Death and the Girl Next Door
Darklight, Book #1
By Darynda Jones
ISBN#0312625200
Author’s Website: http://www.darynda.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Autumn
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
Synopsis:
Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors
Ten years ago, Lorelei’s parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. For Lorelei, life goes on.
High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be. Until the day the school’s designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school. Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can’t have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones’s first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment. (Goodreads)
Review:
Lorelei McAlister knew she was a bit different. But everyone feels like that in high school, right? Her friends, Brooklyn and Glitch, have always been there to support her and in the end that’s all that matters.
All that matters until she realizes that the very same day she finds the school loner, Cameron, has been following her, a mysterious new boy makes his appearance at Riley High. Lorelei can’t believe how beautiful Jared is (He’s a total supernova!) but when she accidentally makes contact with him, she sees only fear and destruction. Of course, it’s just her luck that the only boy she has ever been interested in might just be the Angel of Death.
As the story unfolds, Lorelei and her friends all have a part to play in the war between heaven and hell. Nothing is as it seems and sometimes you can’t help but break all the rules.
Death and the Girl Next Door is Jones’ first venture into the “Young Adult” genre and she really makes the grade. Her characters are funny, intelligent and lovable. The boys (I’m Team Cameron!) are mysterious and totally swoon worthy. The banter is hilarious and the plot is complex. My only reservation was that the story was a bit slow in the beginning but I was not at all disappointed with the outcome. The next installment of the trilogy, Death, Doom and Detention, is set for release in March 2013 and I can’t wait to see where Darynda takes it from here.
