Review: The Candidates by Inara Scott

  The Candidates (Delcroix Academy Book 1) Inara Scott

Release: Aug 24 2010 (can't find anything about book 2)
Recieved from Book it Forward

Link goes to Book Depository and teaser from Goodreads.com
"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"

**My rating: 4 of 5 stars**

*My Review*

The Candidates is a unique twist on a well-trod theme (boarding school for kids with special gifts). I love the X-men feel to it, the levels of powers, the elemental uses.
This is a first book in a series, so the pacing is a little slow, but that is not a bad thing. We get to enter into the world, discovering things with Dancia, we get to make our own decisions about characters as they are introduced, and we get to be in suspense learning what is really going on at Delcroix.
I loved the characters! Dancia is a wonderful main character, and I was rooting for her all along. She is brave, and loyal- making strange things happen when those she cares about are in danger, or if she feels injustice is being served. She is a very mature 14 year old, and she has an easy to read voice. Her friends, Hennie and Ester are wonderful and funny; just what I would want in my best friends. And, yes there is a love triangle! It is well written and I am torn right along with Dancia for a while. I ended up chosing Jack (make of that what you will.)
The book did end with quite a cliffie, so I am eagerly awaiting the next book, but will have to wait a bit.

I would love to hear what you think of my review and/or of this book.