Book Review: Love at Second Sight by F.T. Lukens
There’s something undeniably captivating about diving into a world where the extraordinary is the norm and teenagers grapple with their identities amid supernatural dilemmas. That’s exactly what F.T. Lukens delivers in Love at Second Sight. As a longtime fan of Lukens’ work, I was excited to see how this New York Times bestselling author would weave together teenage romance, family drama, and the paranormal. Spoiler alert: it was everything I hoped for and more.
The story centers around fifteen-year-old Cam Reynolds, an aspiring artist trying to navigate his new life at Central Shady Hallow High, a school teeming with witches, werewolves, sprites, and other supernatural beings. Cam’s desire for anonymity is violently shattered when he experiences his first psychic vision—a brutal murder viewed through the eyes of the killer. What unfolds is a journey of identity, acceptance, and unexpected romance as Cam discovers he’s a clairvoyant, one of the rarest supernatural beings.
Lukens excels in crafting relatable characters, especially with Cam. His awkwardness and insecurities echo the struggles of adolescence, making him feel like a true friend rather than just a protagonist. Watching him evolve from a shy outsider to a confident clairvoyant was genuinely rewarding. The scenes where Cam grapples with sweaty palms during social interactions or feels mortified being filmed during his psychic episodes resonate with that universal teenage experience of vulnerability.
The romance between Cam and his longtime crush, Mateo, unfolds beautifully and, thankfully, sidesteps the dreaded "instalove" trope. Mateo’s development, although secondary to Cam’s, offers enough depth to make him feel real. His struggles with familial expectations and the whimsical nature of being a werewolf provide rich ground for emotional conflict. Those little moments—like the way his ears flush when he’s embarrassed—add a delightful layer to their relationship, making it feel authentic and nuanced.
However, I found the supporting cast to be a mixed bag. Cam’s best friend, Al, serves as both a source of conflict and comic relief, yet sometimes feels more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out character. And while Gemma, the sprite obsessed with social media, brings humor and momentum, her character occasionally veers into cliché territory.
The central mystery of the murder Cam must help prevent propels the plot forward, keeping readers engaged. Yet, I did feel that the pacing stuttered during some mid-narrative stretches where character development took precedence over action. Still, the story’s climax delivers a shocking twist regarding Cam’s parents that raises the stakes and adds emotional weight to his journey toward self-acceptance.
Lukens deftly explores themes of identity and acceptance, particularly in portraying Cam’s struggle against a backdrop of familial expectations. The parallels to LGBTQ+ narratives resonate powerfully, shedding light on issues of belonging that extend beyond the supernatural. The school setting, where supernatural beings are the majority, flips the typical narrative of minority dynamics, making it a fresh exploration of belonging and otherness.
The writing style is approachable and engaging, though at times, some dialogue felt slightly forced, especially when characters had to explain the supernatural elements of their world. Nevertheless, the sensory details, especially during Cam’s psychic episodes, truly shine and ground the more fantastical elements in a visceral reality.
In conclusion, Love at Second Sight stands out as a heartfelt and relatable YA paranormal romance that explores the intertwining of identity and supernatural abilities. While it has its pacing issues and supporting character shortcomings, it ultimately succeeds in delivering an authentic coming-of-age story. Readers who enjoy vivid character development and themes of self-discovery will find much to love here. Personally, I walked away from this book not just entertained, but deeply moved by Cam’s journey—and I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking to dive into a world where love, friendship, and self-acceptance are the true magical powers.
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