[Comic Sunday #12] Bleach Vol 1: Strawberry and the Soul Reapers

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Story by and Illustrations by Tite Kubo
YA Fiction – Graphic Novel, Manga, Fantasy Paranormal | 200 pages
May 4, 2004 // Shonen Jump Manga, VIZ Media

Purchased personal copy. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Hot-tempered 15-year-old Ichigo Kurosaki, the hero of the popular fantasy-adventure Bleach , has the unsettling ability to see spirits who are unable to rest in peace. His sixth sense leads him to Rukia, a Soul Reaper who destroys Hollows (soul-devouring monsters) and ensures the deceased find repose with the Soul Society. When she's injured in battle, Rukia transfers her sword and much of her power to Ichigo, whose spiritual energy makes him a formidable substitute Soul Reaper. But the orange-haired teenager isn't sure he wants the job: too many risks and moral dilemmas.

This is my first magna read and a hugely popular series (There are currently 66 books). I was inspired by Shelly from Books and Writing to pick Bleach up. So here I am!

Illustrations
Illustrations are all black and white, in a traditional magna style showing off a lot of detail. The detail pays off by displaying a wide range of emotions, tempo and character. Some of the sound effect lettering was a bit much for me taking away from the overall frame.

Story
I really, really enjoyed this story line that was broken up nicely into seven episodes. The plot line moves quickly without sacrificing the introduction of our protagonist Strawberry and gives his character depth as he explores his paranormal responsibilities. Ends on an annoying cliff hanger, like mid-scene cliff hanger. The writing style is clean and in line with teen slang. Sometimes the writing comes off as juvenile but Ichigo/Strawberry is only 15 so it's expected on some levels.

Why I'll keep reading Bleach:
I'm invested in the characters. I want to know more about Ichigo (and his family, especially his dad), Soul Reapers, Hollows, this parakeet and a whole bunch more. I'm hoping future editions keep building on the world and explain some of the paranormal rules.

To Pull or Not To Pull? What's a pull list?

PULL! I'm definitely calling my comic shop and scouring the four corners of the earth to pick up the editions that are out and have the future ones held for me. 

[Review] Compulsion by Martina Boone

Title: Compulsion
Series: The Heirs of Watson Island #1

Author: Martina Boone [ Facebook | Twitter | Website ]

Publisher: Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon and Schuster

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Southern Gothic, Fantasy – Paranormal

Release Date: October 28, 2014

Source: Personal copy, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn't what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead. - via Goodreads

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A Southern Showcase...

Martina Boone's world building of South Carolina and Southern culture is awesome and so nostalgic. I immediately felt right at home with the small town gossips, Southern royalty and random teen get togethers. The plot plays into these stereotypes to strengthen it's case of family feuds that have spanned generations. What we end up with is an awesome contemporary Southern gothic tale that sets itself up nicely for a series that spooks the sleep out of me.

There's a girl, a boy and a mean girl

Barrie, is our protagonist who has lost both her father and mother who is new to Watson Island after discovering family she never knew she had. Upon arriving she is met by her Aunt Pru and handsome neighbor boy, Eight Beaufort. She quickly learns of the Watson Island feud between her family, the Beauforts and Colesworths. Barrie's naivete is balanced with her determination and increasing discovery of her compulsion. 

Eight and Barrie immediately become friends as he escorts her around town to meet people, find out more about her mother and father, and find her Colesworth cousins. Their relationship is gradual in nature but you see it coming a mile away. Eight is smart, believably charming and comes with his own mysteries. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops as secrets are revealed, more information on the curse is discovered and their compulsions take hold.

This plot is wicked, wicked cool

Boone leads us into a local legend, one that I can't spoil for you, but it's really cool. We get the beginning of this hybrid culture curse that leads to relief and pain for Barrie. Some aspects are explained and revealed while many kinks are closely guarded as sure to become arcs for the next two books. If you enjoy history, legends, or folklore this will inspire some major Googling during your reading.

The two minor things I didn't care for...

Barrie, her name is Barrie. Ew. I had to mentally transpose her name to Bear, Eight's nickname for her to get through it. 

