REVIEW: DARWIN'S CHILDREN

Darwin's Children 
Author: Natasha Larry
Series: Yes, #1
Publisher: Penumbra Publishing
Release date: June 2011
Genre: YA
Kindly given by the author for an honest review

Being a teenager isn't easy for Jaycie; not when she has to learn how to handle her telepathic and telekinetic gifts. Luckily for her she has a super-powered trainer and super-supportive (albeit mind-reading) dad. But for Haylee, appreciating her gift is harder to come to terms with. With some angelic guidance, the two might just about feel a little less different and alone.

Review: I liked the concept behind Darwin's Children; that evolution plays a part in the development of the human species and results in a small proportion of people like Jaycie that have special talents such as telekinesis. This was also complimented by angelic guardians, that help guide Jaycie to cope with strong bursts of her power.

I definitely liked Jaycie and Haylee, as they were both so different. Jaycie was outspoken, but in such a friendly and sassy way that meant you couldn't help but like her brashness and little nicknames. She's definitely the kind of person that grows on you, and I can't see how anyone wouldn't warm to her. In contrast, Haylee was so withdrawn and shy that I really wanted her to be brought out of her shell and find friends. Both of them though feel very real and typical of teenagers. For Jaycie, who just wants to be a normal teenager, telepathy and telekinesis doesn't help and she can't control herself around Matt. Bless her, it must be hard!

The first three-quarters of the books really grabbed my attention with suspense, fast pace and intrigue. However the concluding part of the story dragged a little for me as it lost a little of its humour and lightness, but it did leave a big hook for the second book that is very compelling.

An element of the story that stood out was the whole serial killer interest / abuse / execution issue. For this reason I think the story would suit a more mature YA audience. It was definitely out of the blue for me, but certainly makes you think about morality, vengeance and justice.

Darwin's Children is an interesting, funny, thought-provoking paranormal story that is certainly worth a read.

Rating: 4*