Swamp Angel

Boyd makes her debut with a lush, atmospheric story of a teenage boy who meets the girl of his dreams (literally). When Rylan Forester encounters Ivy, the immortal "swamp angel" who dwells in the swamp behind his house and has been visiting him in his dreams every night, they form a tentative friendship based on a mutual love of the wilderness and a shared desire to keep politicians from polluting it. By day, Rylan deals with bullies and school; by night, he visits Ivy, growing closer to her despite her inhuman features, including green skin and hair, wings, horns, and four-fingered hands with claws and webbing. A slow, sweet romance blossoms, but with increasing pressure from Mayor Labelle and his son Dunstan, Rylan and Ivy may not be able to protect the swamp for much longer. Boyd skillfully interweaves teen drama and supernatural romance, though her villains lack subtlety. Though the swamp angel concept is original, inspired by a song lyric, it also has the ring of local folklore to it. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Leticia Gomez, Savvy Literary Services. (Dec.)