This is a good young adult urban fantasy, set in today's time with shapeshifters and other preternatural creatures that live among us. The concept of the book is very intriguing - Tempest is a girl who finds out about the existence of a hidden community of shapeshifters and that she has closer ties to this world than she expected. The book is written in dual POV, switching between Tempest and Jet - a member of the League of Protectors who are charged with the safeguarding of preternatural beings.

The POVs are written exceptionally well, as the next chapter starts where the other character's perspective left off, meaning that the story is fast-paced and remains engaging. The world-building is unique and blends together various myths, legends and traditions to make a truly cosmopolitan lore. The characters are lovable and written in way that makes you believe these are real people. Giordano clearly has a knack for crafting and conveying deep character relationships.

The story was very riveting and easy to follow. I finished the book in 2 days but definitely could have finished it in 1 if I had the time. Having said that, the book could have been longer. It feels as if a third or half of the book is missing. The main conflict in this book was not resolved or close to a resolution. I understand that this builds a great foundation for the next books in the series, but in my opinion it would have been even better if this first book could (to an extent, of course) stand alone. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to fans of young adult fantasy. I will be on the lookout for the next book.

This book is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan or Stephanie Meyer. Fans of mythical/preternatural creatures in a school setting will absolutely love this!

Review Platforms: My review was published on Goodreads and Storygraph (both on 18 July), and will be reviewed on Amazon(.nl) on release day.

Thank you for the a-ARC.

**Book Review: A Trace of Something Stranger by Allison Giordano**

Rating: ★★★★☆

Allison Giordano's "A Trace of Something Stranger" is a compelling journey into the unknown that captivates readers with its unique blend of mystery and preternatural elements. Giordano has crafted a narrative that is both intriguing, thought-provoking, and even suspenseful at times making it a standout in the genre.

The story follows protagonist Tempest, who stumbles upon a series of inexplicable events after attending a short summer camp. As she delves deeper into the preternatural secrets, she uncovers layers of hidden truths that challenge her understanding of reality. Tempests world is flipped upside down when she uncovers the truth about herself, her parents, and the people from Versi High.

Giordano's ability to weave suspense with moments of genuine human connection is one of the novel's greatest strengths.

One of the highlights of the book is its richly developed characters. Tempest is a relatable and well-rounded protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both compelling and inspiring. The supporting characters, each with their own quirks and backstories, add depth to the narrative and keep the reader engaged.

Giordano’s writing style is another standout feature. Her descriptive prose vividly brings to life the eerie/intriguing atmosphere of the town, making it almost a character in its own right. It really feels like the atmosphere of Forks from Twilight. The pacing is well-balanced, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats without feeling overwhelmed. (And trust me.. she had me gripping my chair a few times from the suspense! Ha-Ha)

However, the novel isn't without its flaws. I’ve noticed a few grammatical and punctuation errors here and there. I would be more than happy to provide the publisher/author with these errors upon request. I’ve also noticed a few unnecessary run on detail, almost too detailed; along with some “wandering” paragraphs.

Despite these minor issues, "A Trace of Something Stranger" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of mystery and preternatural fiction. Giordano has proven herself to be a talented storyteller with a knack for creating immersive and engaging worlds.

In conclusion, "A Trace of Something Stranger" is a strong addition to Allison Giordano's repertoire. It’s a book that entertains and intrigues, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next work. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping and atmospheric read.

*DISCLAIMER* This is NOT a paid review. This was a voluntary early access read made possible by NetGalley the Publisher and Author Allison Giordano. I want to extend a huge thank you for allowing me access to this E-Arc! I hope my review provides helpful insight.

*PLATFORMS* This review is available on Barnes & Nobles (if applicable), Amazon (If applicable), Walmart (If Applicable) , NetGalley, GoodReads & Facebook.

Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Giordano, and the publishers for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

4.25 stars

I really enjoyed all the vibes that this book gave. It starts with a summer camp where she meets a guy that she is drawn to. It has dark an academia and magical school vibes for the rest of the book. There are a lot of secrets that will be revealed. We follow our FMC Tempest who lost her parents years ago. Her aunt took her in and has protected her from harm. There is a slow burn romance. I thought this book was very well done.

I would definitely recommend it!

This book was so good. I love when fantasy books have a handful of everything good on this gender of books. It's so rewarding to read a book and have that feeling in the heart that it was perfect!