Book Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

PARANORMALCY BY KIERSTEN WHITE

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (August 31, 2010)
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

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 Line:

“Wait- did you--You just yawned!” The vampire's arms, raised over his head in the classic Dracula pose, dropped to his sides. He pulled his exaggerated white fangs back behind his lips. "What, imminent death isn't exciting enough for you?"

Notable Scene: 

"He smiled at me. His eyes were golden like ripe wheat and his hair shone nearly the same shade. Everything about him was gold, except his laugh. That had always been silver. I couldn't look at his face anymore without risking never wanting to look away, but I didn't want to take my eyes off him and let my guard down. I was so dead.

"Evelyn." My name in his mouth was like a caress. "Why are you fighting me?" – -Page 56

Oh bleep! PARANORMALCY was fun, flirty and so addictive. The perfect blend of romance and action, Evie drew me in right from the start. With her trusty rhinestone-studded "Tasey", pink boots and zebra print dresses, this girl knew how to kick some serious butt. Child-eating hags, werewolves and pompous vampires--they've got nothing on Evie. Kiersten White has managed to infuse some new life into a genre completely oversaturating the market right now. She's  built such a unique personality around Evie; the girl in awe of normal people, but lives among beings that are anything but normal.

The world building and book premise were unlike anything I've read in a long time. From mermaids with computer generated voice translators to fiery little gremlins to water dwelling spirits, there were so many fun paranormal oddities to encounter.  The book constantly kept my attention with its depiction of life inside the IPCA; the government agency dedicated to bagging and tagging paranormals and making them useful members of society. At first, I started writing down Evie's smart little witticisms to quote in this review, but by the end, I had given up. There were just too many funny things Evie constantly said and did.

As someone who grew up in a government agency where her only friends were paranormals, Evie was bound to have a few quirks. I couldn't help but laugh with the way she watched her cheesy teenage soap operas and dreamed about going to high school  like most people wish they'd win the lottery. When I really thought about it though, it was actually pretty sad with how lonely she was. When Lend came into her life (a certain paranormal hottie), he really changed everything for her. I loved the two of them together. But I have to say, it was Reth the faery who really stole the show.  His intense personality was the perfect counter-balance for Lend's easy going manner and I loved watching Evie interact with both guys. I hope to see lots more of the both of them in the next book.

The cover is absolutely breathtaking, but can be a little misleading. I personally anticipated more of a dark, edgy read from the cover. And while there are some plot lines that do take a dark tone, I would say PARANORMALCY was more of light-hearted, rip-roaring roller coaster of a good time than a dark thriller. 

I'd highly recommend this book to paranormal fans, especially to those who enjoyed THE IRON KING by Julie Kagawa.

I can't wait for SUPERNATURALLY, due out in 2011.

Side Note: Even the chapter titles are witty—my personal favorite being: "Dumbells, Boys and Other Dense Things" How cute is that?

1/2 stars

Kiersten White has one tall husband and two small children. She lives near the ocean, where her days are perfectly normal. This abundance of normal led her to a fascination with all things paranormal, including but not limited to vampires, faeries, and pop culture. She is the author of Paranormalcy. To learn more about Kiersten and her books, visit her Official Website & Blog.