A bewitching blend of paranormal romance and intrigue.
Braden's witch eyes enable him to see the world, unfiltered, as a mashup of memories and magic. He lives in seclusion while his uncle trains him to handle the sensory overload and physical toll of his impressive natural abilities. When a dark premonition spells doom for Uncle John, the signs compel Braden to seek answers in Belle Dam, a small town in Washington that is besieged by two feuding families of witches. While both sides would gladly use Braden as a weapon, he attempts to stay neutral and focused on unlocking the mysteries in his visions. Characters who withhold information are given internal justification and believable motives, making them more than merely plot devices. Unraveling everyone else's complicated secrets traps Braden into keeping some of his own, especially from love interest Trey. The two boys' palpable connection and fledgling relationship is balanced with the intrigue and interwoven seamlessly into the plot, resulting in a well-paced novel that takes advantage of every tension available. The story's climax is logical and earned, leading to a denouement filled with bittersweet consequences.
Tracey's promising debut neither panders nor patronizes, trusting readers to solve Belle Dam's complex mysteries alongside a capable, self-assured hero. (Paranormal romance. 12 & up)
