If you follow my blog or Twitter feed, you’ll begin to notice that I MIGHT (could)  have a slight fetish for, um, contests. Particularly raffles.

It’s not my fault.

See, when I was five I won a tartan sack full of Susan B. Anthony dollars from a raffle at our hometown bank. Since then I have won sooooo many more raffles, well, my hubby insists that I fill out any and all entries and purchase all strip cards and, you get the picture.

So, when I ran across the TRANSPARENT Twitterpic contest last month, I sent in a pic. Why not, right? Gotta be in it to win it, and all. And, this photo below is how I got my copy of TRANSPARENT–courtesy of Hot Key Books.

Notice the shoes…it’s an invisible gal using the toilet. Hey! Don’t judge me! I was at work, and had limited resources.

Anywho, a couple weeks later a package from London arrived in the mail. Like all giddy schoolgirls, I unwrapped my winnings and got down to business. And, I must say, it’s good I did.

TRANSPARENT is a fast-paced adventure, packed with light Sci-Fi goodness, and a splash of romance.

Plot premise: In the near future the use of radiation blocking medicine alters the genetics of humanity resulting in mutations that creates superbeings. Some of these mutations are kinda lame. Who really wants blue skin? The ability to mimic the scent of a skunk, anyone? Going once, twice…

Fiona O’Connell, however, had the (mis) fortune to be born invisible–to a crime kingpin father who figures she’s just perfect–as an assassin. With his Charm power, Jonas O’Connell can woo any female to do his bidding, and he’s decided that Fi, at 16, should become a cold-blooded killer.  So, Fiona goes on the run with her telekinetic mother–trying to escape her first deadly assignment. Thing is, when you’re brought up around criminals, it’s REALLY hard to trust anyone.

And, Fiona doesn’t.

Not the kids at the new school who are attempting to befriend her, and especially not her eldest brother, her father’s right-hand man and a confirmed killer. In order to survive, she must learn to confide in the super kids she meets, however, and she must also trust that this time her mom won’t go crawling back to good old dad.

The best part of this story, has to be Fiona’s sense of humor. She’s wry and witty and, due to no one knowing her facial expressions, used to being candid. Of course, author Natalie Whipple stands the invisibility barrier on its head to bring in the romance–which works well. Poor Fi! And, yet the lesson of facing one’s fears head-on is subtle and sweet.

I’d definitely recommend this to upper middle grade and YA readers. It’s a great story with fun twists and while it resolves nicely, it’s got built-in sequel potential.