Indigo

September 15, 2013
After her younger sister's tragic death, Corrine and her family move from Chicago to their summer vacation home in New Orleans to rebuild their lives, which they quickly realize brings challenges and unexpected blessings. Although Corrine's sister's death was ruled to be cardiac arrest, the 17-year-old is convinced that it was her mysterious, high-voltage touch that killed her sister. Determined not to harm anyone else, Corrine imposes a no-touching rule, which seems to work until she meets Rennick. Rennick is a local teen who, through his family history, is familiar with Corrine's powers and their deadly nature. Together with Rennick, Corrine begins experimenting with her touch. She quickly discovers that although her powers are dangerous, if she can control them--no small feat--then she can provide miraculous healing. Corrine proves to be an engaging and believable narrator, weaving into her story snatches of teen angst, New Orleans vernacular and formal music terminology that is a holdover from her earlier life in Chicago, where she was a serious violinist. Predictably, there is an undeniable sizzle between Rennick and Corrine, which helps to balance some of the supernatural elements and mitigate the fact that the provenance of Corrine's powers is not explained, which makes the text's opening feel slightly undergrounded. A paranormal love story with plenty of spark. (Paranormal romance. 14-17)

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February 1, 2014

Gr 7-10-Contemporary issues such as bulimia, oil spills, and Hurricane Katrina augment this romantic coming-of-age saga while drawing on an ancient spiritual practice of seeing auras. After dealing with tragedy, Corrine sees everything through the blue lens of her changed vision. Set in New Orleans, a city where musical roots run deep, Corrine's story focuses on her attempts to reconnect with her family while she herself comes to terms with the traumatic loss of her sister. Corrine blames herself for many of her recent hard times and experiences some confusion regarding her own identity as a gifted and powerful seer. Her childhood friend Mia-Joy's struggles with bulimia help her to realize that even people she perceives as perfect have obstacles and problems to overcome. Teens will enjoy this compelling novel that offers a fresh, modern voice, a touch of the otherworldly, and a satisfying resolution.-Magdaline Henderson-Diman, formerly at Bass Harbor Memorial Library, Bernard, ME

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2013
Grades 8-12 After Corrine's little sister Sophie dies during a storm in Chicago, the family moves to their summer home in New Orleans, hoping for a fresh start. Reaching out to comfort Sophie after the younger girl slipped and fell, Corrine experienced strong flashes of indigo blue and an overwhelming surge of energyelements she feels killed Sophie, though the death is ruled a freak accident. As a result, she is scared to touch anyone and has withdrawn from her family, friends, sports, and study of classical violin. Into her tightly shut world comes a new student, Rennick, who sees auras and convinces Corrine to use her gifts for healing. A powerful attraction builds between Rennick and Corrine, with plot elements rolling smoothly and predictably, but Linko's fascination with the afterlife and unexplainable powers elevates what could have been another standard romance to an often moving examination of grief, loss, and acceptance. Violinists will find some of the musical references inaccurate, but hopefully Linko's depiction of music's restorative power will compensate.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)