Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Harperteen, 2010. ISBN 9780061985843.
(Age 14+) Evie has always thought that she was a normal teenager even though she was employed by The International Paranormal Containment Agency to track down paranormals and bring them for rehabilitation. She can see through the glamour that hides them from normal people so she is invaluable to the agency. When Lend, a young paranormal who can take on the shape of anyone around him, is caught at the agency, Evie is intrigued and glad to get to know someone her age. However a dark faerie prophecy promises death to those who have paranormal powers and Evie, with the help of Lend, must overcome this threat.
White infuses the story with humour and well as darkness and this makes it stand out from other paranormal stories. Evie is smart and has a wonderful turn of phrase, which made me laugh quite often. Her obsession with pink, her flamboyant interest in fashion and her love of her taser, named Tasey, are all described vividly. The way she talks about her longing to go to normal school and use ordinary things like lockers is very funny. I could even imagine the gorgeous dress on the front cover as the one she wore to the prom, although it has little relevance to her fighting powers or brainpower.
The romance between Evie and Lend is believable and builds up gradually. Despite all obstacles I could believe that they could make it as a couple. Lend is overshadowed by the strength of Evie's character in the early parts of the book, but comes into his own in the final chapters. Supporting characters are well developed with the fairy Reth both sinister and attractive.
The climax to all the action is thought provoking and satisfying, leaving an opening for more adventures for Evie and Lend. White's website says that there are two sequels to follow.
Girls will be drawn to the beautiful cover and lovers of the Twilight saga will enjoy following Evie's antics in this easy to read fantasy.
Pat Pledger