Death and The Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones

Series: Darklight (bk. 1)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: High school, angels, psychic ability, stalkers, supernatural, orphans, New Mexico

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 274 pgs.

HC/PB: Paperback

List Price: $9.99

Publisher: MacMillan: St. Martin’s Griffin Press

Summary/ product description: “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.”

My Rating: êêêêê

My Review: Based off the cover, you’d never guess how awesome this book is. It doesn’t look paranormal, but it totally is. It’s one of the best paranormal romances I’ve read recently. I a big fan of angel book, and this was a really good one despite the lack of flying. It was full of surprises and great, funny characters.

I really liked all five of the main characters (Lorelei, Brooklyn, Glitch, Cameron, and Jared). They made a great team, despite the fighting between Cameron and Jared in the beginning. If you love the Hush, Hush series, the Fallen series, or basically any high school paranormal romance series, this series is not to be missed! I also like the setting. New Mexico is a great backdrop (Like Wyoming was in Unearthly).

This book was fun, full of the most hilarious conversations and dialogue I’ve ever read. Lorelei, Brooklyn and Glitch banter a lot. I really wish I owned a copy of this book because of all those quotes I would have underlined. I felt like I was part of the conversation. The characters are just so realistic. And Jared, he’s just so hot, but I think I might like Cam more personality wise. He’s funnier.

Stalking is only really part of the beginning. The main story is Lorelei’s discoveries about her purpose and past. But we also find out about her friends too. I really excited for Death, Doom and Detention. This series really need to be promoted more. I was so glad that I found out about this because I love angel books.

Cover Art Review: Boring cover. Does not look paranormal. Looks too much like a contemporary book. I would have never picked this up based off the cover.

 

~Haley G