" tone of voice to appeal to the teen crowd. But, I don't think that is necessary. There are books out there for the YA crowd that are fantastic all around - both in plot AND intelligent writing.
So, I was really put off by the way in which this was written. It seemed like the author was trying to write to the lowest denominator. Whereas I think books should always be written intelligently. Thus, 2.5 stars as I was quite irritated with the writing style. It really detracted from the whole novel.
However, the book has one major flaw. It's written in such a way that, for me, it felt like I was reading something a 12 year old would text to her tween friends. The grammar was terrible - and this was deliberate, I assume, as otherwise I'd have to seriously question the editor's qualifications. There were words in here that don't exist in the English language. Some words and conjunctions were deliberately misspelled.
I assume the author was trying to go for a "young" tone of voice to appeal to the teen crowd. But, I don't think that is necessary. There are books out there for the YA crowd that are fantastic all around - both in plot AND intelligent writing.
So, I was really put off by the way in which this was written. It seemed like the author was trying to write to the lowest denominator. Whereas I think books should always be written intelligently. Thus, 2.5 stars as I was quite irritated with the writing style. It really detracted from the whole novel.
6 stars out of 5. This book was awesome! The only bad part was that it had to end :(
***********review may contain spoilers****************************
Evie is an orphan that was taken in by the IPCA. She is unique in the fact that she can see right through various paranormals' glamours. Her best friend is a mermaid and she works as an agent, bagging and tagging paranormal creatures, such as vampires, werewolves hags and the like. Shes just your basic 16 year old girl who longs to be normal, and rid herself of her formal flame, a fairy boy named Reth.
Her life gets disrupted when a strange boy (named Lend) breaks into the center and she tags him. He is unique in the fact he can change his glamours at will. One day hes a total hottie, the next a cute black guy, the next a dorky boy with pimples and glasses. But the strangest one is where he can duplicate the people around her, herself included.
Once they become friends, their lives get shaken when other centers get attacked and their employees all get killed. The IPCA goes on lockdown, and Evie breaks Lend out of the center. Knowing she can never return, she works with Lend to figure out the fairy prophesy, and how to save her own soul.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. It would make a really cool movie. The ending felt a tad bit rushed, but left it open for another book, which I am eagerly awaiting. This book had a great blend of paranormals. Fairys, shape shifters, mermaids, water spirits, shapeshifters, vampires and of course, Evie herself. Shes a sweet and vulnerable character and her blossoming relationship with Lend warmed my heart right to the core.
***********review may contain spoilers****************************
Evie is an orphan that was taken in by the IPCA. She is unique in the fact that she can see right through various paranormals' glamours. Her best friend is a mermaid and she works as an agent, bagging and tagging paranormal creatures, such as vampires, werewolves hags and the like. Shes just your basic 16 year old girl who longs to be normal, and rid herself of her formal flame, a fairy boy named Reth.
Her life gets disrupted when a strange boy (named Lend) breaks into the center and she tags him. He is unique in the fact he can change his glamours at will. One day hes a total hottie, the next a cute black guy, the next a dorky boy with pimples and glasses. But the strangest one is where he can duplicate the people around her, herself included.
Once they become friends, their lives get shaken when other centers get attacked and their employees all get killed. The IPCA goes on lockdown, and Evie breaks Lend out of the center. Knowing she can never return, she works with Lend to figure out the fairy prophesy, and how to save her own soul.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. It would make a really cool movie. The ending felt a tad bit rushed, but left it open for another book, which I am eagerly awaiting. This book had a great blend of paranormals. Fairys, shape shifters, mermaids, water spirits, shapeshifters, vampires and of course, Evie herself. Shes a sweet and vulnerable character and her blossoming relationship with Lend warmed my heart right to the core.
Evie works for a paranormal containment agency which doesn't kill paranormals but renders them neutered (non-dangerous) through various means. She is seriously kept in the dark as to her own origins and the ultimate goals of the agency. Evie has the ability to see through paranormal glamour to see the being underneath which is so rare, she is the only living person who can do it. Something is indiscriminately killing paranormals and Evie's job of containment suddenly becomes very dangerous. It really gets interesting when Lend enters the picture. Lend is a paranormal who can take on the form of anyone which is totally cool and captures Evie's attention.
For unknown reasons, ex-boyfriend and Faerie, Reth is stalking Evie. Like all Faeries, he's secretive and underhanded. Evie is terrified of him and the Faerie prophecy supposedly involving her death.
I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to see where Reth, Lend and Evie take it.
For unknown reasons, ex-boyfriend and Faerie, Reth is stalking Evie. Like all Faeries, he's secretive and underhanded. Evie is terrified of him and the Faerie prophecy supposedly involving her death.
I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to see where Reth, Lend and Evie take it.
A nice introductory novel to a series. Not stellar, but nice. I'm not particularly fond of the author's writing style, but the story and the characters make up for that lag.
