The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Title: The Nightmare Affair
Author: Mindee Arnett
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: March 5th 2013
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THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR is one of those books you put down and are instantly hungry for more. I was thrilled to read this, especially since its comparison titles were HARRY POTTER meets VERONICA MARS and also the ones I thought of were HEX HALL and PARANORMALCY. So if you like any of those books, then you’re golden.

BUT HOLD UP, FARRAH, you say. I hate when things are compared to Harry Potter. Yes, I know. It seems like it’s a way overused comparison. However, you’re just going to have to trust me on this one. Allow me to explain.

The main character, Dusty is wonderful to read about. She’s full of attitude that makes you lol from her quick-witted snark. But being a Nightmare sort of takes a toll on her, especially since it’s uncommon. When she gets caught up in a mystery that leaves her partnered up with Eli Booker (HELLO HEART THROB) the adventure of this story REALLY begins.

Let’s talk setting. This book is set at Arkwell Academy, a school for magical creatures. The setting and tone of the plot is just perfect—dark in all the right places and so rich in description that it almost makes you want to pack your bags and go there ASAP. I loved being sucked into the world because I could picture everything perfectly. It went hand-in-hand with the mystery that’s constantly being unraveled throughout the book.

Okay, plot. I believe this has been compared to HARRY POTTER and also HEX HALL precisely because there is a mystery that the main character is set on solving. When I was reading it, I had NO clue who was supposed to be the bad guy/who I could trust. And I think that’s what makes a great mystery. Plus, there’s magic elements, spells, and descriptions that make the setting of this world so unique.

And, of course, there’s romance. I won’t give too much away in this area, but holy moly, I loved me some Eli Booker.

Basically, this book will not disappoint. I loved the magic and amazing tone, setting, and plot Arnett created throughout the story, and I’m very, VERY eager to read the next one! THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR is out today, and I TOTALLY suggest you run out and buy it. ASAP. (Like, right now. Why are you still reading this? GO GET YOU SOME.)