About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the tricky waters of developing their own identity apart from the adults in their lives. It is an ideal choice for a reader who enjoys snappy dialogue and paranormal adventure but is also beginning to question the 'status quo' of the institutions they grew up in. The story follows sixteen-year-old Evie, who works for a secret agency that monitors supernatural beings, only to realize that the organization she trusted may have darker motives than she ever imagined. At its heart, this is a story about the transition from childhood obedience to adolescent critical thinking. While the setting is filled with mermaids and vampires, the emotional core focuses on Evie's search for a sense of belonging and the courage to stand up for what is right even when it is inconvenient. It balances lighthearted humor with more serious themes of autonomy and the ethics of how we treat those who are 'different.'
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
1. DISTRESS: There are scenes of mild violence and peril, including the 'tagging' and containment of paranormal beings which can feel dehumanizing. The villain, Reth, is an obsessive ex-boyfriend whose behavior is manipulative and emotionally taxing. 2. CONVERSATION: Parents may want to discuss the ethics of the IPCA. The agency treats sentient beings like specimens to be cataloged and controlled. This provides an opening to talk about the ethics of institutional control and the importance of bodily autonomy. Additionally, Reth's behavior serves as a talking point for 'red flags' in relationships, specifically regarding boundaries and possessiveness.
Ideal Reader
A 13-year-old who loves 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' vibes and snappy humor, but who is also starting to notice the complexities and contradictions in the adult world. CONNECTION POINT: A teen starting to question the rules and structures of their school or community.
Parent Prep
Read the chapters involving Reth (the faerie ex-boyfriend) to be ready to discuss healthy vs. unhealthy relationship dynamics.
Age Experience
Younger readers (12) will focus on the cool supernatural powers and the budding romance. Older readers (15+) will likely pick up on the themes of institutional corruption and the weight of the 'chosen one' trope.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many dark paranormal romances of its era, Paranormalcy maintains a distinctive, humorous voice and a protagonist who prioritizes her own agency over her romantic interests.
Read plot summary
Evie is the only human employee at the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA), using her unique ability to see through supernatural disguises to track down 'monsters.' Her world is turned upside down when she meets Lend, a shapeshifter who challenges her perception of the IPCA as a benevolent force. As Evie uncovers the truth about her own origins and a prophecy involving the faerie realm, she must decide whether to remain a loyal soldier or fight for the freedom of the paranormals she once hunted.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Evie identifies as 'normal' for much of the book. How does her definition of normal change after she meets Lend and learns more about her own past?
2
The IPCA claims to protect the world by containing paranormals. Do you think their methods are justified? At what point does 'security' become 'oppression'?
3
Compare Evie’s relationship with Reth to her relationship with Lend. What are the key differences in how they treat her and her choices?
4
How does Evie's pink taser, 'Greatest,' represent her personality and her approach to her job at the start of the book versus the end?
