Meridian knows she is different as death and dead things have surrounded her since she was a baby. On her sixteenth birthday her life takes a serious turn--a violent and deadly car accident right in front of her causes her body to explode in pain, and her family hustles to get her safely to her Auntie several states away. Meridian learns that she is a Fenestra--half angel, half human--and that she is to serve as a window to the afterlife, helping people die. Meridian must learn all she can about her abilities and become strong and capable before her Auntie passes. She is in great danger from a local preacher, as well as from the Aternocti--forces of darkness who take souls to the lifeless place. Her sworn protector, and possibly her soul mate, Tens, will do all he can to keep her safe, and Meridian must be willing to go up against anything to fight the powers of evil.

This engaging, suspenseful and heartfelt story is the first in a new series. Meridian is a likable character--one who is confused at first by what she is, but one who becomes strong and wise over the course of the book. This story is somewhat dark, as death is prevalent and central to the plot. Animal death, as well as human death, is sad and painful to read about at times, though some moments of death are peaceful. Spirituality and religion are also important elements in the story, with good and evil, light and dark, and heaven and hell all at play. A zealous religious figure, the local preacher, turns out to be evil and is out to kill Meridian. Language is graphic at times (cr-p, b-tchy, a-s, f--king, a-shole, sh-t), though not at all prevalent. Kissing takes place, as Meridian falls in love with her protector Tens, and the two sleep together, but not in a sexual way. The loss of Meridian's mentor and beloved Auntie is sad, though she has lived to be 106 and a point is made that she has lived her life to the fullest and is ready to pass on. Teen girls who enjoy paranormal romantic fiction with excitement and danger will thoroughly enjoy Meridian, and will be anxious to get their hands on the next installment in the series, Wildcat Fireflies.

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