REVIEW:The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos

SYNOPSIS: Grade 9 Up - To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

MY REVIEW: The Emerald Talisman was an amazing,intriguing and captivating book. I was totally hooked onto the book from the very first page and found myself wanting for more at the end.

The Emerald Talisman sucked me into the world of Julia and Nicholas and kept me on the edge,wanting to know more and more about them! I loved the way the book began with a discussion between a group of teenagers during recess on a normal school day. The transition from a world of normalcy into a paranormal world was very interesting.

Julia’s character was a very interesting portrayal of a teenager. Her character for me,went from wise to silly to maturity. She was in the beginning wise and not one to fall for guys easily or make rash decisions,unlike most other teenage girls. However,when she meets Nicholas for the first time,she is gripped by a compelling feeling of love and a strong emotions towards him. It is love at first sight. She knows that it isn’t wise to fall for a guy without knowing anything about him but some things are beyond the human control.

However,when she doesn’t get the desired reciprocation,she debates with herself and decides to forget him and move on. I like the fact that she debates and discusses with herself before taking any decision. But as Fate would have it,unknown to Julia,she is a vampire magnet(oops!) and somehow finds ways,unconsciously,to draw vampires towards herself. And here comes in Nicholas,a vampire hunter. (He was oh-so-hot!!) Nicholas was a very likeable character-dark,brooding and mysterious,any girl would want him as a protector and guardian! Nicholas’ presence in Julia’s life has a very strong effect on her and though Julia behaves in irrational ways sometimes at the beginning of their relationship,she matures at the end.

The secondary characters were also very well sketched out. Phil,for one was a very interesting character. Brenda Pandos shows the transitions in a normal teenage boy when he has been ‘vampirised’ in a very skillful manner giving attention to every detail. I also loved Julia’s relationships with her father and brother.

The Emerald Talisman is a superbly written fast paced book that is sure to enchant all. The book involves a perfect blend of romance,action,paranormal and relationships. Twilight fans or not(like me),you are sure to enjoy this book! Though the ending satisfied me well,I want to read more about Julia and Nicholas and their world! Cant wait for the sequel! I highly recommend this book!

MY RATING: 5/5