Wicked Sense by Fabio Bueno – a Review

While there may be an overflow of Young Adult Paranormal Romance books, the fact that it’s “cool” to read again should be celebrated by all.  What I find particularly disturbing in YA books, as I read many, is the dystopia theme running so rampantly.  Wicked Sense, the debut novel by Fabio Bueno, was a breath of fresh air!  PNR without a doubt, the heroine is a 17 year old witch searching for the elusive “Singularity” (the witch at the pinnacle of their practice), but the dialogue, the interactions between characters, and the love story…all very normal and age-appropriate.  It reminded me of my own teen craze, but without the cringe.  It made me hopeful for what my own daughters are [not too] soon to face.

Skye is the only daughter of a famous, Oscar award-winning British actress who also happens to be a witch.  In keeping with the “business”, Skye travels with her mother A LOT.  They have a beautiful house In London filled with staff, but it’s always felt like a movie set; not a welcoming home.  

When a witch comes into her powers at the approximate age of 15 (which Skye implies are disguised debutante balls & quinceaneras), there is an outburst of magical energy, aka Daybreak.  They inherit two (2) charms:  Athleticism, Shifting, Intimidation, etc…  Skye inherited the Allure and True Sight (a more precise ability to detect or sense another witch).  The Singularity’s Daybreak was so thunderous; it was felt across the entire West Coast!  As a result, witches from covens world-wide, known as the Sisterhood, are searching for the witch in an effort to learn what makes her so unlike everyone else.  Hey…someone transfer Skye across the pond to Greenwood High School in Seattle! 

The Sisters aren’t trying to constrain or stifle the Singularity; they fear such an expulsion of energy will result in revealing the Veil, their basic protection of the craft.  If such an event is revealed to the public, fear of the unknown can result in magic criminalization or worse:  modern day witch trials.  So why won’t the Singularity tow the line and reveal herself?  A witch so powerful, she is masking her unique signature to avoid all interested parties.

Enter swoon-worthy Drake, a non-competition swimmer who decides to approach new-girl, Skye, before his more experienced friends make their move.  To their mutual surprise, the connection between Drake and Skye is instantaneous.  They are both shy, but interested in letting their attraction develop gradually.  Level-headed thought processes at this age?  Not only a resounding YES, but they’re both very careful with each other’s feelings and sensitive to those around them.  Where was MY Drake 25 years ago?! 

Before long, episodes of magic take root and accelerate.  A classmate and fellow Sister named Jane approaches Skye who is none too happy with her presence and basically tells her to keep her distance (her resentment is off the charts).  While teaching Skye a short-cut through the park during a storm, Drake is struck down by a tree.  Unable to carry Drake’s unconscious body (let alone get cell service to call 911), Skye relies on her magic to stem the flow of blood from Drake’s head wound, but she doesn’t realize that Drake is unconsciously committing that to memory.  When someone intentionally exchanges Skye’s facial moisturizer with a blinding potion in the locker room, leaving her in the most vulnerable position after her shower, you can imagine the result.  Could these acts be those of the Singularity, trying to fend off Skye’s approach or could there by another Sister vying for the ultimate conquest herself?  Perhaps she should ask the Overseer of the Seattle Sisterhood if there have been any sightings on the whereabouts of the Singularity?  Oh, no wait — he’s Skye’s ex-boyfriend…awwwwkward. 

Turmoil is a minimum in spite of Skye’s true nature and mission to locate the Singularity.  Drake handles the knowledge and pressures well.  The pair intelligently navigates through insecurities and peer pressure (both narrate the story; alternating chapters are from Drake and Skye’s POV) amidst a supportive cast of friends.  The two male friends come across as “good cop” “bad cop”, but they add a comical element to jab at Drake’s innocence.  Skye’s BFF has an immodest reputation, but she proves steadfast and indispensable.  

The Singularity’s identity is revealed, but the reason behind the concealment was my only criticism of the book.  Skye redirects attention, **I won’t spoil it for you!** but this will undoubtedly give cause for an investigation.  And then where will Skye be?  Hey…NOT thinking things through…VERY YA!!! 😀

I was pleasantly surprised by Wicked Sense.  And truth be told, I WANT the investigation into the “irregularities” to begin sooner than later.  Why?  I WANT to revisit Skye and Drake!  I was so fond of this well-crafted couple, they are worthy of carrying a sequel.  I know we have tons of books on our To Be Read list, but this book merits attention by every demographic.  I look forward to future stories by Mr. Bueno.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author