Saturday, June 25, 2011

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White


Title: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Published: August 2010 by HarperTeen

My Rating: 4.5 stars
Tags: YA | Paranormal (duh) | Romance
Includes: Sensuality, Violence

First Lines: "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 exaggerated white fangs back behind his lips.



Evie works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency...or IPCA for short.
She doesn't have parents, her best friend is a mermaid, and she spends her time surrounded by werewolves, faeries, and vampires. And you wonder why this book is called Paranormalcy? Evie is also the only person who's able to see through paranormals' glamours. She can see the true beings underneath their disguises. All of a sudden, paranormal creatures are being killed and Evie quickly discovers who the murderer is actually after: her.

I think one of the many reasons why I loved this book was because of Evie's character. Her personality was so strong and unique. Sure, she was brave and confident when it came to doing her job "tagging and bagging" paranormals, but she was also fun and girly. I really liked seeing both sides to her character. Also, usually in YA urban fantasy, the main character is extremely (and sometimes unrealistically) mature and tough for their age, but Evie felt believable as a teen. One moment she'd be kicking some vampire butt, and a moment later she'd be rolling down the hallway in a spinning computer chair just for kicks. I also grew really fond of the two guys in the book - Lend and Reth. Even though Reth is the creepy/stalkerish faerie that happens to be Evie's ex-boyfriend, I still for some reason really liked the guy. I hope to see more of him in the next book.

From page 56
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 down my guard. I was so dead.


There was never a dull moment in the story. I never became bored while reading, but instead would delay going to eat dinner or go to sleep because I would insist on reading one more chapter. The author's creativity really shone through and she impressed me with her vivid writing. I loved all of the many different paranormals thrown into one book, too! It was so refreshing not reading about just the typical werewolf or vampire. This one included water nymphs, faeries like you've never seen before, hags, trolls, and a couple unidentified creatures, too. The biggest complaint for me about this book though was the villain. She. Was. Not. Scary. I'm not sure how the author wanted the reader to feel about her, but she definitely was not intimidating or threatening. If anything, I felt sorry for her. The ending was also a tad cheesy for my taste, but hey, it left room open for the sequel. Overall, this was a one-of-a-kind debut packed with action, humor, romance, and imagination. I can't bleeping wait to read the sequel!

Cover Thoughts: Beautiful! The model is gorgeous, the lighting is perfect, and it's so elegant looking. Plus, I adore that dress. However, it pretty much has nothing to do with the story..

24 comments:

  1. I've heard such great things about this book! I'm waiting for my library to stock it. Great review--the cover always intrigued me because I've heard it was "funny" book and the cover just doesn't look funny.

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  2. I absoltuely LOVED this one - I am counting down the days until Supernaturally :)

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  3. I loved Paranormalcy, I thought it was absolutely hilarious! And Evie was a great protag. Glad to see you enjoyed it - can't wait for Supernaturally!

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  4. Paranormalcy was SO good!!! So glad you enjoyed it! :) I need to read Supernaturally as soon as possible.

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  5. I agree - definitely not a dull moment to be found!

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  6. So I've been wanting to get to this one. I never have enough time to read everything I want to. I've heard it was good, but I have to admit that the first line you included in your review pulled me in.

    I's interesting that you talked about her being a regular teen. I never thought about how sometimes that aspect is lost when the characters are facing some pretty well paranormal stuff. I look forward to seeing that part of her in this book.

    Good review. =)

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  7. after hearing some phenomenal things about this book, I've finally added it to my reading list. can't wait to read it.

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  8. I have been dying to read Paranormalcy for the longest time!!! Going to have to see if they can get it for me thru our library system.

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  9. I agree, Evie's personality is a great aspect of the novel, the use of humour in the novel was also one of my other favoruite things! This was one of my favourite debuts of 2010 and I can't wait to read Supernaturally!

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  10. It was nice to see another good review about this book. I have been looking forward to read this book. The local publisher said that they were going to bring it out soon. But till now I have not heard any news. :(

    It was nice to have a great character in one book

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  11. Yup this is exactly how i felt about Paranormalcy and yeah, the villain was a bit flat on the execution. She was bossy but not terrifying but otherwise it was ok. EXCITED FOR SUPERNATURALLY!!

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  12. Great review!! I loved this book too, but I was much more Team Lend than Reth ;) Evie is such an awesome heroine and I love the fun feel of this book, plus hello dozens of cool supernatural critters! Cannot wait for the sequel!

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  13. I loved this book, mostly because I loved Evie's voice. I can't wait for Supernaturally and to see what happens to her and Lend! :)

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  14. The big bad in Paranormalcy isn't really all that bad, which didn't make me like the book any less, but it would have been cool to have this crazy bad guy/girl for Evie to go up against.

    And finally, someone else who likes Reth. I felt like I was the only person who liked him more than a little bit. Everyone else is all Lend, Lend, Lend, while I'm all Reth, Reth, Reth. I don't care if he's not exactly a good guy, there's just something about him.

    Are you dying for Supernaturally now?!

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  15. I can see what you mean about Reth. I don't like him as in 'he should totally be with Evie!' but I really think his character is fascinating. He was way scarier than the villain but... I still loved this book to death :) I can't wait for Supernaturally! Great review.

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  16. I read Paranormalcy last year but I remember that I loved Lend. He's not one of those dark, brooding guys and that was so refreshing. With Supernaturally coming out at the end of the month I'm looking forward to jumping back into the story.

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  17. I bleeping love this book too! Evie was such a refreshing character. And I liked Reth too, even though he was creepy/stalkerish. Well, I guess I was intrigued by him--I want to know more of his story. I can't wait for Supernaturally!

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  18. I loved this book. Really. I can't wait for Supernaturally to come out! Evie totally kicked butt and was an awesome lead character!

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  19. I have this book and want to read it so much. I just haven't had the chance. It sounds so good. Glad you liked it. ANd with Supernaturally coming out i guess more people will be talking about it again.

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  20. I just got this one and can't wait to read it. It sounds like a hoot.
    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

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  21. I have heard great reviews about this book. By reading your review it has really got me wanting to go out and buy it right now! I love how you include little paragraphs out of the book!
    Great review!!

    Brearne

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  22. I have heard a lot about this book, will most likely read it

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  23. My favorite part of Paranormalcy is Evie. I love her badassness and her girliness :). She has such a fun voice that I got sucked into the story! Hehe, you liked Reth? I don't, but we'll see when I read the sequel :P

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Thanks, I love what you have to say!