Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for…

Title: Half Bad

Author: Sally Green 

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Publish Date: March 4, 2014

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Pages: 416

In modern-day England, witches live alongside humans: White witches, who are good; Black witches, who are evil; and fifteen-year-old Nathan, who is both. Nathan’s father is the world’s most powerful and cruel Black witch, and his mother is dead. He is hunted from all sides. Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, Nathan must escape before his sixteenth birthday, at which point he will receive three gifts from his father and come into his own as a witch—or else he will die. But how can Nathan find his father when his every action is tracked, when there is no one safe to trust—not even family, not even the girl he loves?

In the tradition of Patrick Ness and Markus Zusak, Half Bad is a gripping tale of alienation and the indomitable will to survive, a story that will grab hold of you and not let go until the very last page.

I think I mentioned once upon a time that I would love to read more books about witches. Half Bad is a little (okay, a lot) different than any witch book I've ever read, as well, which intrigues me immensely, and I'm a huge fan of the minimalist cover art. The starkness of it terrifies me. I also think that the story sounds realistic in a fantastical way, offering true-to-life elements that really bring a paranormal story to life. Needless to say, I'm excited. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: The Forgotten Ones
Author: Laura Howard (Twitter)
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: April 28, 2013
Genre: NA, Paranormal
Pages: 197
Source: Author

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

As most of you know, I've avoided the new adult genre like the plague, simply for the innate fear that it will become host to a bevy of novels that are trite, cliche and altogether meaningless. I am, however, a sucker for a gorgeous cover and a unique premise, so I was instantly sold on the premise of The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard. The author presents readers with a rich and imaginative world, all the while grounding us in reality with characters readers will relate to and situations that feel all too real at times.

It must be said though, that I was expecting much more new adult content from The Forgotten Ones. With Alison being 21 and Ethan being 23, it's completely acceptable to class the novel as such based on that alone. However, I found that the budding romance had a much more YA feel to it, as it was sweet and, if I'm entirely honest, innocent. The beauty of NA is that readers can expect more sexual tension without blurring the lines of age-appropriate material. It felt as though The Forgotten Ones teetered somewhere along the middle of these genres though, blurring the lines.

Ms. Howard gives readers a completely exciting paranormal premise in which we follow Allison to Tir Na Nog, uncovering the truth behind the myths of the fairies, and the truth behind Allison's own nature, as well. The story is rich and intriguing, and we're offered careful subtle glimpses into an amazing magical realm complete with spells, paranormal creatures and a backstory that is, for all intents and purposes, to die for. 

The main problem that I had with The Forgotten Ones was simply that it was so short. Had we been offered another hundred pages or so, we might be able to fully envelop ourselves in the world. As it is though, The Forgotten Ones teases us with tempting details, but it never fully absorbs us into its magical escapism. I also felt that, at times, the novel warred between a contemporary romance and a paranormal tale. Both elements were prominent and strong, but I think the emphasis on romance might have taken away from the actual paranormal offering in the end. 

Overall though, I'm intrigued by the premise of The Forgotten Ones. The pronunciation of a multitude of names was tricky to grapple with at times, but it didn't really detract from my enjoyment. It's a solid series opener, and I'll definitely be looking to see if the series improves as it progresses. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of both NA and YA, especially those who enjoy romance and paranormal.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Everything Breaks
Author: Vicki Grove
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publish Date: October 3, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 256
Source: Publisher

Tucker was supposed to be the designated driver. But there was something about the beauty of that last true summer night, that made him want to feel out-of-control just once. He drank so much and so quickly that he was instantly sick. That left Trey to drive. "I'll catch up to you later," were the last words Tucker would ever say to his friends as he heaved by the side of the road. It was the last time Tucker would ever see them alive.

Tucker’s grief and guilt are just about unbearable and he wonders how he can continue living himself. When he meets the Ferryman who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers that divide the world of the living from the world of the dead, Tucker gets a chance to decide: live or die. The temptation to join his three best friends on the other side may be too much for Tucker to overcome. A gripping, haunting and emotional read.

Tucker plays by the rules. He doesn't really even toe the line, but that one night, he decided to just let it all go - all the stress, all the pain - all of it. In an instant though, his actions (or inability to act) lead to events that nobody could have seen coming, but nevertheless leave him with an unimaginable sense of guilt. As he begins to spiral into a downward hole of depression and anxiety though, he finds that there is an out. He can with his friends...but he'd have to give up everything he has left. Is it worth it?

I was immediately drawn to Everything Breaks because of what is presented as an extremely emotional storyline. Despite added paranormal elements, we're offered a raw, vivid and unimaginable pain in which characters are given the ability to sink or swim. That's my cup of tea; reality. Author, Vicki Grove, has written a dark, grief-ridden tale that will sweep you up in a maelstrom of drama. With overriding themes of love, grief, loss and overcoming tragedy, Everything Breaks offers readers a profound and meaningful story.

