Review of Dark Star by Bethany Frenette

Disney

Dark Star
by Bethany Frenette
3 Stars
To be released, October 23, 2012

Audrey comes from a family of very powerful and unusual women. Her mother is is a superhero, the “Morning Star,” a woman who spends her nights in The Twin Cities preventing crime, her grandmother is a"Seer," and Audrey herself has powerful psychic abilities. So when girls from Audrey's high school turn up murdered, Audrey's figures her mom will stop the killer. But when Audrey's BFF, Tink, is attacked, Audrey uncovers evidence that her mother may be the killer's next victim. Now, Audrey must use her psychic gifts to save the only parent she has left, and in so doing she discovers secrets about who she really is.

In an unusual blend of superhero crime fighting and the paranormal, bored sci-fi readers may find a welcome change. Manga, mystery and graphic novel readers will be attracted to the concept, and if they can stick with the first 70 or so pages of backstory, they will be rewarded. In spite of the slow start, the fight scenes eventually become plentiful, the setting suitably creepy, and fans of Daren Shan will appreciate the gruesome descriptions of the "Harrowers" when they first appear on the scene. Audrey's family dynamic will attract female readers, although the love connection at the end is unneeded and predictable. This will likely be a first in a new series by debut author Bethany Frenette, and readers who want to know more about Audrey's mysterious past will certainly be unable to resist reading a second installment.