DAMAGE

Inventive science fiction doubles as paranormal romance in this thrilling suspense tale.

Dani, afflicted with juvenile diabetes, spent much of her childhood in a hospital, where she had an imaginary friend, Rachel. Rachel loved to play at first, but then she tried to kill her. By the time Dani turns 15, Rachel has disappeared, but someone else may be trying to kill her in a staged bus accident. Seventeen-year old, rebellious Jessie saves her, but Jesse also has a terrifying imaginary foe, a fire-breathing dragon. As the two teens run from the accident, both Rachel and the dragon reappear, and although invisible, both can inflict real damage. Dani and Jesse learn that they were in the hospital at the same time and realize that an experimental drug may have caused their predicament, now even more dire as both the imaginary foes and real criminals pursue them. Part sci-fi, part romance, part crime thriller, these different elements weave together into a heart-pounding chase story that vibrates with danger. Rachel, especially, comes across as a unique creation that could stand alongside a monster from Stephen King. Dani and Jesse convince readers of their humanity, drawing them into the story completely. A nifty surprise ending caps it all.

Imaginative suspense makes this one stand out. (Science fiction. 12 & up)