I confess that I'm finding it a bit hard to formulate my thoughts on this novel because it seems to me that we're provided some excellent elements of storytelling, while others are left lacking. In regards to the novel's strengths, I must say that the character development is probably the best attribute of all. Tucker is such a tangible character, which makes his grief and pain all the more accessible through the story. From the start, the author paints a clear picture of not only his appearance, but his temperament, his past and the driving force behind all his actions. Furthermore, the secondary characters are also extremely well done. Trey, though he appears only fleetingly, is a powerhouse that drives the fury and whirlwind of action into which we're placed at the very start. Bud, Tucker's step-grandfather, was definitely the highlight for me though. We sense that he's losing it a little bit, but he's got this personality and light about him that keeps us invested in Tucker's journey with Bud. Unfortunately, however, it seemed to me that there was a disconnect in terms of the pacing, descriptiveness and overall plot otherwise. I found that, although Everything Breaks offers readers a ton of detail, none of it really explained what I needed to know or enlightened me as to what was driving the events of the story. I felt that that really affected what could have otherwise been a pretty steadily-paced novel. The plot, too, was almost a little bit too complex because of the lack of detail in the right places. Too often, I found myself thrown off as to how and why we ended up with Tucker and Bud in certain scenarios. I do think that the overall message and theme of the novel, which is clearly and tastefully revealed at the end, saved the novel a bit, but I closed the book feeling as though the resolution which we were offered just didn't feel right.

Overall, I'm still left a bit in the lurch as to why Everything Breaks didn't quite work for me. The author writes well, and the idea behind the story is solid, but I was definitely left wanting. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA stories, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories and those involving themes of grief and loss.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: The Diviners
Author: Libba Bray (Twitter)
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: September 18, 2012
Genre: YA, Hist-Fic, Mystery
Pages: 578
Source: Publisher

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."

When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

Evie's life is just getting interesting. She's traded her dowdy hometown streets for the glamorous and lively life of New York City, and she couldn't be more excited. This is her chance to get out, to explore and to live her life like she's always wanted. But things are never quite that simple, or so Evie is about to learn. When murderous tragedies start springing up throughout the city, Evie and her eccentric uncle find themselves right in the middle of it all. Can Evie help figure out who's behind the murders, or will they take her down before she ever has the chance?

The first thing you'll notice when you pick up The Diviners is probably the fact that the book is massive. It would make one heck of a paperweight. However, you'd be sorely mistaken if you assume that that's how I've used my copy. Libba Bray is no stranger to the world of YA fiction, but The Diviners takes her out of that comfort zone we've come to know and associate with the veteran author. Jam-packed with action, this vivid story springs forth from the pages with immense detail, powerful action and characters with whom you can actually empathize and grow to love. 

I held off reading The Diviners for quite some time because, and I'll be honest here, the size of this novel is daunting. Nearly 600 pages, it's a very thick book, and one has to set aside a good measure of time in which to thoroughly read it. However, I can honestly say that I never felt bored or tired with the story. There are touches of gruesome darkness that perfectly contrast the glittering lights of the city and the air of excitement that Evie has when she reaches New York. We're given stark contrasts of light and dark, but we're also given this underbelly of a world when we explore the truth behind the Diviners and their role in the murder spree. Evie, too, was an enjoyable character. While she was, at times, childish and melodramatic, I think it actually lent a very honest air to her transformation as she navigates this new world in which she lives. She has a surprising depth, as well, which provides a relief from the tension of the novel. At times, I did feel as though The Diviners was a bit too unnecessarily descriptive, however, it's hard to find too much of an issue with it because the writing is fluid, complex and beautiful throughout. The ending is a non-ending, but the foreshadowing has me begging to find out just what happens next. 

Overall, I was thoroughly surprised by The Diviners. I don't know why, really, but I didn't expect too much, and I found myself lost in its world for days. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries, historical fiction and touches of paranormal.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Crewel
Author: Gennifer Albin
Publisher: FSG BYR
Publish Date: October 16, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Fantasy
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has always been special. When her parents discover her gift—the ability to weave the very fabric of reality—they train her to hide it. For good reason, they don’t want her to become a Spinster — one of the elite, beautiful, and deadly women who determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die.

Thrust into the opulent Western Coventry, Adelice will be tried, tested and tempted as she navigates the deadly politics at play behind its walls. Now caught in a web of lies and forbidden romance, she must unravel the sinister truth behind her own unspeakable power. Her world is hanging by a thread, and Adelice, alone, can decide to save it — or destroy it.

Adelice lives a careful lie. She always had, and she's been taught that she will probably always need to. She must always fake ignorance, feign normalcy and, without a doubt, never use her powerful ability to weave, or create the fabric of reality. To do so, for many, would mean endless riches, power and wealth, but for Adelice, it means entrapment. She'll be destined forever to play the hand of a god - determining the future for all, but never having her family and those she loves for herself. But one simple slip-up sets forth a chain reaction that ignites Adelice's destiny and giving her a chance to either save or end the world as they know it.

