Atlantis Rising

In Craw's YA fantasy debut, a teenage girl discovers she's part of a magical race-and she may be key to saving humankind. Alison McKye didn't think her ability to plant thoughts in others' minds was anything special. But when she was 14, a stranger in the park noticed her magical abilities and left her with the ominous warning that her powers could attract the attention of dark forces, and she and her adoptive family might be at risk. Now 17, Alison avoids social connections, dresses inconspicuously and uses her power to deflect those who notice her, hoping to remain invisible from anyone who may wish her or her family harm. But when several newcomers show up at her Las Vegas school, Alison finds her powers are no longer working as they should-and she soon learns that there are others like her. Alison is one of the magical beings who call themselves the dewing. The dewing originated in Atlantis many centuries ago and lived peacefully until a civil war forced them to sink their own island. Now, the dewing clans are at war once again, and Alison's ability-called thoughtmaking-is desperately needed, not only to save the dewing but to protect all of humankind from enslavement. Can she master her ability in time to rescue those she loves? Craw's prose is crisp and accessible, and though the plot is a touch predictable at times, Atlantis serves as an exciting, fresh inspiration for this supernatural fantasy. On top of that, the mechanics of the dewing's powers are quite intriguing. In general, the novel is tightly constructed, with each detail building to the novel's roaring climax. Alison is enjoyably relatable as a self-deprecating but kindhearted heroine, and a romantic subplot dovetails nicely with the main action without overwhelming the story. The novel's conclusion seems to hint at a sequel; the lush mythology Craw has created certainly warrants additional pages. An enchanting debut from a promising new author of paranormal YA. COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.