In the beginning Mark, Barrie's "uncle", comes off as a gay, cross dresser and then later it's revealed he's transgendered. Which then if he's transgendered, male/female, and is attracted to men then he's not gay and would use feminine pronouns (or state his preference). Barrie always refers to Mark as a male. This is purely the social justice in me but all of those things are different. So it becomes kind of muddled and it's a bit confusing. 

What I'm looking for in book two...

A lot more information!!! We've just scraped the surface regarding the shenanigans of Watson Island. I want to know all the things. 

Cannot wait! The second book Persuasion releases October 2015.

4 Stars – Oh honey, bless your heart because this is creepily awesome. 

[Waiting...] Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: Darkest Part of the Forest

Author: Holly Black

[Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Release Date: January 13, 2015

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy

Summary via Goodreads:

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

Why I'm Waiting...

There are FAE involved!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's what. FAE!!!

I love all things fae so I'm really wanting/waiting on a beautiful fantasy world and some feels. I'm curious if we get this world in combination with the contemporary world or if it's more contemporary paranormal. I guess we'll see!

I've never read Holly Black so I'm looking forward to that as well since I know she has some pretty loyal readers. 

[Blog Tour] Embers by Karen Ann Hopkins

 

There are descendants of angels walking among us. Ember is one of them. And she may be the only hope mankind has as the rapture approaches and evil rises.

Embers is an epic paranormal adventure about an eighteen year old girl who discovers that she's immune to fire and any other injury when she’s in a horrific car crash that kills her parents. Following a violent episode with her aunt's boyfriend, Ember flees Ohio to live with an old relative in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Ember's exuberance at escaping a bad home life soon turns to trepidation when she finds out that she's a Watcher, a descendant of angels. While Ember learns about her heritage and the powers that go along with it, she strikes up friendships with two young men who live in a frightening walled compound in the forest. Inexplicitly drawn to one of the men in particular, an impossible romance develops. But it is cut short when Ember discovers that her new friends are fighting on the opposite side of a war—one that’s been raging between two factions of Watchers for thousands of years. When the compound’s inhabitants threaten the townspeople, Ember takes action, sealing her fate in the ancient battle of good versus evil—and the grayness in between. Ember is up to the challenge, until she realizes that she isn’t only fighting for the lives of the locals and the souls of her new friends. She also might be one of the few champions who will make a stand for all of mankind as the rapture approaches and the end of days begin.

Embers is a dark and gritty YA novel that’s the first book in the series, The Wings of War.

About Karen Ann Hopkins

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration for the story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tending to a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.

Angels are among us...

This is my first angel-based series and I loved it! I have purposely avoided reading angel series but...

The cover is really what drew me in because I would never think of angel wings and fire combined. But, it's the end of times and this angel story is wicked cool. Karen Ann Hopkins is able to present a compelling paranormal and contemporary world where good and evil collide. I'm not talking sides, but more of internal struggles on what is right/wrong which is interesting since angels are known for their pure roles. I can't wait to see how Ember, Sawyer and the Watcher factions grow as the series continues!

Little mushy love stuff...

Thank goodness! It was so refreshing to have an awesomely strong female lead, Ember, without being propped up with an overwhelming romance. Sawyer personality is not overly desirable so the fact that they have a connection at all is shocking but you know bad boys are attractive. Hopkins gives us enough of a ship to keep it interesting but not overwhelm the reason for the story, Ember. Ember, her family history and her transformation are what is central versus sacrificing the core for all the swoons. I do foresee more relationship building as the series continues and the end nears. 

That ending though...

Say what?!?!? This girl is on fire!!!! I don't want to spoil anything but the ending has me ready for book two like... yesterday!

* Review copy provided by the author and tour operator, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

3.5 Stars – Tired of angels? Give this one a shot. Ember is fierce and there's fire involved!

Giveaway is sponsored by the tour/author.
Giveaway is open internationally for the gift card and US/Canada for the book set!