Ok, first off...what a seriously cool concept! I mean, I'm sure that I've heard touches of this storyline in fairytales and whatnot, but wow. I really love the utter originality of the mere idea behind it. So, you can understand my apprehension to read the book. What if it didn't live up? Can you imagine the letdown? Gennifer Albin skillfully meshed together a whirlwind plot, lovable characters, a heroine worth believing in and, most of all, a beautiful combination of internal and external struggles. With a deft hand, Crewel sweeps you up in its pages, guaranteeing one heck of an adventure.

There was so much that went right with Crewel and, for the most part, I really loved this book. The storyline was fantastic. Each plot point was carefully developed, thought-out and led directly to the next piece. Foreshadowing was light, but just enough to keep me on my toes. Adelice was a great heroine, and I found it incredibly simple to become invested in her plight. She was strong and brave, and I never found her too be cloying or too much, if that makes sense. Likewise, the love interest, Jost, was sweet and simple, just whetting my appetite but never actually giving me exactly what I wanted. In a world of YA fiction where insta-love dominates, this was wholly refreshing. I will say, however, that I did have a bit of an issue with the world-building of Crewel. We're given immense details with the power-players in the book, such as the Spinsters, but I felt that sometimes the world, itself, played second-fiddle to the story, and I would have loved to see the backdrop of this eerie dystopia been pronounced and developed just a bit more.

Overall, however, I found Crewel to be an extremely engaging and unique read, despite its flaws. I love the concept, and the ending left me wanting more, so I'm definitely excited for the next installment in the series. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian and fantasy stories.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Above
Author: Leah Bobet
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Publish Date: April 1, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 368

Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above—like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.

But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home—not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.

Ok, first of all, please take note of that exceptionally gorgeous cover. I mean, come on, drool! Then, read that premise a few times, and try to tell me honestly that you are not completely excited for this story...it sounds like a beautiful, haunting and romantic take on the paranormal and, frankly, it sounds like something I've never read before. Obviously, that alone, sells Above to me. I cannot wait until this one is in my hands! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Glimmer
Author: Phoebe Kitanidis (Twitter)
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: April 17, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352

When Marshall and Elyse wake up in each other’s arms with zero memory of how they got there or who they are, it’s the start of a long journey through their separate pasts and shared future.

Terrified by their amnesia, the two make a pact to work together to find the answers that could jog their missing memories. As they piece together clues, they discover they’re in the idyllic mountain resort town of Summer Falls, where everyone seems mysteriously happy, but as Marshall and Elyse quickly learn, darkness lurks beneath the town’s perfect facade. Not only is the town haunted by sinister ghosts, but none of its living inhabitants retain bad memories of anything—not the death of Marshall’s mom, not the hidden shame in Elyse’s family, not even the day-to-day anguish of high school.

Lonely in this world of happy zombies, Marsh and Elyse fall into an intense relationship...but the secrets they uncover could be the death of this growing love—and the death of everyone, and everything, they love in Summer Falls.

Hello, cover lust, my old friend! I swear, this is one of the prettiest covers I've seen in a long time, and those colours! Vintage with a touch of brightness...I love it. In all seriousness though, Glimmer sounds eerie, oddly dark and deeply fascinating. I love it when there are twists and turns and things that go bump in the night - even when everything looks perfectly normal on the surface. This one pops for me, and I can't wait to sink my teeth into it! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Everneath
Author: Brodi Ashton (Twitter)
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: January 24, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 370
Source: Publisher

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

Nikki's been listless and slumbering in Everneath for the past hundred years where the Everlings use their human Forfeits to feed on their emotions and gain both power and strength. But when Nikki wakes, she remembers something - a piece of life and love she had forgotten. So, she decides to return to the real world to say her goodbyes with the little time she has left...just six months until Everneath comes back to claim her again. Nikki wants nothing more than to return home to Jack, but Cole won't let Nikki go without a fight. Does she have what it take to defeat fate and stay with Jack, or will Everneath claim her once and for all.

I've said it time and again, but I suppose it doesn't really hurt to repeat myself. I love mythologically-based stories. That said, so many try too hard to fit a cut and dried mold that they are doomed to fall short. Everneath, however, is a beautiful and dazzling exception to the rule, twisting us into a intricate web of lust and lies based loosely on the story of Hades and Persephone. Brodi Ashton has crafted a sinfully delicious debut, merging a dark and swooning plot with a cast of characters that rage with power and emotion. With a rich and descriptive prose that's both alluring and tinged with darkness, Everneath shows that the classics can be re-made into something entirely new.

The characters are what truly made Everneath for me, above all else. Nikki could very easily have slipped into the humdrum mold of a damsel in distress, but she was fierce. There was a power that emanated from every fiber of her being and resonated through the prose, her relationships and every situation she encountered. Cole was seductive, to be sure. There was a dark beauty around him and a sense of danger that fed (no pun intended) off of Nikki's character. Jack is the most human of the characters in Everneath, adding a measure of predictability that easily helps you swing towards a side in the pseudo-love triangle Everneath creates. That's the other beauty of Everneath, by the way. It only partially buys into the fads of the YA genre. The love triangle isn't all that defined - it wavers into a bit of a square. The love, itself, isn't insta-love. It's slow-burning and it sears throughout the plot, building momentum as the story rages in Everneath. The only part that managed to falter a wee bit for me was the lack of mild intelligence of the adults. I really wish they hadn't so easily written Nikki off. I find that difficult to comprehend.

