Review: The Candidates

Title: The Candidates
Series: Delcroix Academy # 1
Genre: Young Adult-Fantasy

Author: Inara Scott

Publisher: Hyperion

Release Date: August 24, 2010

Book: ARC recieved from Joni at Paragraph Books

"Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just...happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden.

But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies. So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome.

And then there's her mysterious new friend Jack, who can't stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what. But Dancia isn't convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her "gift" than they're letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it...But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy."

WOW! This book has just amazed me. From the very beginning it was mysterious, keeping all the secrets, from me demanding me to read on to discover the truth. At first, when I started this book I was a little skeptical. I kept thinking that maybe I might get bored with it, but it soon proved me wrong.

Dancia is scared. Scared for her life as well as others. Always living under the radar, never doing anything to draw attention to herself, she finds it impossible that she has gotten a full ride into the Delcroix Academy. There she finds friends, love and most importantly herself. I love Dancia. Her character was one I admired right away for her selflessness. She always thought of others before herself, and always thought of different ways to do things.

The love interest in this book was maddening! I mean, two great completely cute boys and even I couldn't decide who to side with. Jack or Cam? Jack or Cam? The attraction she held with both of them was great. The drama, plot and the way the whole story paned out was perfect.  The ending for me was just right. With all the went on, it was a good touch.

Now for the secret. It was not at all what I was expecting although I was kind of right. The paranormal touch to it was one I seen before, so I wasn't as impressed. But the writing of the book, kept me well in the dark and always looking for more. I  am definitely looking forward to read the next book.

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Dead Beautiful

Title: Dead Beautiful
Series: Dead Beautiful # 1
Genre: Young Adult-Paranormal/Fantasy
Author: Yvonne Woon

Publisher: Hyperion

Release Date: September 21, 2010

Book: Received from Joni at Paragraphs books

"After Renee Winters discovers her parents lying dead in California’s Redwood Forest in what appears to be a strange double murder, her grandfather sends her off to Gottfried Academy in Maine, a remote and mysterious high school dedicated to philosophy, “crude sciences,” and Latin: the Language of the Dead. It’s here she meets Dante, a dark and elusive student to whom she feels inexplicably drawn.

As they get to know each other better, Dante can’t seem to control his attraction either, and their desires gradually deepen into a complex and dangerous romance. Dangerous because Dante is hiding a frightening secret. A secret so terrible, it has him fearing for Renee’s life.

Dante’s not the only one with secrets, though. Turns out Gottfried Academy has a few of its own... Like, how come students keep disappearing? Why are the prefect-like Monitors creeping around campus during the night? And what exactly are the Headmistress and Professors really up to? Renee is determined to find out why."

 

Ok, what a great and intriguing read. And the twist! I certainly did not see that coming. Beautiful Dead is a great read. Everything in it was perfect.

So as I started to read this book, I was thrown into a whirlwind of surprises. Poor Renee, always going through some many unexpected tragic things. I felt sorry for her, but was glad that she prevailed.

Renee arrived at this new school and her rebellious attitude has me giddy from the start. I immensely enjoyed her smart mouth, know it all attitude. It brought so much more drama  and excitement to the book. And who doesn't enjoy a rebellious teen.

Now the love interest in the story was one so unique and detailed to beautifully. I love how Ms. Woon was able to tie it all together. I never saw that ending coming but WOW! She got me good. And what I loved the most about it was that is was unique. It was nothing that I've read before and it all totally fit.

Ms. Woon certainly wrote a book that completely caught me off guard. I was certain it was about one thing, but she managed to keep the suspense in the book so high, that I had no other choice but to continue to read until I finally saw the truth. And the truth was Dead Beautiful.

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!