Manifest by Artist Arthur

Krystal Bentley is so not thrilled when she is forced to move from New York City to Lincoln, Connecticut with her mother. She misses her dad, thinks her stepdad is out to get her, and can’t motivate herself enough to even try to make new friends or adjust. The last straw is when she starts to see dead people. It starts with Ricky Watson, who was killed nearly a year ago. He wants Krystal to investigate his death in order to clear the names of his brother and friends. He pesters her at home and at school until she finally gives in. Investigating leads Krystal to others like her: Sasha, who can disappear, and Jake, who has super strength. Together, these Mystyx will have to understand their powers and find Ricky’s killer—before he strikes again.

Manifest is a somewhat unique debut paranormal story. Instead of following the trend of paranormal creatures, Arthur has decided to give her main character supernatural powers. The story is interesting and easy to follow, but it was very clear to me as the reader that this was Arthur’s first work. Protagonist Krystal’s character is not very well developed. Her rejection of her mystical abilities and her negative attitude toward all aspects of her new life in Lincoln are frankly annoying to read about. Throughout most of the book, she seems an unwilling player in finding out about Ricky’s death and among the Mystyx. This doesn’t exactly add up to how into the mystery of the Mystyx she is at the close of the story; I wasn’t quite sure where this change of heart occurred. The writing overall isn’t horrible, and I have hope that Arthur can improve in a sequel.

Manifest may be enjoyed by fans of Revealers by Amanda Marrone, the Midnighters trilogy by Scott Westerfeld, and Firespell by Chloe Neill.

Rating: 3.25

Review copy from Online Publicist Lisa Roe