Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Paranormal is the norm for sixteen-year-old Evie, an orphan whose special ability to see through other paranormals' glamours sets her apart and makes her an important asset for the IPCA--the International Paranormal Containment Agency. For as long as she can remember, Evie has lived with the IPCA, catching paranormals and neutralizing them so they won't harm humans. Sure, it's not high school and crushes and a normal life, but it's a good one. But then one day a very unexpected paranormal boy shows up, and he opens her eyes to a terrifying threat. Something is killing off paranormals. And that something may be more like Evie than she would care to admit.

Kiersten White's debut novel is, to steal a phrase from Evie, bleeping fantastic. It's a perfect pick-me-up, and its upbeat attitude and ironic twists are guaranteed to make you laugh. White does an excellent job at building Evie's world, in which paranormals roam and are controlled by the IPCA (with her help), but as always, there is more than meets the eye. The character development is excellent, and both Evie and hero Lend are well drawn out and detailed characters--Evie is just so personable, it's impossible not to like her, and Lend is swoon-worthy but not untouchable guy. The antagonist isn't clearly defined at first, but as White slowly reveals more, she delves both into faerie lore and Evie's own nature, which is not only fascinating, but suspenseful. With enough twists to keep you on edge and plenty of action-packed, funny and romantic moments, White keeps the reader zipping through the pages. Though it does seem that certain details of Evie's past and her abilities are left a little hazy, Paranormalcy is a solid, lively, and totally kick-butt read.

Cover Comments: I like the darker setting contrasted with the pink of the girl's dress (which is fabulous, by the way. I can see Evie wearing it) and the fact that the model looks similar to how I imagined Evie. However, her pose and expression just aren't right. Evie is happy, upbeat, energetic, and this girl looks a little emaciated. Or sick.

Paranormalcy is out today!

ARC received from publisher.