There are a lot of things to admire about TOUCH, the first book in Accardo's Denazen books. Our main character, Deznee Cross is a sassy, quick-witted girl who takes no gruff and gives (almost) as good as she gets. Dez is brassy and just this side of reckless, just mature enough to make you believe (most of) her actions, but still with that hint of vulnerability that teenagers often have. Dez wants everything the world is offering, that's pretty much how you can sum up her character. She has her problems with it, but by in large she wants to experience everything life has to offer with very little worry about the future.

Kale, the catalyst for everything, by comparison was very inexperienced. He didn't understand some pretty common sense things and genuinely found interest in the ordinary, everyday things we take for granted (DVD's, pictures, music). Their juxtaposed ideas about life make for an intriguing and engaging way to understand the book's world.

Action is never in short supply either. Accardo gives a definite feeling of energy and urgency, though there comes a point when I started feel exhausted and wondered where Dez and Kale got their energy from. Every stumbling block they overcome is hiding an even bigger one which inevitably is hiding an even bigger one. Dez's judgement at times also seemed atypical for her. Not quite out of character or extraordinarily weird, but definitely worth pausing over and wondering if given a bit more time she would have come to a better solution. The tense pace of the plot also left me sometimes overwhelmed trying to keep up. During a scene between Dez and her father I swept right by it without really seeing it. It was only after I re-read it I realized how important the interaction was the central plot of the series.

I appreciated that Accardo kept the romance age-appropriate, especially given Dez's experience vs. Kale's inexperience. This never strays into the squick area or tries to emulate the bodice-ripper romances without the explicitness; the romance feels genuine, feels like a natural progression. There's a little competition for Dez's affection, but Accardo makes it pretty obvious how things are meant to end up.

In the end I enjoyed the novel and I'm looking forward to reading the next adventure Dez goes through, though I sincerely hope that the intensity of the novel dials down a bit. I'm not used to having to catch my mental breath at the end of a novel.

(originally this review appeared on Night Owl Teen) ( )

I enjoyed most of this story.

Until I read the last 15%, it was a four-star novel for me. It was funny and sweet and unexpected, things I love in fiction. But inconsistencies in talents or powers, and failures to anticipate in supposedly smart characters? These things are unforgivable. While it didn't kill my admiration for what preceded, it has to be factored in.

The fifth star was never an option -- there is nearly all telling of internal dialog, very little showing. This means many more words than should have been needed. It's sloppy writing.

Overall, kinda glad I read it. Really wish it had followed through on promises. ( )

An unbelievably amazing read. Fast paced and action packed. Very intriguing concept with surprising villains, not the expected bad guy found in a PNR book. Great characters too, Dez is my kind of heroine, she's brave, extremely secure in herself, and kind of a bad ass. Love Kale, it was so fascinating to see things through his eyes. I think he brought a lot to the story and I hope he doesn't change too much as he learns more about life and the world outside. Very cool story can't wait to devour more of this series. ( )

Not exactly DNF, but I'll have to continue reading this book later. I don't like the male lead at the moment. At all. The naivete pisses me off. The last line was something like "I've never seen the rain". For God's sake! In all the times he was sent to kill his targets it never rained? *deep breath* Maybe later, I'll feel more charitable :)

Starting out as a light, action-based tale (perfect when you are waiting endlessly for your own, real-life angst-filled teenagers), it becomes mighty predictable. Even I could guess most of it, and I'm usually a "tourist" when I read, and don't really try to guess what happens. Point in it's favor - the heroine is the one who usually saves the hottie guy's butt instead of the other way around, and doesn't wait around for someone to rescue her. Thumbs way up for that. Unfortunately, the REALLY weak plot kind of discourages me from continuing. Too connect-the-dot for me.

*Very slight spoiler (not really a spoiler but just in case)* There is one memorable scene that stays in my mind (cuz I'm superficial that way...) where Dez is being interviewed by Mercy for her new "employment". Dez's smartass replies could have been over the top and silly, but they weren't. I COMPLETELY enjoyed that scene. ( )