I dont like a book where most of the teens angst is due to a parent not telling them the whole story or keeping it from them for the teens sake. In fact I dont like it in an adult book either. That said, I did enjoy the storyline. Its nice to see a paranormal that deals with other traits than those of a vamp or shifter.
I didnt like the character of Krystal in the beginning as she was the typical 15 year old, moody, whiny and a brat. However, as she settled more into her new school and made friends with others who had the same mysterious M mark on them, it was enlightening to see her come to care about others as they try to solve the mystery of Rickys death. I loved seeing her deal with her ability to talk to the dead but was disappointed that she didnt seem to be inclined to go to her mom or the police about the strange texts she got. She and the other Misfits begin to understand a bit more about their powers as they solve the mystery. I think this new type of paranormal will be a hit with the teens as what teenager hasnt felt they were a misfit at some time in their life. Cant wait to read more in this series as I suspect there may be other Misfits who do not use their power for good but for evil purposes.
Krystal Bentley is a very unhappy fifteen year old. Her parent's recently divorced, with her moving with her mom to a new small town. Then, her mom remarries, and nothing is making Krystal happy. She goes to school, sleeps, and stays in her room. She does not socialize or talk to anyone.
But then, she starts hearing a voice, and before long, an apparition of a teenage boy, Ricky, who was killed. He wants Krystal to find out who killed him and why. She ignores Ricky for the most part, although she does find him attractive. But she doesn't want to help him, she doesn't want to help anybody.
But then two people at school keep hounding Krystal to speak with them, and eventually, Ricky convinces her that it wouldn't hurt to listen to what they have to say. In fact, it could help her. She learns that Sasha and Jake both have powers and the same birthmarked "M" upon their body. They are convinced that Krystal has powers too, since they eyed the "M" on the back of her neck.
Krystal denies it for a little while then she admits that she can see, hear, and communicate with ghosts. Jake's grandfather talks to the three of them about "The Power", as when the three of them are together, it magnifies. The three of them are soon on a mission; to solve Ricky's murder so he can move on to his own eternity, and to find out why the three of them have powers.
Manifest is the first book in a new series, the Mystyx series. It's listed as Young Adult but adults will also find themselves immersed in this coming of age paranormal story. I really disliked Krystal when she was first introduced, but I enjoyed watching her character mature and come out of her shell. The character development and storyline was present day and realistic. I was up late turning the pages and I really look forward to the next in the series! A great paranormal YA!!
