Review: The Candidates

The Candidates by Inara Scott

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Dancia is invited to attend Delcroix Academy as a Freshman. She is hesitant because she feels as though she has never fit in and going to an elite school like Delcroix is sure to magnify her mediocrity. But it’s that mediocrity Dancia uses to hide her secret…whenever she is fearful or feels threatened things kind of happen. Cars crash, buildings collapse, little things like that.

Cam, one of her recruiters, tries to make her feel at home at Delcroix, but the more she gets to know the other freshman, she can’t help but wonder what is so special about her. Why did Delcroix want her? It’s when she befriends Jack that strange things happen and Jack has a theory for why they are both there.

I thought this was going to be a typical love triangle…Dancia is crushing on Cam, a junior, who isn’t encouraging her, but isn’t discouraging her either. Then it becomes apparent Jack has feelings for Dancia, but she is oblivious. Meanwhile it seems Cam and his friends seem to be keeping really close tabs on Jack. The driving force that kept you reading was waiting to find out what was simmering just below the surface. You know there is something hinky at the Academy, but what?

You couldn’t help but like Dancia…she is the epitome of “misfit” and even at the Academy where she gets a completely fresh start, she can’t just let go of all her previous coping mechanisms, nor the negative self-talk. I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug and tell her how wonderful she is and remind her that school is only temporary.

I did enjoy The Candidates. It did lag a bit due to all the backstory, but I think Ms. Scott has created an intriguing world and I will be returning to Delcroix Academy to see where we go from here.




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