An extraordinarily delightful YA paranormal novel, the “clues” to the real nature hidden behind the curtain are so subtle and so smooth. Excellently written and characterized, by page 2 I was entranced. Author Beard captures the inner self of young adolescents admirably, and then puts a neat spin on the situations they encounter. I loved the approach to bullying that begins the first chapter-would that such a solution could be fond for every victim of bullying, and every onlooker afraid to step forward and help.

On her first day at Seattle’s posh private Osland Academy, Gail steps into it when she crosses the elitist daughter of a Senator and “magic” happens. Now a target for bullying herself (the bully is also the Student Council President-of course- and threatens Gail with expulsion), Gail finds she can’t really express the anger she’s bottling since the recent demise of her parents, nor the lack of self-control of which her uncle constantly accuses her. She can’t even cuss! (nor contact the outside world)

One aspect of this novel that I particularly noticed and enjoyed is that Gail is not your ordinary YA heroine-at least not in my perspective. This girl is edgy-and I mean that in both senses: yes, she is constantly on edge, losing her parents, having an uncle she thinks is “stuck raising her,” shipped halfway across continent to attend a strange (in multiple senses) boarding school. Yet I call her edgy in another sense also-she reminds me of a double-edged razor blade wrapped in a cloth-you don’t see the sharpness, you may not feel it, but it can still cut you. An individual like this could go either way: into deep trouble (for herself and others), or into emotional maturity. We just have to wait and see. But the fact that she is this strongly-delineated makes her “four-dimensional,” and therefore a much more appealing protagonist. (Can you tell I’m strongly in her corner?)

If you’re hunting for a delectable YA Paranormal that’s outstanding, then just come right over here and choose “The Emerald City” by J. A. Beard. You won’t be misled.