Overall though, Everneath was surprisingly awesome! It's definitely fresh and original, and it will make you want a second book, like, yesterday. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I can't recommend it enough to all YA fans that enjoy paranormal fiction and mythology. Adult fans will also enjoy the darker tone to the story.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Brightest Kind of Darkness
Author: P.T. Michelle
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: June 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 248
Source: Author

Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

Nara lives each and every day twice. She lives them in her dreams before she ever lives in them in real life, so she always knows what to expect. It's predictable. It's monotonous. And it can be incredibly boring. When Nara dreams about a bomb going off at school, she knows that she has to stop it, or all that death will be on her hands. So, she calls in an anonymous tip about the bomb to stop it in time. Little does she know that that one action opened an inevitable Pandora's box for herself. People begin suffering from mysterious ailments, and the dangerous and rebellious Ethan seems to be the only one she can suddenly depend on when her powers suddenly stop. What's the cause of the change, and can Nara fix it in time?

I'm incredibly selective with the self-published books I choose to review these days, and it must be said that I've been entirely certain as of late that I've heard every spin on the paranormal young adult genre that there could possibly be. Brightest Kind of Darkness proved me wrong in the best possible way. The story was solid and strong, alive with fast-paced action, heart-pounding suspense and a plot that grips you from start to finish. Author P.T. Michelle has proven her merit with an incredibly well-written novel that's rife with tension, rich with full-bodied and relatable characters and a story that is so original that it's certain to make a name for itself in the genre.

I kid you not when I say that Brightest Kind of Darkness is one of the best reads I've had thus far this year. Nara was a true heroine - honest and brave, strong and fierce and incredibly passionate about life and holding fast to her gift. She wasn't popular, but she wasn't a loner. She was resilient, and she was kind; very much the type of person you would want to be friends with. Likewise, Ethan was every bit the dangerously delicious bad-boy, however, he wasn't a cliche. There was a darkness around his character, but the same could be said for Nara, and when the two connected, there became light. Their love is power, but it's also beautiful and pure, which is a rarity in a genre overrun by insta-love. It took time to develop and grow, and the plot served to foster it throughout. Brightest Kind of Darkness used two very powerful and very tangible characters to shine through a fast-paced plot. Nara's actions set the stage for a runaway train of suspense and mystery, but the twists and turns kept the story and characters fresh and alive throughout. Brightest Kind of Darkness plays off the idea that every action must have an equal and opposite reaction, which is terrifying and utterly mesmerizing. In essence, the book proves to us that Fate is real, and it is not to be tampered with.

All in all, Brightest Kind of Darkness absolutely blew me away. Fresh and alluring, it's sure to find a place in every book lover's TBR. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I can't recommend it enough to all fans of YA fiction, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance stories.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Lightbringer
Author: K.D. McEntire
Publisher: PYR
Publish Date: November 15, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 300
Source: Publisher

The Never is a place of greys, a world a breath beyond our own, layered just past the memories of yesterday and the fleeting present moment. It is here, in this dismal limbo, that ghosts such as Piotr, Lily, and Elle must sort out an existence, both protecting the children called Lost and themselves from the walking darkness that is the army of rotting Walkers.

Caught between her duty to her calling as the Lightbringer and her concern for her new ghostly friends, Wendy must walk the line between the two worlds, aiding Piotr in his fight against the Walkers as well as searching out the wandering soul of the one who means the most to her. Time, however, is running out and in the end... who will she choose?

Wendy lives in a world that exists right within our reach, yet infinitely far, as we have never known of its actual existence. It's in this world that Wendy, a Lightbringer, follows her destiny and legacy to guide lost spirits into the light and into peace. But when the spirit of Wendy's mother goes missing, Wendy is determined to find out where she has gone and help her find peace. In the same breath, Piotr is having his own problems - his spirit children are being kidnapped, and he doesn't know why. Wendy and Piotr might need to team up to fight the dark forces at play, but there is always a choice. Do either of the two have the strength to make the right choice?

Lightbringer is one of those novels that's nearly hidden in utter obscurity due to the sheer volume of titles entering the paranormal young adult market today. It's a shame, however, because Lightbringer is a hidden gem of complexity that completely envelops the reader in a world entirely different yet wholly tangible for the reader. Debut author, K.D. McEntire has created a mesmerizing and haunting tale rich with engaging characters, tense adventures and a guiding theme of love and trust that seals the deal for the story. Lightbringer might not be a name you have heard of before, but it is one that will surely be passed forward if you give it a chance.

