Once in a Full Moon
By: Ellen Schreiber
(Katherine Tegen Books)

Once in a Full Moon is the latest young adult novel from author Ellen Schreiber, part of HarperTeen’s Dark Days of Supernatural series.

The book surrounds Celeste, a teenager who enjoys spending time with her two best friends, and their three boyfriends. Things become chaotic though after a palm reading when Celeste’s predictions start to come true. Soon, Celeste is immersed in old town legends and folklore, specifically regarding werewolves, after a new boy from school saves her life and turns her world around.

It’s easy to see how this book would appeal to the teenage demographic, especially teenage girls, as it’s well-written, easy to read, and certainly has an element of paranormal bliss. However, Schreiber fails to put an original spin on an already-overused concept, and almost makes werewolves seem laughable (which would be a cardinal sin in the eyes of supernatural-romance lovers.)

Overall, this isn’t a bad read for an audience just starting out in this genre, but there are plenty of other novels on the same topic that serve to both mystify and satisfy in comparison.