Review: Promising debut
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 26, 2011
Wayward is the first in a young adult paranormal series self published by Ashley Girardi. I'm hesitant to accept YA for review usually but my interest was piqued by the synopsis and excerpt and fortunately  I found Wayward an easy read with an engaging story.Helena `Hex' Wayward is an outcast amongst her powerful family. As the seventh child of parents who themselves were the seventh children, she was expected to wield great magic and was treated badly when it seemed she would not live up to her potential. When her ability finally reveals itself she is seduced by it's strength but eventually recognises the danger it presents and flee's the corrupting influence of her lover and her family. Eventually she is found and forced to return home, coerced into a deal that compromises her spirit, and threatens her life.I liked the bones of the premise and there are some really interesting concepts at play yet the story has the appropriate simplicity for a mature young adult audience. There are some dark undertones but also some positive messages and Hex faces issues teenagers can easily relate to. Hex's world is well imagined, the witches exist hidden within human society with a distinct hierarchy that Girardi develops well though some background detail is lacking. I hope the author exploits the potential of this network in further installments.Hex is likeable, with an admirable determination and inner strength. Despite the intense pressure and bullying she has experienced she is determined to hold onto her own core values. She defends her friends even at great risk to herself.Hex's human friends, Sam and Zach, are fairly standard constructs but amiable enough. Her relationship with both evolves quite naturally and Zach provides the touch of forbidden romance that is de riguer in a YA novel. Cynthie is the mean girl whose hatred of Hex is twisted by unacknowledged jealousy and I thought she she was probably the best actualised character with the strongest motivation for her actions. I would have liked Hex's relationship with Valentine to be a little more defined - he serves as a catalyst for the plot but remains fairly one dimensional.Wayward has some weaknesses but overall it is a promising first effort from a young writer and I believe the series has the potential to improve as the author gains experience in the craft. If you are a fan of paranormal YA then Wayward, available at the bargain price of 99c, is a risk worth taking.