Product Summary
Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.
But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
So much for normal.
First Impressions
Confession time: I'd gone nearly half a decade without reading a single YA novel. All of that changed last week when I took a chance and read Kiersten White's Paranormalcy.
The protagonist, a bundle of taser-happy pink charisma, named Evie, is one IPCA's greatest assets in the bag-and-tag of troublesome supernaturals. Quite impressive, considering she's not even old enough to drink.
Myself (along with several other reviewers) have noted a few commonalities between Evie and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I'm not sure if this was done intentionally or if it was just the inevitable result in having a strong willed female lead that also happens to be blond. Either way, kudos to Kiersten, because all things reminiscent of Buffy are superb.
Without a doubt, this is a novel that succeeds because of its characters. Evie and her shape-shifting love interest Lend are two very believable individuals--a good thing, considering they account for the bulk of the plot.
This novel is a light read, but I mean that as a compliment, not as a derogation. In fact, the reason why Paranormalcy reads so easily is on account of Kiersten White's ability to pace her novel so that the excitement never dissipates-- it only builds. This works because of her competency in writing first person narration; this enables White to capitalize on the inherent sense of immediacy and ego that comes naturally to first person point-of-view. Perfect for a teenage girl.
I have two rather small gripes with the novel. Firstly, I just didn't find Reth to be a believable character. Not only that, but I disliked how he seemed to pop in and out of scenes rather conveniently; it felt a little lackluster, truth be told. Contrarily, Vivian held a lot of potential (and still does). Part of me believes that Reth's role could have been downplayed or removed altogether, leaving room for Vivian to take center stage as the main antagonist.
Secondly, I think the character development of just about everyone other than Evie and Lend could have been considerably expanded. Certain individuals, (such as Evie's weapons instructor) seem to serve no other purpose other than advancing plot.On this however I am forgiving, as I suspect that some of said characters may end up with significant roles in the sequel(s).
But the above is just minor nitpicking. Regardless of all else, Paranormalcy is a page-turner that compels the audience to read on further, without resorting to trickery like cliffhangers or cheap gimmicks.
Final Thoughts
I read Paranormalcy over the course of two days and was hooked throughout. I eagerly anticipate her sequel, Supernaturally, slated for a 2011 release.
Kiersten oozes talent-- her devoted fans and rapidly exploding success are no doubt a byproduct of her talent, dedication and charm. Somehow, even in her debut novel she has managed to craft a voice that is entirely her own.
