Review: Crossed Out by Kim Baccellia

Want a quick YA paranormal read?
Then you better check out this book.

Title: Crossed Out by Kim Baccellia
Pages: 212
Release Date: May 17th 2010
Published by: Lachesis Publishing
Source: From Publisher (Thanks Lachesis Pub!)
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository | Lachesis Publishing

Summary:

Stephanie Stewart didn't ask for her gift of guiding the deceased to the other side but she's stuck with it. Why can't dead people just follow that bright light and leave her alone? When Mr. Undead wants to use her special talent for his own evil purposes, her little gift becomes a major liability.

Stephanie is a rescuer. She helps lost souls cross over to the other side by making crosses, a habit her mom thinks is too weird. She had been to a shrink and has had to drink medications and people think she's losing her mind. But her gift is real. Very real. And someone evil is out there to use her abilities.

What first caught my eye when I've read the summary for this book is how fresh it sounds. I thought this was "another ghost book" but I'm glad I gave it a chance.

Crossed out, as it turns out, is a very typical book tackling typical issues, but Kim Baccellia wrote it in such a way that will interest a lot of readers. Despite of Stephanie's obvious "uniqueness", she's a typical teen you'd want to befriend. Teenage stereotypes are nicely written and portrayed, the snarky, queen bees, boy problems, that one friend you'll always have, and that boy who you thought was just a friend but turns out to be something more.

I especially liked the twist about Dylan. He's just a friend in Stephanie's eyes but they share a deep connection, way beyond their years of friendship that will both endanger their lives, and show them a whole new side of themselves.

Overall, the book is really nice, however, there are rooms for improvements that can be done. I would like for the book to have more impact, and give more opportunities for the characters to grow, let the readers to get to know them really well. There are certain aspects of the book that felt rushed and confusing, but the flow of the story is still somewhat smooth. A little more polishing and this will turn out as a great series!

I am definitely looking forward to the second book if there will be one.

3.5 butterflies for this book!

My rating

Content (plot, story flow, character):

Okay: Liked, but The Goddess demands more!

Book Cover:

Yes - The Goddess Approves!