Rippler (Ripple #1) by Cidney Swanson

Title: Rippler

Author: Cidney Swanson

Publish Date: June 15, 2011

Publisher: William Press

Pages: 288

Other Books in the Series: Chameleon (Ripple #2), Unfurl (Ripple #3)

Buy the Book: Amazon

Rating: ★★★★

Samantha Ruiz has a freak gene that makes her turn invisible, or ripple. She can’t control it, and it’s getting worse. Afraid of becoming a lab-rat, Sam keeps her ability secret, until fellow runner Will Baker sees her vanish into thin air. Will promises secrecy and help, and Sam begins to fall in love.

Together, the two discover there are worse things than being a scientific curiosity. Someone’s been killing people who possess Sam's gene. A mysterious man from France sends letters that offer hope for safety, but also reveal a sinister connection with Nazi experiments.

The more time Sam spends with Will, the less she can imagine life without him. When Sam uncovers secrets from her past, she must choose between keeping Will in her life or keeping Will safe.

The beginning of Rippler by Cidney Swanson is kind of funny but it definitely captures your attention. Unlike some young adult books, this one doesn't start off slow. It places you directly in the action, no narrative about before it happened leading up to the big scene. I really like that. 

Samantha Ruiz is my kind of girl. I love the way she reads throughout the story and I enjoy her interactions with everyone. She reminds me a lot of myself, of course without the rippling and all that fun stuff. I think she is a well developed character with a good backstory. I liked her relationship with Will a lot, mostly because it could be so simple if everything wasn't so complicated. 

The plot is fun and interesting, the twists keep your attention, and the writing is good. I would reread the book and I enjoyed reading it the first time. I really honestly think that it is another good book in the paranormal section.