Lightbringer presented a dynamic and realistic protagonist in Wendy. She was strong and capable, albeit perhaps a bit abrasive at times, but then again, who doesn't have their moments. Despite the character flaw, it made Wendy accessible to me and, though she was extremely strong-willed and temperamental, it made me want to find out her motives even more. Likewise, Piotr was an engrossing character, fully-fleshed out and capbable in his own right. Though leagues different from Wendy, the connection between the two was undeniable, and their traits played off one another well. The world of Lightbringer is the true beauty of the novel though. There was such a strong theme of mythology woven throughout that it almost made me believe that the stories of these Lightbringers might very well be true. That's a skill in and of itself. There were a few minor flaws of note in the story - namely the character of Elle who, honestly, felt very false and foreign to me, and the lack of true presence of Wendy's father. Lightbringer redeems itself with a villain, however, that is repulsive, grotesque and so foul that I almost couldn't stomach reading about it. That's how creatively vile the character was.

Overally, Lightbringer was a solid, entertaining read that I'm sure I will read again. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories involving ghosts.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Carrier of the Mark
Author: Leigh Fallon
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

Megan is no stranger to being the new girl, but this time, she's the new girl at school, the new girl in town and the new girl in a new country. Everything's different this time, despite the fact that it's yet another fresh start for Megan and her father. This time, she feels at home. This time, Megan feels like Ireland might just be calling to her. She finds friends, and she finds a place for herself, and she finds herself oddly attracted to the attractive Adam DeRís who, despite her outgoing personality, seems to have a strange reaction to her presence in Ireland. But the more she learns about Adam, his sister Aine, and his brother Rian, the more questions she has. Is it worth getting to know Adam, or is it too dangerous? Either way, Ireland is beginning to awaken her destiny.

Carrier of the Mark is an intoxicating tale that whisks the reader away to the lush, verdant landscape of Ireland and immerses them in the warm, breathtakingly beautiful and richly historic culture. Debut author Leigh Fallon lends her considerable firsthand knowledge of Ireland to the story and presents a story that is certain to find a niche in the vast young adult market today. With an intriguing premise, a full cast of characters that help drive the story and a fresh take on the paranormal genre, Carrier of the Mark is an inviting and easily-read tale. Alive with mysterious powers and a soaring love story, it's sure to please.

That said though, my review of Carrier of the Mark is a difficult one for me to write, in part because the author is one of the sweetest women ever. That said, I had some pretty major qualms with Carrier of the Mark. First of all, I read the first two chapters, and all I could think was that the book was exactly in the same vein of Twilight. Now, I understand that plots are easily intermingled for a successful story, but it felt overly formulaic and, had I replaced just a few names in the story, I would easily have believed I was reading Twilight. Furthermore, the insta-love between Megan and Adam developed with little to no real drama, and I desperately wanted to feel some tension that was just lacking. Carrier of the Mark began to pick up a bit when the paranormal elements came into play, but they were developed in a bit of a tricky manner. The nature of the powers described in Carrier of the Mark were fascinating, to be sure, but the revelation and information regarding them felt more like an informational dumb than a developing plot arc. The characters in Carrier of the Mark were shadows of awesomeness, if that makes sense. For example, Rian could easily have stolen the show with his fiery temper and demeanor, but he was merely a two-dimensional representation of rebellion. Megan, as a protagonist, should have been able to carry the story but, unfortunately, I felt that she wasn't strong enough to carry a weighted plot that was unbalanced, though promising.

All in all, Carrier of the Mark shows a tremendous atmount of promise for the author, but I wasn't completely satisfied. Perhaps I've read too many books, but I just expect more. I will say that there weren't too many loose ends at the end, and it was nice to feel a decent conclusion. I give it a 3 out of 5 for a promising premise and the intoxicating setting, and I'd recommend it to fans of young adult novels and paranormal stories. Fans of Twilight are sure to enjoy it.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Liesl & Po
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: MG, Paranormal, Fantasy
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

Liesl's young, but she's already had a difficult life. Losing her father at a tender young age, she's forced by her stepmother to spend her days locked in a cramped attic alone. She wants nothing more than to see her father one last time and to tell him that she loves him, but she's all alone...until she meets Po. Po is unlike anyone she's ever met before. He's just a boy, but he's a ghost and Liesl dares to feel that glimmer of hope that she might be able to get a message to her father. But when she and Po finally dare to venture beyond the attic doors, one major mistake by the mysterious boy across the street is about to send their adventure in a whole new direction.

Honestly, I have a bit of a thing for middle grade fiction. Do I read a lot of it? Not really, but that's simply because I'm picky about those I choose to read. Liesl & Po had a premise that captivated me from the start. Reminiscent of the dark and twisting tales from the Brothers Grimm, Liesl & Po sends the reader on a fantastic journey into worlds beyond our own. Veteran author, Lauren Oliver, has tackled a new genre with ease, providing an adventurous book teeming with larger than life characters, a seriously delicious plot and an overriding theme of love, family and friends.

