Paranormalcy

Starred review from September 13, 2010
First-time author White shows the technique and polish of a pro in this absorbing romance, which comes closer than most to hitting the Buffy mark. Evie, 16, works for the IPCA, an organization charged with keeping paranormal beings under control. Evie is the only human who can see through any glamour, and she's an expert at "bag and tag"—stun the target, slap on a tracking bracelet, and send it on for processing. It's a dull, regimented, and sequestered life from Evie's point of view, and she longs for normal things like a school locker and a driver's license. When a shape-shifter, Lend, is captured, Evie is drawn to this boy her own age who has lived in the normal world. Lend tells her uncomfortable truths about herself, but shares his secrets, too, and when Evie's certainties suddenly and terribly break down, Lend becomes the person she can count on. The action is fast; fun and fear are in abundance; and Lend's father is actually a cool grownup. How's that for supernatural? Ages 12–up.