Supernaturally by Kiersten White

"Oh, bleep. I was going to die."

Paranormalcy, the first book in the series, was original and fun, so I was excited to pick up the second one.

Summary: Evie finally has the normal life she's always wanted. She's attending high school (which houses her very own locker), dating her spectacular boyfriend Lend (although away at college most of the time), and even holding down a part-time job at the [greasy] diner she lives over (with a vampire).

The only problem: normal life is kind of boring.

Enter Raquel, offering a freelance job back with IPCA, the life of excitement and danger without the whole "prisoner" angle (and unfortunately without the unlimited credit).  But it's not all that she remembers as things go wrong left and right, and with the lies to her boyfriend piling up and an annoying yet gifted boy popping in via fairy doors to whisk her away to spectacular places, it's not easy balancing both worlds. And then of course there's her fairy ex-boyfriend Reth, always appearing to remind her of what she is - and what she is supposed to be. As the mystery that is Evie begins to unravel, she must discover what she truly wants. And where she truly belongs.

Reality Check: Very well written, as can always be expected from Kiersten. Evie is a great character...or was, to a point. As much as it pains me to say (and it hurts, it really hurts), I wasn't too impressed with Supernaturally. Evie was just too whiny and "woe is me" for my tastes, and even with her inevitable self-discovery I didn't feel the resolution. Where Paranormalcy shone for its unique take and voice in the paranormal genre, Supernaturally was simply about Evie's desperation to be normal - and when she couldn't be, it broke her.

The actual plot was weak and there wasn't much too it. More like necessary revelations before the finale, not a stand-alone book with its own full story arc. It was basically bits of shocking info thrown in here and there - and they were more strangely random than shocking. The "new love interest" was anything but, and Evie's devotion (read: obsession) with her boyfriend never let up. Overall I had several problem points that almost caused me to put the book down, and it was only my love for Paranormalcy that kept me reading.

Conclusion: After saying all that, I adore Kiersten and it wasn't as bad as I make it sound. I think I was just so dazzled by Paranormalcy that Supernaturally was a letdown. Perhaps Book 3 will be better? I'll read it, but I'm not holding my breath for anything spectacular.

out of 4 Paws Up (only because I adore Kiersten)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal [Romance]

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

"Felicia Miller was crying in the bathroom. Again."

I wanted to read this ages ago but forgot until I rediscovered it at the library. First book I've finished in a while.

Summary: After yet another spell goes horribly awry, Sophie is sent to Hecate Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium - witches, faeries, shapeshifters, and the odd creature of the night. There she befriends a vampire, makes three powerful enemies, contracts a futile crush on the school hottie, and has to figure out who is trying to kill off her classmates.

Reality Check: Considering I have been struggling to finish novels lately, I breezed through this one with only a few minor stutters. There is nothing really new or different about the story, characters, or even the powers system, but it's well written and a nice read.

Random Note: Rachel gets away with little to no description of the magic or school classes. While this can make it feel a little malnourished, at the same time I didn't feel particularly cheated. And I think I only noticed because I'm struggling with this problem in my own writing at the moment. Otherwise, I probably would never have noticed.

Pet Peeve: There is a cat on the cover. A black cat. I RECALL NO CAT IN THE BOOK, black or otherwise. Whoever put that cat on the cover and got my hopes up should perish, preferably at the paws of Cat Kirk. If there is one thing I really like about witches, it's the whole "cat familiar" thing. Cover Designer: YOU LET ME DOWN.

Conclusion: A nice, easy read. Already have the second book, Demon Glass, next on my reading list.

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

 out of 4 Paws Up

Her Majesty's Dog Series by Mick Takeuchi

Decided to re-read one of my favorite series. 11 volumes in all.

Summary: Amane isn't your normal teenage girl - she is a Manatsukai, able to use kotodama and control things with their name. Hyoue is her indentured demon dog guardian, who feeds on her life force in exchange for his services. To get away from her oppressive and secretive people, Amane and Hyoue move from their remote island home to her estranged Uncle's house in the city to attend regular school. But her ability to see spirits puts her in constant danger, and the secrets that her people have been hiding are even darker than she could ever imagine. And can Hyoue ever pursue his forbidden love for his oblivious master?

Reality Check: The art is soft for the face but sharp for the demons - as it should be. It's an interesting story with likeable characters. Lots of action and lots of humor, but it has its serious moments as well.

Favorite Part: The story of how Amane and Hyoue found each other. So bittersweet. *sniffle*

Conclusion: I always have a soft spot for stories with ancient themes - demons and powers all that. And forbidden love - not being able to be together is so much more romantic. I definitely recommend it.

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

 out of 4 Paws Up