Have you ever read a book with divergent plot arcs that somehow slowly manage to weave together throughout the story into one utterly spellbinding conclusion? If not, Liesl & Po will truly be a treat for you. The beauty of the story was that each plot art was fleshed out, giving you access to Liesl, Po and Will from start to finish. Because there was so much action and so much happening in Liesl & Po, it would have been easy to lose the reader in mundane details, but the story balanced the issue with ease, giving you bits and pieces and stringing you along. The characters, too, were fresh and engaging. Perfectly age-appropriate, Liesl is a bundle of love and innocence. Likewise, Po complements her with his honesty and compassion, and Will balances the two with touches of heartfelt humour. Together, the companionship between the characters was pure and unadulterated - giving the reader a true middle grade experience. Furthermore, Liesl & Po features superb writing. Sweet and simple, barring superfluous details and excess prose. Liesl & Po takes a minimalist approach, heightens it with a soaring plot and gives the reader everything they wanted and more. The only things I would have changed were some elements that I found a bit too predictable, and there were a small few questions that lingered at the end, which I wish could have been resolved.

All in all though, Liesl & Po was a heartwarming and fantastic addition to the market. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of MG fiction, especially those who enjoy paranormal and adventure stories. This book is also appropriate for both boys and girls.

I received this ARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Anna Dressed in Blood
Author: Kendare Blake
Publisher: Tor
Publish Date: August 30, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 316
Source: Publisher

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

Cassius Theseus Lowood is as unusual as his name implies. The only son of a white witch and a ghost hunter, Cas inherited his strange trade at the tender age of fourteen when his father was brutally murdered by the ghost he was hunting. Now, while other kids his age are thinking about college, Cas is armed with an atheme and preparing to meet the most dangerous ghost he may ever meet. Her name is Anna, and the white dress she was murdered in over fifty years ago is stained with her own blood. Cas has been planning it for a long time, but the time has come. Daring to enter Anna's domain is one thing. Expecting to come out alive is another. But Cas and Anna have a lot more than blood and vengeance in common though.

It's no secret that I'm a fan of horror (even if I do have to watch the aforementioned horror movies with my ears plugged so I'm not as terrified.) Truthfully though, books that are dark, or slightly unhinged, or perhaps just tinged with the macabre are books that I seek and don't often find. Anna Dressed in Blood, however, wholeheartedly fit all my criteria. Author Kendare Blake has written an inspired debut that is bone-chillingly gruesome and graphic, all the while spellbinding you with rich, vivid and breathtaking prose that mesmerizes you and keeps you transfixed. With an intense and action-packed plot and a story that very well leaps from the pages, Anna Dressed in Blood is sure to captivate even the most reluctant horror fan.

Anna Dressed in Blood was a bit of a mystery from the start. Cas's fate was sealed when his father died. He knew he wanted to avenge his father's death, and he wanted to carry on his father's legacy by dispatching the angry dead who haunt their former haunts. His life is a maze of complexities though. He's balancing an attempt at teenage normalcy as instructed by his mother, all the while attempted to banish the most gruesome ghost he's ever encountered. His anger is acrid, and his fear is tangible, but so is his heart. Then there's Anna. Anna, was a million things at once, making her a character that I loved and feared throughout Anna Dressed in Blood. The visual of Anna in her bloodstained dress is gory, as his her daunting reputation, but the beauty of her character is that she was equal parts a murderer and a victim. She's a vicious killing machine, but there are shreds of the little girl she once was underneath her morbid facade. The relationship between Anna and Cas in Anna Dressed in Blood is going down as one of the most memorable I've read in a very long time. The combination of Cas's wit and sarcasm met head-to-head with Anna's vengeful, yet captivating demeanor was a web that slowly unravels, but keeps you guessing until the very end. Above all else though, Anna Dressed in Blood is a perfect blend of shock value and utter entertainment, offering both the best of horror and the best of character-driven plots.

Anna Dressed in Blood is one of those rare books with near-perfect execution. Flawlessly engaging and original, it's sure to be on my list of re-reads for a very long time. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all YA fans, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories and ghost stories. Fans of the television show, Supernatural, are sure to love this book.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: The Faerie Ring
Author: Kiki Hamilton
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publish Date: September 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Historical, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

Tiki lives in a world of extremes. While Victorian London is alive with colour, hustle and bustle for those with plenty, those without are forced to live in the slums and do whatever they can to scrape by. An orphan and alone, Tiki is the latter, as is her "family" in Charing Cross - a whole group of orphans working to pick pockets and make enough to live day to day. But even so, money is scare, times are hard and Tiki never knows when her little bit of luck will run out. Then she happens upon the ring; a mysterious and beautiful ring belonging to the Queen, and she is presented with two choices. She can keep the ring and return it for the reward money, or she can venture further into a world of shaky alliances between humans and vengeful fey. Either way, Tiki's life is about to change forever, and she might not be who she thought she was.

Faerie stories are hit or miss for me. I'm not the type who loves glittering faeries born to be tedious little tricksters. Rather, I like my fey to be a bit heinous, a bit mad and whole lot dark and nasty. The Faerie Ring more than easily obliges all my criteria. Author Kiki Hamilton may have very well accomplished the impossible with The Faerie Ring, merging a young adult historical story with the paranormal. Two difficult genres to blend, The Faerie Ring brings the two together in a potent and intoxicating story of truth, dignity and the right to survive at all costs. Battle lines are easily drawn in The Faerie Ring, but peace is the more difficult path, and the tension, compassion and mystery overflow throughout the story.

