Speculating on SpecFic

The blurb of Embrace being as mysterious as it is, I had no clues as to what this book is about aside from it being a paranormal novel. Thus I was taken almost completely by surprise when the paranormal aspect was revealed - totally wasn't expecting that! I won't give it away, I think all readers should go into it without knowing what will happen.Embrace follows a teenager named Madison, who treats any kind of change with deep mistrust. When her best friend introduces her to Isaac, a new boy at school, she is immediately guarded. But she has nothing to fear, not only is Isaac hot and interesting, but Madison feels a connection to him almost instantly. Since this occurs in the very first chapter, I was really worried because I hate insta-love. But somehow, in this story, the development of feelings between the two seemed to work. I was also scared that there would be a love triangle. With a long-term boyfriend who has moved away and Isaac coming into her life, there were a few moments where I saw it all going down hill and Madison not being able to be mature and be honest with both of them. However, I am happy to report that I enjoyed the romance in this book, and that while Madison is understandably confused, there isn't a love triangle in sight.I liked Madison because she is sweet and surprisingly normal - by this I mean that she's not stunningly beautiful or incredibly plain, she's not clumsy or unhappy with her hair colour and pallor of her skin. Madison isn't a mis-understood social outcast with great grades and a 'follow the rules' attitude, and she's not the girl sitting in the back of the class with an eyebrow ring. None of these over-used stereotypes are present in the novel: Madison is happy and has healthy relationships with her family and friends and genuinely cares about those around her.When strange things start happening to Madison's best friend Kaylee, she wants to help her but is clueless to what could be wrong. So, like all kids these days, she Googles. I feel like there is a growing trend in YA novels of using the Internet to provide important world-building details, and I wouldn't have a problem with it if it wasn't for the fact that the Internet will rarely spit any reasonable answers at you when you ask it for information. But somehow Madison manages to find the answers she is looking for in one afternoon. After this rather shaky start to the paranormal aspect of the novel, things speed up and readers are introduced to a world of magic and intrigue that I liked. The magical world opens up and readers witness all sorts of awesome as Madison explores it. That's all I can really say without spoiling it for you!Embrace is a great read that I enjoyed a lot. Featuring both paranormal aspects, romance and mystery, this book will appeal to a wide range of audiences.You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic.