Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Book Review ~ The Candidates

The Candidates (Delacroix Academy #1) 
By Inara Scott
Published By Hyperion Book

Summary (Goodreads): Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just...happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden.
But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies. So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome.
And then there's her mysterious new friend Jack, who can't stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what. But Dancia isn't convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her "gift" than they're letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it...But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy.

Dislikes: I think this is one of those books where my age seems to come into play. I've been out of high school as long as the main character has been alive. I don't mind stories that take place in schools as long as something is happening. This book was missing that, it seemed to be mostly classes and lunch, followed by track and homework with a little bits of Dancia's issues with her powers thrown in.  

Likes: I liked the characters, especially Dancia and Jack.  I loved the interactions between the two of them and their struggle to deal with their powers and how they work. The love triangle wasn't overdone so that was a nice surprise as well. The story did pick up in the second half and once the story of the academy and what it's real purpose was revealed.

Overall: This was a well paced book and a quick easy read. Even the parts that weren't as interesting to me were still well written. I am interested to see what happens going forward with Dancia and her power and also her relationships, both love and friendship.

Rating: 3.5

2 comments:

  1. Nice review Kristina, I had a similar reaction to this one! I really enjoyed Jack, I'm hoping we get more of him in book 2. I would have liked just a little more of the paranormal element though, it seems like that was held until the very end and then it just sort of got dumped in our laps.

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  2. Great review! I've been looking forward to this one, but, like you, at 34, it's hard for me to maintain interest in school events, lol. That's the biggest problem I have with YA sometimes!

    Kristin
    MyBookishWays

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