Book:  The Candidates (Delcroix Academy #1)
Author:  Inara Scott
Published:  August 24, 2010 from Hyperion Book CH
My edition/number of pages:  ARC/304

Age group:  Young adult
Source:  Publisher
Series?:  Yes.  First book.

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, belieiving this way she can supress 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.

Inara Scott’s debut novel is fantastic.  It’s a fresh take on boarding schools and teens with supernatural powers.  This new series is going to be one to look out for.

Dancia Lewis has always been different but she has always tried to hide it.  She doesn’t make friends and she doesn’t get attached.  It’s the only way to hide her secret.  When she is recruited to Delcroix, an insanely expensive private school, her whole life changes.  Now that she is there she is having trouble sticking to her rules.  But what will happen if her secret gets out?

Delcroix was not your typical private boarding school.  They had a huge gate to lock their students in the school which was the first indication.  There were some creepy things going on with the students of Delcroix but I honestly could not guess what exactly the school was hiding.

Dancia was not the greatest character but I still have hopes for her in the books to come.  She was way too focused on pretty-boy Cam and she missed a lot with bad-boy Jack.  Jack had a ton of problems in his messed up life and he turned to Dancia.  Their relationship was a bit odd but I liked them together.  Cam, on the other hand, was shady.  I knew he was hiding something, I just didn’t know what.  I will have to see where both of these relationships go in the next book.

Overall, The Candidates is a promising start to a unique new series.  It’s not your typical supernatural story which makes it even better.  Definitely check this one out!

First line:  He had greasy shoulder-length hair and a stained white T-shirt stretched tightly across his full, round belly.

Writing:  4

Characters:  4

Plot:  5

Ending:  4

Originality:  5

Overall:  22=B+

Cover:  4=B-