Supernaturally by Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTEEN (July 26, 2011)
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages (Paperback): 336
Series: Paranormalcy (Book 2)
Read Next:
Endlessly (July 2012)
Source: Library
ISBN-13: 9780061985881
Genre: Paranormal
Author:
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Series Reviews:
Book 1 (4
★)
Evie finally has the
normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that
being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to
long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency,
she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from
all the normalcy, she agrees.
But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to
wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend
Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers
that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could
throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question?
Evie herself.
So much for normal.
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Overview:
An interesting comparison to the first, this book has its perks. It brings to life an easy to read voice that shines through as Evie and immerses us in a world of paranormal beings and mystery. This book took a while to find that hook but eventually turned into a true Kiersten White page turner. What this book fell short on was paced action, what did occur was in fantastic fashion, but far too often the lack of action was lulling.
Review:
I went into this book hoping that reviews of it not being as good were false; but alas, I have come to understand the validity of those reviews. That is not to say that it is not good, in fact, it is still quite an enjoyable read. The twists and plot points of unraveling the mystery and the history of Evie is still gripping and still unique; but this book falls into a lot of lulling patterns found in contemporary or "normal" life.
This book sets up with Evie having finally acquired everything she ever wanted, everything that is normal. She has a locker, a boyfriend, high school, an after school job, she has it down but then she starts to see that the routine of human (normal) life isn't all it is cracked up to be.This element, the focus on the normal, subtracts from the plot of the story; it hinders the idea of thrills and mystery and when we are introduced to the new character, Jack, we welcome his (probably unhealthy) shenanigans.
The biggest problem I had with this book was its central focus on Evie's relationship and feelings for Lend. In the first book, it was a burning curiosity that grew and an attraction that blossomed, but here, she was a love sick puppy that eat, breathed, and slept Lend. Her jealousy against other girls was evident and the fights between the two of them were at the forefront of what had previously been a cute first love.
The best part of this book is that it is Kiersten White's brilliant writing and I still love the voice that she has created for Evie. I only wish I could have experienced more of her unique creativity that was expressed in Paranormalcy. She uses this book to perpetuate the story into the third book, but it still manages to have its own story with its own agenda for the characters. Lies, betrayals, and even truths come to play as she utilizes this book in the way most second books are, as a continuation to the end.
Rating out of 5:
(ARC) by Tahereh Mafi
by Josephine Angelini
by Kiersten White