This book is just fine for teens. Only kissing and holding hands involved. Fairly safe, but definite tension there.
I'm going to read the next book in the series, and I am in no way turned off from the series. There are quite a few loose ends that need to be tidied up.
This book is just fine for teens. Only kissing and holding hands involved. Fairly safe, but definite tension there.
I'm going to read the next book in the series, and I am in no way turned off from the series. There are quite a few loose ends that need to be tidied up.
Reviewed by http://bibliophile-bestiary.blogspot.com/
Awesome book! The story line had an incredible flow. All the characters rock you socks. Evie is used to the weird and unusual, but then Lend comes along and opens up a whole new series of questions.
All the supernatural elements really blend well together. You learn about who they are and what they do and how they got there. I enjoyed the entire book, even parts that were somewhat sad for poor Evie who was so confused.
If you like any type of fantasy creature, this book is for you. I hung on every word and both dreaded and desired the next page. I am so excited for the sequel, Supernaturally coming out July 26, 2011. I already pre-ordered it! 5 out of 5 stars.
Awesome book! The story line had an incredible flow. All the characters rock you socks. Evie is used to the weird and unusual, but then Lend comes along and opens up a whole new series of questions.
All the supernatural elements really blend well together. You learn about who they are and what they do and how they got there. I enjoyed the entire book, even parts that were somewhat sad for poor Evie who was so confused.
If you like any type of fantasy creature, this book is for you. I hung on every word and both dreaded and desired the next page. I am so excited for the sequel, Supernaturally coming out July 26, 2011. I already pre-ordered it! 5 out of 5 stars.
I enjoyed this book. I'll be looking for the next one too. Really do want to know what happens to Evie and Lend.
Evie - pretty typical teenage girl. She is in an unusual situation and has a very unusual ability. She can see through the glamor of any paranormal being. Quite a handy gift to have, but one that causes it's own problems. Is she just a human with a special ability, or a previously unknown species of paranormal? Even the organization that helped to raise her doesn't know.
Lend - pretty typical teenage boy. Except, he can take on the appearance of any person, male or female. Cool talent! Invisible, or almost, in his natural state. He appears to be made of water.
Lish - Evie's best friend. A mermaid. Loved the description of Lish. Not what most people will think of as a mermaid. She isn't half human. She's all fish, but intelligent.
Don't really want to give spoilers, so I'll just say this. I enjoyed reading about the things that made Evie a teenager. Shopping, HS, TV shows. She is in such an unusual situation that these things helped to remind me that she really is just a teenager. IMO they helped to make her a more fleshed-out character. I liked Lend almost from the beginning, but when Evie would have doubts about him, so would I.
Overall, a little cutesy in places, but enough action to keep me going. I don't usually care for "cutesy" at all!
Evie - pretty typical teenage girl. She is in an unusual situation and has a very unusual ability. She can see through the glamor of any paranormal being. Quite a handy gift to have, but one that causes it's own problems. Is she just a human with a special ability, or a previously unknown species of paranormal? Even the organization that helped to raise her doesn't know.
Lend - pretty typical teenage boy. Except, he can take on the appearance of any person, male or female. Cool talent! Invisible, or almost, in his natural state. He appears to be made of water.
Lish - Evie's best friend. A mermaid. Loved the description of Lish. Not what most people will think of as a mermaid. She isn't half human. She's all fish, but intelligent.
Don't really want to give spoilers, so I'll just say this. I enjoyed reading about the things that made Evie a teenager. Shopping, HS, TV shows. She is in such an unusual situation that these things helped to remind me that she really is just a teenager. IMO they helped to make her a more fleshed-out character. I liked Lend almost from the beginning, but when Evie would have doubts about him, so would I.
Overall, a little cutesy in places, but enough action to keep me going. I don't usually care for "cutesy" at all!
This is the typical YA Paranormal Romance book. It's fluffy and made me very happy when I was reading it. Evie has shades of early Buffy going on. She's very girly but I didn't find that annoying. It helps that she's strong enough to fend for herself, usually.
I loved Lend too. The cover is very pretty but it doesn't quite match the story.
This book follows Evie as she goes through her jobs at the ICPA as the only known agent (or person) who can see through the glamours that paranormals cast. Then all hell breaks lose. Tricky fae abound. Although there are plenty of deaths, I never got the feeling that the book was heavy.
I loved Lend too. The cover is very pretty but it doesn't quite match the story.
This book follows Evie as she goes through her jobs at the ICPA as the only known agent (or person) who can see through the glamours that paranormals cast. Then all hell breaks lose. Tricky fae abound. Although there are plenty of deaths, I never got the feeling that the book was heavy.
I love this book! I finished it in a day,keeps you guessing til the very end! Can not wait til the second one comes out this july!!
Was absolutely amazing,really enjoyed the new story,characters too.