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Tour Schedule

Monday, October 20: Unabridged Bookshelf and Book Briefs

Tuesday, October 21: A Thousand Words A Million Books and Books and Things

Wednesday, October 22: Sweet Southern Home and Tween 2 Teen Book Reviews

Thursday, October 23: the unofficial addiction book fan club 

Friday, October 24: A Dream Within A Dream and Becoming Books

Monday, October 27: The Avid Reader and Lost in Ever After

Tuesday, October 28: Lose Time Reading and So Bookalicious

Wednesday, October 29: Such a Novel Idea and Reading Addict

Thursday, October 30: Curling Up With A Good Book and Coming at YA

Friday, October 31: Actin' Up with Books and To Each Their Own Reviews

Monday, November 3: GenGen's Book Blog and A Bookish Escape

Tuesday, November 4: Sassy Book Lovers and Bittersweet Enchantment

Wednesday, November 5: Nay's Pink Bookshelf and The Nocturnal Library

Thursday, November 6: The Book Faery Reviews and Bumbles and Fairy-Tales

Friday, November 7: Books in the Spotlight and Her Book Thoughts!

[Review + Giveaway!] Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Afterworlds
Author: Scott Westerfeld [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Simon Teen

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary, Fantasy - Paranormal

Release Date: September 23, 2014

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she's made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings…

Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most. - via Goodreads

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This is soooo meta...
Afterworlds is really two books combined into one. The first book is about a young girl, Darcy Patel, who has just graduated from high school with a two book publishing contract and is moving to New York City. The second "book" is Patel's novel in its final version with Lizzie as the protagonist.

It's really interesting to see how Patel's Afterworlds reflects things about happen in her life as she's begun her revisions and becomes immersed in the YA publishing world. Some are minor and some are not but no spoilers here!

The romance x2
Honestly, this was the weakest link. With Darcy and Imogen I never really connected with them. On the Lizzie and Yama side of things it's always bittersweet and really unclear. Maybe Darcy will clear that up in Patel Untitled. There are a few swoony scenes in both worlds but nothing earth shattering. I'm slightly more partial to the contemporary relationship since there's very realistic progression with a hint of nostalgia. 

Behind the scenes of YA Heaven!

While I wasn't the biggest fan of the contemporary world I did love the behind the scenes look of YA publishing. From living on one paycheck for an entire year or more to meeting other writers and their relationships with each other. There a funny trailer with other YA authors that was put together since Westerfeld may or may not be revealing some real behind the scenes of the YA world and its subsequent heaven. 

Whoa! Lizzie's world O_o

If you're a fan of paranormal with a hint of fantasy then you will love the rich world building done by Patel a la Westerfeld. Each time Lizzie would "cross over" I felt the warmth leave her body and relived her tragedy with her. Patel's Afterworlds made the whole book for me and I want more so I'm really hoping for Patel Untitled to come to life.

Fading people, fading buildings it all felt so real. Even the paranormal felt real which leads me to my next point... 

It took me FOREVER to read because I'm a wimpy pants... womp, womp! 

This is probably the slowest read, for me, ever! It took me about a month and why may you ask? Because Darcy Patel's world scares me!!!!!! I could not read about the ghosts during the day time... nope, couldn't do it! 

Recommended for...

Lovers of contemporary and paranormal readers, and of course aspiring writers. 

Check out my event recap from when Scott Westerfeld visited Raleigh, NC.

4.5 Stars - It took me forever because it was that intense!

It's giveaway time! Open to U.S. only and please check out the full rules here.

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[Waiting...] Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: Stone Cold Touch

Series: The Dark Elements #2

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
[Facebook | Twitter | Website]
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal Romance

Summary via Goodreads:

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can't get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

Why I'm Waiting...

I'm guilty... guilty of never having read Jennifer L. Armentrout!!!! However, I do own all the books in this series so I can't wait to dig in. I'm very interested in Layla's powers and a new paranormal world. I've taken a step back from paranormal lately so it'll be nice to discover a new world and some deadly (hopefully, not though) kissy scenes.

You can pre-order this read on Amazon for only $3.82. 

[Waiting on Wednesday] Sublime by Christina Lauren

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Pre-Order at The Book Depository

Title: Sublime

Author: Christina Lauren
[Facebook | Christina Twitter | Lauren Twitter |  Website]
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal Romance

Summary via Goodreads:

When Lucy walks out of a frozen forest, wearing only a silk dress and sandals, she isn’t sure how she got there. But when she sees Colin, she knows for sure that she’s here for him.

