Review: I wanted to like it more than I did
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 1, 2012
First, let me say that _Paranormal Public_ has some good things going for it, mainly, the characters: I liked Charlotte and Sip, and absolutely loved Lisabelle, in spite of the name. In any case, the characters are, for the most part, well-drawn and engaging. Frankly, I didn't care as much for the guys. Anyway, the plotting isn't bad at all, and the writing itself, while not as smooth as it could be, is much more literate than the majority of books in the 99-cent category. The sense of humor, especially Lisabelle's quips, definitely add to the enjoyment, too.That said, though, _Paranormal Public_ is part Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy, part Jennifer Estep's Mythos Academy, part Mercedes Lackey's Shadow Grail series and part Harry Potter, so much so that you have to wonder if there's really a part that's just_Paranormal Public_. Can it be coincidence that one of Charlotte's fellow students is named Katie Bells, and she competes in a game the normal world knows nothing about? Remember Katie Bell on the Gryffindor Quidditch team? And, while the Shadow Grail series is much less well-known, could "Lough" be derived from "Loch"?There's so much urban fantasy and paranormal fiction out there these days that it's almost impossible to avoid some similarities, but here, they just pile up to the point where they exceed one's credibility. And, sorry, but all the others mentioned write a heck of a lot better, too, even Rowling, who, though she tells a great story, is no great shakes as a writer.In spite of all this, it was nonetheless a pretty enjoyable read, which is why the three stars rather than even less.