"Delcroix Academy: The Candidates" by Inara Scott

From Goodreads:  "Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just...happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. 

So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, believing this way she can suppress her powers and keep them hidden. But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies. So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome.  

And then there's her mysterious new friend Jack, who can't stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what. But Dancia isn't convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her "gift" than they're letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it...But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy."

I have to say that it is nice to get back to my reading rhythm- I feel like I have been so bogged down with school and whatnot lately and being able to finally read is such a great pick-me-up (especially this book).

First off I must say that I love, love, LOVE the premise of this book. I have always been fascinated by shows like "Dollhouse" and "Nikkita" where young individuals are trained to be kick-butt superheroes/ spies/ the likes of, able to take on the world and all of that jazz... But then throw in paranormal elements where those individuals are not only kick-butt with their ninja/ assassin/ spy-like skills, but kick-butt with their ninja/ assassin / spy-like skills AND paranormal abilities, and you get a perfect combination- this book.

When I first read that Danica was 14 years old I rolled my eyes, thinking "What am I getting myself into?" Even as a young adult (I am still a young adult right? Peter Pan Syndrome panic attack!!! ;) ), I oftentimes find it difficult to relate to characters on the younger end of the young adult spectrum because I find that they worry too much about trivial things and whatnot- but I didn't find myself thinking that at all while reading this book, in fact I forgot that she was 14- she seemed to be much older, as she was such a strong female with a good head on her shoulders.

Heck, even the (so often overplayed in YA books) love triangle didn't really bother me. As for the boys? Well, me being the lover of the underdog that I am, Jack had me from the get-go. Danica and him share a bond like no other and after being dealt such a happy hand in life I really think that he deserves all of the happiness he can get. As for Cam? Well, he doesn't really do anything for me. I don't know what it is about him, but I just can't make myself love the pretty boy/ jock/ popular boy (though I will admit that learning a bit more about him and his intentions towards the end of the book did boost him up a teeny tiny bit in my eyes).

I found their abilities to be so gosh darn unique! And I cannot help but want to know more about them! This ain't your typical paranormal YA book folks- there ain't no mention of sparkly vampires/ hot (yet underage) werewolves anywhere- well, at least not yet... ;)

All in all I think that this is an amazing book and I will be the first in line to buy the next book in the series!

Rating: 10/10