Colin has never been captivated by a girl the way he is by Lucy. With each passing day their lives intertwine, and even as Lucy begins to remember more of her life—and her death—neither of them is willing to give up what they have, no matter how impossible it is. And when Colin finds a way to physically be with Lucy, taking himself to the brink of death where his reality and Lucy’s overlap, the joy of being together for those brief stolen moments drowns out everything in the outside world. But some lines weren’t meant to be crossed…

Why I'm Waiting...

That cover!!! I have absolute cover lust for Sublime with it's spooky ghost-like girl luring in a man.

I'm really excited to read this YA paranormal from Christina Lauren. Christina Lauren are a bestselling duo known for their steamy scenes in New Adult and Adult romance. I want to see how this translates in their YA debut.

Now I must sit and wait on all the swoons and feels (not to mention what I feel is impending heartbreak) that are bound to accompany this read!

[Review] Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

Buy from the Book Depository

Title: Sinner
Series: Companion to Wolves of Mercy Falls series

Author: Maggie Stiefvater [ Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Website]

Publisher: Scholastic Books

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary Paranormal, Romance

Release Date: July 1, 2014

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Sinner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret -- his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved?
– from Goodreads

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Cole has landed in Los Angeles to film a new web TV show about his return to rock music and to find Isabel. The actual plot line is not unique but it becomes an endearing story with some perfectly broken characters who allow us to forget the paranormal and focus on the relationships Stiefvater has built.  

Which brings us to Cole, oh sweet dear Cole... you come with some demons son! Plagued by a lifetime (and lifetime ago) worth of guilt over the deaths of close friends, drug use, and playing rock star, Cole is determined to pull himself together to win the love of his life and play real music. Cole experiences some real growing pains while strategically playing his cards. One of the main things that drew me to him is that he's not nearly as stupid as people think. He's aware of his abilities to charm the pants off the public and when to get the heck out of there. He's funny, mostly honest, feels pain... basically he's the perfect unperfect emo boy. 

But my heart lies with Isabel. Sinner is told in duel POVs and I instantly latched to Isabel's voice. She's rather unlikeable to be honest and therein is where the like-ability lies. She is still recovering from her last Cole escapades, the crumbling marriages of those around her, and navigating her future hopes of med school. There are moments she makes crap decisions and jumps to quick conclusion, which led to me yelling at the book like a crazy person. But when it counts, this girl is solid and fierce, and that makes her real. 

One of the connections Cole makes is with a driver named Leon. I don't think I have ever hearted a secondary character so hard. Leon is the ultimate sounding board and most unlikely of friends for a rock star. In the end they both have grown, as well as my love for the lot of them.

To be clear if you're expecting lots of werewolf action you'll be mildly disappointed. I must confess, I did not read the Wolves of Mercy Falls (Shiver) series prior to Sinner, so I'm not sure about the normal level of wolf-ness built into the stories. However, compared to other paranormal reads this stands out from the pack. The wolf is not what it seems.

Why I'll be reading this again...

I can't stop thinking about Cole's journey. His struggle with finding internal balance, his love for Isabel and his love for music are still with me. 

4 Stars – Not a whole lot of wolf but plenty of angst and lust to make up for it!

Bonus: This is the first book I've ever gone out of my way to pre-order for the perks! Just check out the artwork done by no other than Maggie! 

Comic Sunday #6: The Hollows by Amanda Hocking

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

The Hollows
by Amanda Hocking
[Twitter | Facebook | Website]
Illustrated by Steve Uy – Adapted by Tony Lee
Graphic Novel, 256 pages (Part 1, 26 pages) //  July 8, 2014

Recommended for ages 16+ 
Part 1 of 10 is currently free on Amazon. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Synopsis via Amazon: 

It's Day One as a new pandemic sweeps the globe, and all over the world people are turning into mindless zombies. But for five people - siblings Remy and Max King, med student Blue Adams, rockstar Lazlo Durante and teenager Harlow Smith - it's the start of a journey that they can never return from! Learn for the first time how the characters of HOLLOWLAND started their journeys as we go back to the very beginning of the story! Dynamite Entertainment proudly presents Amanda Hocking's The Hollows: A Hollowland graphic novel.

