Review Detail

Mary Richards lives with her foster sister Octavia in an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Not bad for a girl who'd lived in foster care. Both sisters attend the elite Purser-Lilley Academy. Everything seems to be going for Mary.

Then Mary feels urges and desires she'd never imagined. And what's with the cat from the deli eyeing her? Something isn't right with Mary. Her worse nightmare happens when she has a strange transformation, turning her into something not human.

Then there's the two boys who seek her out and share her secret. Will she continue to fight against the turning? Or listen to those who tell her it's her destiny?

This is one exciting read! Think GOSSIP GIRLS meets the paranormal. I loved how the author showed the turning and the horror Mary feels at first. I also loved her foster sister Octavia, who breaks the stereotypical role of a poor African American kid from the foster care system. No Octavia is supportive to Mary even when she finds out about the turning. Seems Octavia has a painful past that can make her turn against Mary.

The boys who seek after Mary are both interesting. I loved Nick and his Greek grandparents who think using pot shows down the turning. Yoon is also interesting as the son of the deli shop owner who loves his transformation and pursues Mary.

Fast paced and fascinating, this book is guaranteed to keep you wanting to know what happens with Mary and the others. The turf 'wars' were interesting too. Can't wait for the sequel to find out what happens to Mary and how her final decision will effect those around her.

Another must read from the new Sourcebooks YA imprint Fire.