Tiki is one of the most lovable and engaging heroines that I've read in a while. Right from the start, though she's strong and resilient, you can feel her anger at her situation. Though it simmers lightly below the surface, part of the beauty of The Faerie Ring was that you can sense that she will eventually reach her boiling point, and you're simply waiting to find out when. Despite her circumstances though, Tiki's love for her fellow orphans in Charing Cross was abundant, and the feeling left me feeling comforted by the sense that there was a rock for her charcter no matter where the action took us. In regards to the action, The Faerie Ring was a complete rollercoaster. Fast and furious, the plot is a whirlwind, sweeping us through Victorian London, all the while letting us taste the gritty air, view the extravagance of the wealthy and feel the acrid hatred between the humans and the fey. The transition between historical fiction and paranormal elements was flawless. The two were intertwined in a way that one would be incomplete without the other, which is a feat in and of itself. Furthermore, the full cast of characters in The Faerie Ring were wholly enmeshed in the ever-moving plot, driving it in the right direction from start to finish. I do have to say that Reiker was the one character that, though awesome, confused the heck out of me. I never knew what I was going to get from him, and I'll be honest and say I still had some questions at the end.

The Faerie Ring is a meticulous blend of all the elements of a great story - characters, plot and writing. Entertaining and engrossing from start to finish, it will have you guessing throughout. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA fiction, historical fiction and paranormal.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Witch Eyes
Author: Scott Tracey
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: September 8, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 332
Source: Publisher

Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain.

After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. As rival family heads Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe desperately try to use Braden's powers to unlock Belle Dam's secrets, Braden vows never to become their sacrificial pawn. But everything changes when Braden learns that Jason is his father--and Trey, the enigmatic guy he's falling for, is Catherine's son.

To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves.

Braden possesses an incredible and unfathomable gift, though to him, it's more of a curse. The Witch Eyes are all-seeing, allowing him to see the truth of the world around him - an enviable talent - but one that is accompanied by blinding headaches, bloody noses and blackouts. The Witch Eyes have Braden on the run though, and he escapes to Belle Dam to find a future and master his gifts while saving his uncle. But Braden's gift is legendary, and he is caught between two feuding families vying for his favour. Enter Trey, a son of the feuding family, and you've got the icing the trifecta - power, greed and love. But will Braden learn to master the Witch Eyes in time, or will he lose his future, as well as the one he loves?

I've been captivated by the premise of Witch Eyes from the first moment I read it. There's something about witches and powers and family feuds that gets my heart racing, and Witch Eyes more than promised it all and, thankfully, delivered. Scott Tracey gives readers a thrill ride from start to finish with a captivating opening line that gets your pulse racing and a closing line that leaves you breathless for more. Perfectly balancing wit, darkness and a hauntingly descriptive prose, Witch Eyes gives us the best of all worlds in one mesmerizing tale of love, loss and the search for the truth in oneself and the world around us.

Belle Dam, in and of itself, was a character in Witch Eyes, and I have to say how much I love when a setting comes alive in a book and sings through the pages to draw the reader in. The rich darkness surrounding the town was alive with mystery, and just when I thought I had the secrets figured out, I was thrown for yet another loop. Then there are the actual characters. Braden was truly tangible. He had a perception about the world that rang true and really enhanced the nature of his gift. That said, he had just enough cleverness to offset the possibility of his character becoming too perceptive, or too high-brow. The war between the families was bitter, and the bad blood within Witch Eyes was palpable. Every page was written with an elegant but terse manner, lending a sense of foreboding and unease without smashing us over the head with the whole "something bad is coming" bit. Witch Eyes was also unique in the sense that it features a gay male protagonist - something this genre doesn't feature too often. The hints of love were truthful and pure, honest and believable. The angst, though present, lurked in the background of the story, and let the true emotions and perceptions of the characters carry the story. Most of all though, it must be said that Witch Eyes was well-written. Every detail had a purpose, every character played a part and every single word meant something. That, in and of itself, is a true success.

Witch Eyes surpassed my already high expectations, and it is definitely a book I will re-read. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, only lowered slightly because that ending just crushed me, and cliffhangers kill me long after I finish a book. I highly recommend this to all fans of YA fiction, especially those who enjoy paranormal and LGBT stories.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: A Temptation of Angels
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Dial BYR
Publish Date: March 20, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormalm HistFic
Pages: TBA

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility.

Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

First off, I'm a huge fan of Michelle Zink. She's an incredible author. Second of all, seriously? Look at that cover for A Temptation of Angels. I'm in lust with how dark and haunting it is. Plus, I really think I could love this take on angels. It sounds twisty and dark with a touch of something that's not quite right or good. Honestly, this one has all the makings for an incredible book, and I can't freaking wait to read it. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: The Fallen Star
Author: Jessica Sorenson
Publisher: Self-published
Publish Date: April 7, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 449
Source: Author

For eighteen year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. Up until recently, she has been incapable of feeling emotion. And when she's around Alex, the gorgeous new guy at school, she can feel electricity that makes her skin buzz. Not to mention the monsters that haunt her nightmares have crossed over into real-life.

