Gabriella Lepore’s second YA novel How I Found You is being released in a few days, and we can now offer you an early review of the exciting new novel!

How I Found You is Gabriella Lepore’s second published book, and like her first novel The Witches of the Glass Castle (which you can read about here on Hypable), it is a young adult, supernatural romance story. It takes place in a different universe from Glass Castle though, as the topic of witchcraft here is approached quite differently.

While its target audience is probably early teens, this is a book that all ages can enjoy. The main character is a relatable 16-year-old girl called Rose Winchester, who goes to spend the summer with her aunt and uncle. But little does she know that her very normal, un-extraordinary existence is about to be changed forever by the arrival of two handsome strangers, who mysteriously manage to charm her aunt and uncle into letting them stay indefinitely.

Rose’s instinctive mistrust for the brothers Oscar and Caicus continues to grow as she witnesses several strange occurrences over the summer, but she is conflicted because of her unexplainable attraction to Oscar, the rebellious, anarchistic, and sickeningly handsome boy. Oh, and throw in witchcraft, demons and an ancient prophecy, and Rose soon finds herself fighting not only to figure out her confusing feelings, but for her life.

The author manages to sketch out two very layered, flawed yet ultimately likeable characters in the story. The novel is written in first person and alternates between Rose and Oscar’s perspectives, and manages to very successfully capture the personalities of the two very different characters.

Drawing on inspiration from her favourite shows and stories such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural, the author not only captures the essence of the genre, but in some cases manages to take it to new places the reader might not expect.

Fans of supernatural fiction will be able to appreciate some nods to familiar stories, but Lepore manages to make this story her own. And while the setup of this story is fairly standard for a young adult supernatural love story, there will undoubtedly be some twists and turns to the story that you won’t see coming.

Having read both of Lepore’s published novels, this reviewer can definitely attest to the fact that this is an author worth keeping an eye on within the young adult fiction genre. While Glass Castle was a thoroughly enjoyable, engaging story, her second novel was definitely streamlined and tighter, and the love story at the center more complex. Lepore has several other works in the making, and we’re excited to see what other stories she comes up with.

How I Found You will be available online and in stores from July 26. You can purchase it on Amazon or through the publisher’s website. Definitely check it out if you enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series!

Look for an exclusive interview with author Gabriella Lepore to appear here on Hypable soon, in which the author takes us inside her new novel and previews what’s coming up next! And for anyone in the Cardiff, Wales area, Lepore is having a book signing at Waterstones on July 28! Go check it out if you’re around.