Shay Fabbro's novel Dangerous Reflections is a spirited novel following a teenager as she deals with high school, dating, bulling, and a strange new ability that adds more pressure than everything else combined.
Alexis Davenport's life is torn apart when her father leaves and takes all of the money with him. Alex and her mom are forced to move across the state to live with her aunt, leaving their home and friends behind.
The always studious Alex struggles to adjust to her new school. She can't afford the fancy clothing and gadgets of the other students–not even a cell phone.
Before long, Alex catches the attention of the most popular girl in school–and not in a good way–when Alex is assigned as her boyfriend's lab partner. Convinced that Alex is out to steal her boyfriend, she sets out to make Alex miserable.
As if that is not enough, Alex has recently discovered a new talent–she can travel to other times in history. Unfortunately, she has no control over the power. It simply takes her from the present, transporting her through the mirror.
Alex quickly realizes she is being sent to these times in order to prevent another time traveler from changing the past. Not an easy task for anyone, especially a teen in a new school.
Alex tackles the challenges before her with the excitement and vigor of a child, the historical knowledge of a well-educated adult, and the attitude classic of a teen.
Fabbro creates engrossing, realistic characters. The historical locals were well researched, and managed to teach me a thing or two (which is not a bad quality for a book aimed at young adults).
One word of warning: the book is the first of a series, and the ending leaves you with the same feeling as those awful three words known to complete a season of so many television shows: to be continued.
I know I, for one, will be up front in the line for book two of the Alex Davenport series. :-)