But with Alex seeming to hate her and secrets popping up everywhere, Gemma's life is turning into a chaotic mess. Things that shouldn't be real suddenly seem to exist. And as her world falls apart, figuring out the secrets of her past becomes a matter of life and death.

Gemma's life has always been strange, but lately things are changing from strange to just plain alarming. She's used to feeling nothing, and yet now her emotions begin to creep up on her with a tickling, unsettling sensation every time Alex is around. But her nightmares are beginning to haunt her in daylight and her emotions are overwhelming her everywhere she turns. A part of her wants to figure things out, but the rest of her longs for the simplicity of her former invisibility. Can she figure out what's happening her before these transformations and uncovered secrets become deadly?

Let me preface my review by saying that I'm a true fan of indie authors. I love the idea that true genius doesn't have to be represented by some huge name to be amazing. The Fallen Star is a book brimming with creativity and promise, creating a intriguing and fresh world. Author Jessica Sorenson clearly did her due diligence when planning out The Fallen Star. It's a world that's interesting and accessible and will definitely find a niche for paranormal readers everywhere. Balancing a tricky plot with a host of intricate characters, The Fallen Star offers a thrill ride for those seeking a twist on the old paranormal with hints of the new.

It's tricky to review a book like The Fallen Star because I truly mean it when I say that the author and the book have potential. I really enjoyed the creativity involved in the actual premise and setup of the book, but I will say that my main issue with The Fallen Star was the execution of the novel, unfortunately. The fact of the matter is that this is a book that makes the reader work to find the action and then, ultimately, fails to give some sort of adequate resolution. While I understand it's a part of a series, I like books to stand on their own, and the ending of The Fallen Star sounded more like a chapter than that of a novel. In a novel that's precariously close to 500 pages, I would like to get into the thick of the action before nearly a third of the book is done. My other major issue with the book was the editing or lack thereof. I can overlook some spelling errors, and heck, I can overlook some grammar, but the pages were, unfortunately, littered with errors that were actually detrimental to my ability to follow the plot. My last real issue was, simply, that I often felt Gemma was talking more to the reader than to the other characters in the book, and it felt jarring.

Now, I'm by no means saying that The Fallen Star is a bad book. It shows promise for the author, and I'm sure it will find its niche and home on many a reader's shelf. However, it just didn't work as well as I'd hoped for me. I give it a 2.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal trilogies.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Shattered Souls
Author: Mary Lindsay
Publisher: Philomel
Published: December 8, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 336

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

There haven't been too many paranormal books that have really struck me as original lately, but when I saw the cover for Shattered Souls and read the premise, I was completely sold. There's hints of love, a twisty darkness to it and an awesome-sounding plot. This one is a definite must-read for me! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: The Near Witch
Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: August 2, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal Fantasy
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Lexi lives in a Near, a town much like any small town. Nestled on the edge of the forest, it offers quaint simplicity, family values and a charm all its own. But Near has mysteries of its own. Stories of the wind and secrets of a dark presence and past linger on the lips of the town, and when they become reality and children start disappearing from their beds at night, reality sets in. The townsfolk want their children back, and when a strange new boy appears in town, it becomes easy to find an unfamiliar face to blame. Lexi isn't sure it's quite that simple though, and she won't stop at anything to find the real truth in Near.

Every so often, there is an author and a book that blows your mind with the elegance and grace in which a story is told. The Near Witch is that book. Perhaps it's not an entirely unheard of idea, and perhaps you might be tired of the same-old, same-old, but Victoria Schwab has proven with The Near Witch that even a familiar story can become something new and improved. With a stunning, lyrical and almost poetic voice, The Near Witch gives a flawless, picture-perfect image of a town lost in the clutches of an unknown force, while ultimately teaching the reader about love, truth and the true nature of fear.

I still have so many thoughts running through my head that it's going to be hard to paint an accurate portrayal of the beauty of The Near Witch. The characters, first and foremost, were probably the most eloquent aspect of the book for me. Lexi was the perfect protagonist - headstrong and honour-bound with a voice she wasn't afraid to raise. Cole, likewise, balanced her with a quiet, honest demeanor and a cross of his own to bear. The Near Witch did an interesting thing with the secondary characters though. Rather than giving us a plethora of well-defined characters, The Near Witch gave us a host of secondary characters that were more like sketches until their actions filled in the blanks and brought them to life. That, in a nutshell, is how the plot wove its way through the story. Effortlessly balancing a creepy undertone that seamlessly blends with a sweet, believable romance, as well, The Near Witch pretty much epitomizes perfection. The most important thing to mention is that The Near Witch resonates with reality despite the unrealistic elements. There is an ultimate basis of the truth of human nature in the story that is real, accessible and (at times) edge-of-your-seat creepy.

All in all, I was completely blown away by The Near Witch. I expected a good read, but this was far better than I'd anticipated, and Victoria Schwab has easily edged into my top ten favourite authors. I give it a 5 out of 5 (6, if I could), and I would highly recommend it to both fans of YA and adult books, especially those who enjoy paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction because there are elements of each.

I received this ARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.