The Sentinel (The Sentinel Series) by Holly Martin

Disclaimer: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Eve Jones is forcibly introduced into a world of special powers, Deus, Guardians, Putarians, Reapers, Zeki, Donum and Shape Shifters during a terrifying near-death experience on a ski trip. And that's just the start; it's hard to keep track of how many times someone tries to kill her. While she escapes most of them intact, her loved ones aren't so lucky. And why is everyone after her? Because it's prophesied that she's going to do great things, including save the world. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks that's a great idea, and some people are willing to go to great lengths to make sure she doesn't get the chance. While her Guardians are willing to die to protect her as she comes more fully into her new powers, she pines for a human connection they aren't able to provide. Or can they? Is it possible that Eve can not only project into people's minds but also their hearts?

Another disclaimer: in general, I'm not a fan of paranormal, in large part because I usually find the world-building too convoluted and/or tedious. That was not a problem with this book at all., despite the fact that there is a reasonably complicated back-story that involves not only a bit of mythology but also cutting-edge science. Martin jumped into the action immediately and wastes almost no time with expository dialogue. This was an action-filled book with very little downtime, and yet she still managed to convey the emotions of the characters, even the secondary ones. While it's a large cast and you worry at first that some are indistinguishable from the others, it takes just a few pages to get a read, as it were, on the differences. Martin is one of those rare authors that can pull off a little "telling" in a way that makes it feel like "showing". Perhaps most importantly, she created a believable young heroine who balanced nobility, impetuousness and fear without being too precious or annoying.

Excited- and impatient- to read the next installment. Highly recommended for fans of YA paranormal.