Paranormalcy by Kiersten White Series: Paranormalcy #1
Published by HarperTeen (8.31.2010)
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Format: Paperback, 335 pages
Source: I own it
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Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours.
But Evie's about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
So much for normal.
My thoughts
I loved Evie! She was realistic and easy to relate to, and she possessed a bit of a sarcastic streak that made me giggle many times. And did I mention she carried around a pink taser?
I liked the minor characters, too. Lend was fabulous! He was sweet, and his ability was freaking awesome. Although Raquel wasn’t an ideal parent, she did a pretty good job raising Evie. Even if she was a bit too practical at times (read: boring). Plus she practically communicated with sighs…one sigh would equal an entire sentence to Evie. It was amusing!
I really liked Lish (Evie’s mermaid best friend) and Arianna (sarcastic vampire roommate), too.
The chapter names cracked me up! Names such as OH BITE ME, FAERLY STUPID, and HAVE A BLEEP BLEEP DAY. Oh, and my personal favorite: DUMBBELLS, BOYS, AND OTHER DENSE THINGS.
I’ve read plenty of paranormal books, but this one stands out. The take on vamps and werewolves is traditional, but the IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agency) was what made it different. I’ve read books where the paranormals are seen as celebrities, ones where they keep to themselves and stay in hiding, and many other views….but never one where they were hunted and imprisoned. It’s not exactly humane, but they’re seen as being lesser than humans. I loved how in the beginning, Evie just did her job (bagging and tagging) and didn’t think anything of it; just that she was keeping possible killers off of the streets. But as the story progressed, she started to see that the paranormals are people too, and they deserve rights as much as the humans.
Oh, bleep. Guess it’s time for book two! :)
“Why does everyone keep asking me that?” Seriously, did I look like some kind of psycho assassin? Maybe it was the pink sneakers. Or the heart earrings?
Overall Assessment
Plot: 3.5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World-building: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
I read this awhile ago and gave it the exact same rating! Great review and I also can’t wait to read endlessley :)
Alex @ Possession of Books
I still haven’t read this series…but I have heard great things about it. And after your review it definitely got bumped up on my TBR list! Thanks for the lovely Review! :D
~ Maida @ Literary Love Affair
I found this series surprisingly really good! There’s a giveaway for Endlessly on The AP Book Club right now.
http://theapbookclub.blogspot.com/2012/09/pauls-endlessly-review-and-giveaway.html
I’ve been interested in this book but I haven’t got the chance to read it yet. Thanks for your review!
I loved Paranormalcy! It was way too much fun! Great review!
Debz @ Debz Bookshelf
Ever since I saw the cover to this one, I was immediately enthralled. Although, I haven’t read Paranormalcy yet, but it really looks like something worth reading!
This was my favorite book in the series. I’m glad you enjoyed it just as much the second time around! :)
Evie was adorable! I’m not fond of young characters, but she knew how to capture me. Lend was great and I love the writing style. Great review.