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Haven

Violet McKenna has never felt comfortable with herself until she arrives at Winterhaven, a private high school. Violet has visions of terrible events that happen in the future, including death.  She even foresaw her own father’s death but in the past, when she tried to warn people, no one would listen.  Feeling as though she was drawn there with a purpose, Violet learns that everyone there has a special power or gift, much like her.  Telepathy or telekinetic powers, clairvoyants and shape shifters, students are there to learn how to hone their gift as well as be a normal teenager.  Author Kristi Cook doesn’t take long to bring on the romantic relationship that is full of tension as well.  The “Aidan effect” hits Violet hard but unlike other girls, he is drawn to her too.  And he keeps his gift a secret.  Violet is smart enough to put clues together, eventually figuring out his power, but such knowledge only leads to more complications, more visions, more chances for death to those she loves.  As Violet says about half way through the book, “Wow, that’s taking teenage angst to a whole other level…”(195) which is exactly what Cook does with the intricate plot of this novel.  Even though the foreshadowing was blunt at times, readers will still be engaged because Violet is a clever girl, the plot is intricate and yet moves at a fast pace, and the passion, though PG, is intense.  This will be a hit with all fans of vampire novels.