Title: The Delcroix Academy, Book 1: The Candidates
Author: Inara Scott
Release Date: August 24, 2010
Pages: 304
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Best Book Quote: “Jacks mouth tightened. He looked between me and Cam. ‘This is really about him isn’t it? You think Prince Charming is going to ride away with you on his white horse. Well, that’s not how it really works.’ He threw off my hand. ‘He’s no better than I am.’”

So many times I read a book that someone tells me could be the next Twilight and I am always disappointed. But, this time I am going to say it. The debut book “Delcroix Academy, Book One: The Candidates” by Inara Scott may be as popular as Twilight if enough people try it. The story is not about vampires but instead it’s about people with special powers. It centers on Dancia Lewis, a not-so-popular teenage girl who knows she has a special power that she works to keep hidden. She’s done a good job her whole life making sure she doesn’t get into the spotlight until one day recruiters for an exclusive academy show up at her house where she lives with her grandmother. You see, Dancia recently saved someone using her special gift, thereby bringing her to the attention of the recruiters. They want her to become a member of their special school and they offer her a full scholarship to attend. Dancia’s grandmother talks her into it, thinking she should take advantage of this great opportunity.

Things start out okay for Dancia at the new school but unfortunately, her assigned roommate hates her and her new friend Jack seems to be hiding his own special power. Jack can’t seem to stay out of trouble and he suspects something is not right at their new school. Initially, these things don’t bother Dancia too much because she’s met Cam, the most popular boy at Delcroix Academy. Since Cam seems to like her more than she could ever have believed possible, the idea that he’s involved in something strange isn’t something Dancia’s willing to entertain – until it’s too late.

Inara Scott delivers an exciting story of mystery and fantasy, with healthy doses of romance thrown in – my favorite kind of story. This is a well-written escapade into the life of a gifted teenage girl who does a lot of growing up in a short period of time. There’s no gratuitous sex or violence in the book so it’s a good read for any age. Pick up Book One in the Delcroix Academy series – you’re sure to be hooked.