My thoughts:

I haven't read the entire graphic novel because it's not out yet! However, part one is currently free on Amazon. I'm really excited about reading the entire novel after flying through and re-reading the first 26 pages. We're introduced to an entire cast while the storyline slowly unfolds. The world has already been living with the infected or zombies for some time. Enough time for laws to be made. We see each character's interactions with the zombies as they prepare their next moves. The artwork is done in a western style with hints of the manga style's hard lines. Each frame is action packed and filled with emotion. Part one has left me with a major cliffhanger so I can't wait for the complete graphic novel to come out!

I would suggest this read if you're a fan of zombies and are looking for something slightly lighter than The Walking Dead. Also if you're a fan of graphic novels adapted from a traditional novel. 

What is your favorite graphic novel of all time?

[Review] The Impostor by Susanne Winnacker

Buy from the Book Depository

Title: Imposter
Series: Variants #1

Author: Susanne Winnacker [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Books

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary Mystery, Paranormal

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Source: Personal copy, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Summary via Goodreads:

Tessa is a Variant, able to absorb the DNA of anyone she touches and mimic their appearance. Shunned by her family, she’s spent the last two years training with the Forces with Extraordinary Abilities (FEA), a secret branch of the FBI. When a serial killer rocks a small town in Oregon, Tessa is given a mission: she must impersonate Madison, a local teen, to find the killer before he strikes again.

Tessa hates everything about being an impostor—the stress, the danger, the deceit—but loves playing the role of a normal girl. As Madison, she finds friends, romance, and the kind of loving family she’d do anything to keep. Amid action, suspense, and a ticking clock, this super-human comes to a very human conclusion: even a girl who can look like anyone struggles the most with being herself.

If you're a paranormal or science fiction fan you need to read this! The plot moves quickly, the characters are relatable, and it'll keep you guessing until the end. 

Plot

The FEA is pretty similar to X-Men but this is definitely it's own story as Tessa brings us into their world as a new agent. She's kind of like Mystique except she's normal human looking in her natural form. There are some other world building rules that differentiate the two as well. The concept may not be 100% unique but I'm 100% buying it.

The page count is less than 300 hundred and dances between driving a mystery plot forward while setting up the character development, the series conflict arc and world building necessary for the future books. I really appreciated that information was not stacked on in clumps but instead sprinkled throughout the pages, revealing itself when needed but not in an overly convenient manner. 

While I tried to guess who the serial killer was I was constantly proven wrong. I found this refreshing since I'm usually able to guess the killer and/or motive long before the end. The setting up of the character's relationships made this all possible... 

Characters

Using the modern world Susanne Winnacker creates imperfect characters for a really awesome story. 

I loved the mystery, the superpowers and all of Tessa's flaws. Like any teenager she has growing up to do. Unfortunately she's not in a situation where a lot of latitude is given to make mistakes, or growing pains if you will. Instead she has a crush on her best guy friend, is placed in her first field assignment before it's time, and is having problems with her Variation and conscience. I say she handles all of these changes fairly well. Some of my favorite scenes are interactions between her as Maddison and Maddison's family. 

The secondary characters in Madison's life prove to be tricky and not everything is as it seems. In fact one of the most shocking parts were the unraveling of who Madison really was through Tessa. A faithful sister, girlfriend, best friend, ex-girlfriend? 

Alec is the object of Tessa's affection, a bit older, mysterious and totally swoon worthy. He's also hiding something about his relationship with his girlfriend Kate and knowledge he has about the case. Unfortunately in book one we only get the answer to one of these questions. It's his connection to Tessa that makes this mystery novel a thriller as he works hard to protect her, always.

Tessa's ability to shape shift into other people is not perfect, she's human. You can understand the conflicts she faces with Alec, her duty to the FEA, her abandonment issues, and her own self-discovery. I cannot wait to see what happens next to the FEA crew in book two.

Fav Quote

Sometimes I wasn't sure what was real and what was merely the result of wishful thinking. Sometimes I didn't want to know.
- Tessa, page 182

4 Stars –  It's the authentic elements that had me invested in Tessa and the mystery arc that kept me turning the pages quickly.

Check out my review of Defector,
book two of the Variant series, on June 26!