The Candidates by Inara Scott

Title: The Candidates

Author: Inara Scott

Series: Delacroix Academy #1

Publisher: Hyperion

Publication Date: August 24, 2010

Pages: 293

Source: Purchased

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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, 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.

***

Can I get a “what what” for books set in private/boarding schools! From the moment I read the synopsis of this book I knew it was something I definitely had to own. And I love the orange and red mixture on the cover – so eye-catching.

I instantly loved Dancia from the start. (Even though I keep calling her Danica in my head – you know, like the Go Daddy girl) She was so awkward and not comfortable in her own skin that I was just drawn to her – perhaps because I have totally felt that way before, especially in my teen years. Add this with a kick-azz power and you get a character that has depth and intrigue – a winning combo!

On to the boys… I liked Jack for most of the book and rooted for him as the story went on. He ticked me off at times with his rotten ‘tude, but I could let that slide because of his affection towards Dancia. I finally warmed up to Cam towards the end of the book, but I’m still not completely convinced. He kind of creeped me out in a stalker/obsessed kind of way even though that wasn’t the case at all. So as for teams, I’m going 70% Team Jack and 30% Team Cam…we’ll see if that changes in the future J

My one tiny issue with the book was the pacing. I wish the action-packed ending would have happened a little bit sooner in the book just because it was so heart-pounding and exciting.

I’m so happy that we will learn more in the next book, The Watchers, due out August 2011. I can’t wait to see the development of Dancia learning to use and control her powers and I want to know more about Delacroix and its intentions for its students.

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