"Meridian," Amber Kizer's latest novel, is a spellbinding tale that expertly entwines the paranormal with romance.

Since Meridian Sozu was a little girl, she's always known she was a bit peculiar. She was never seen with any friends, and, for most of her life, death was her only companion. Everywhere Meridian went, it seems death followed. For the longest time, Meridian has been disgusted with herself. After all, how could she not feel responsible for all the deaths she witnessed?

On Meridian's 16th birthday, things get even more complicated. Just when she thinks her parents are going to give her answers, they send her away to her great-aunt's house. There she meets her eccentric but sweet aunt, an amicable wolf and the mysterious and incredibly handsome Tens.

More questions arise when Meridian's great aunt tells her that she is a Fenestra, a half-human, half-angel creature whose purpose in life is to serve as the portal between the living realm and the afterlife.

The duty of a Fenestra is sacred, powerful and most of all, dangerous. If a Fenestra neglects her duties, the balance of good and evil is disturbed. Worst of all, dark forces are rising in her aunt's town with only one purpose in mind: to destroy Meridian.

"Meridian" is a charming yet dark teen novel. Though the storyline itself is quite predictable, the unexpected twists and turns really liven it up.

Kizer did a phenomenal job in executing the novel, especially in character development. Meridian is appealing because of her headstrong attitude and progression as a character.

Another well-executed character is the antagonist, Reverend Primo. Kizer's style of writing, use of language and description of the character's idiosyncrasies paint an accurate picture of the manipulative villain.

While this book was an overall good read, I found that it was a little overwhelming and confusing at times, especially during the climactic sequences. Another element of the book that may be offensive to others is the association of a villain with the church.