Originally Reviewed at Witchmag's Boekenplank
This book has everything this girl could ever want. It has a terrific story, interesting and amusing characters, fantastic world-building, paranormal activities and a great protagonist in the form of a real down-to-earth girl. The cherry on the top was the totally adorable male protagonist. Kale is just too adorable for words and so innocent. The way he looks at the world, like he’s never seen it before, it makes you think twice about every day stuff. He’s also capable of asking the most embarrassing questions, without realizing. I really pitied Dez at the moment, cause how will you explain? And don’t forget the joy with which he discovers new things! *sigh* I was a puddle of goo after only a few pages in and ready to hurt anybody who dared hurting him. This bond only grew deeper as I got to know him more. *sigh* May he be always be this innocent, cute and funny!
I liked Dez a lot too. Not as much as Kale (sorry, but who can win against an innocent handsome guy with a trauma?), but she, too, has her good points. Mainly being a kick-ass heroine. Something I don’t see that much in YA. Sorry, let me phrase this a bit better: a kick-ass heroine who DOESN’T do the most idiotic things I’ve ever seen. Indeed a are sight to behold! Even though I’d preferred she beat a bit more through the bush and has a bit more patience, she’s capable of seeing the consequences of her actions. To think what will happen if she acts like an idiot. And she has a great sense of humor to boot!
The story itself was also a delight to read! Exactly the right amount of suspense, alternated with humor and surprising discoveries. At times the book really kept me on the edge of my seat! Mainly because time and time again it was hard to gauge the true motives of the characters in the book. Are they truly helping Dez and Kale? Or are they just pretending too? This made the story so more exciting and intriguing…
And then there was the world-building: fantastic! A world full of people with paranormal powers. An evil society bend on using those powers for their own gain. Oh what a great set up! I especially liked the detailed way the powers were depicted. There were lots of familiar powers, but also ones I’ve never heard of before. Like the man who could turn into a panda or the boy who ate fire! It was a true delight to discover all of them. What a well-thought world this was!
Conclusion
4 HEARTS. It was an amazing book with one of the most adorable and innocent guy I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. There’s also a kick-as heroine, a story that will keep you on edge and a wonderful world to discover. So what more could you want? I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal or romance and it’s a must read for lovers of both
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