THE CANDIDATES

Freshman Dancia Lewis spends most of her time and effort trying to stay under the radar. She knows that she possesses telekinetic powers that manifest when her loved ones are in trouble, so she’s resolved not to get close to anyone. Then she’s recruited for the exclusive Delcroix Academy, known to be a school that educates the nation’s brightest and most talented teens. At Delcroix, she befriends bad boy Jack, who knows that both he and Dancia were asked to enroll because of their supernatural abilities. The school administration believes that Jack has already used his powers for evil and cannot be rehabilitated, but Dancia is sure that Jack has a kind heart. Dancia, who is street smart rather than book smart, leads a tightly written, intriguing mystery. Delcroix’s complexities will keep readers guessing as to its real mission, and the romance between Dancia and Cam, a junior who is watching out for her well-being, adds to her story and serves to show the depth of Delcroix’s secrets and influence. A promising beginning. (Supernatural mystery. 12 & up)