Book BFF: Kenzie St. James

Book BFF was created by Larks Andrea, Paula, and Jen to showcase some of our favorite ladies & was originally inspired by Book Boyfriend. We'd love it if you'd join us featuring your favorite Book BFFs and leaving links so we can check out your posts. We will be alternating between Book Boyfriends and Book BFFs on Thursdays.

This week my Book BFF is Kenzie St. James
from Julie Kagawa's

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten)

Kenzie's Appearance:

As observed by Ethan Chase:  "She was shorter than the others, more perky and cute than graceful and beautiful.  Her long, straight hair was inky-black, though she had dyed a few strands around her face a brilliant sapphire.  She wore sneakers and dark jeans, tight enough to hug her slender legs, but not looking like she'd painted them on.  Warm brown eyes peered down at me as she stood with her hands clasped behind her, shifting from foot to foot, as if it was impossible for her to stay still."  ~ p.16-17 The Lost Prince (ebook)

and

"She smiled, and it lit up the room.  My heart sank; I didn't want it to light up the room.  I didn't want to notice anything about this girl, especially the fact that she was extremely attractive."  ~ p. 16-17 The Lost Prince (ebook)

Who Do I Picture as Kenzie?

The closest celebrity I can think of that could match my image of Kenzie would be Selena Gomez.  Selena is extremely cute and petite, and would definitely fit the bill!

Facts About Kenzie

(may include some spoilers)

*  Her full name is Mackenzie St. James...but don't call her Mac or she might slug you.

*  Kenzie is an aspiring journalist.

*  She has several friends who seem to be very protective of her.

*  Her nickname for Ethan is "tough guy".

*  She's very adventurous!

*  Leanansidhe has a fondness for Kenzie...actually, everyone does...not to mention Razor.

*  Kenzie lost her mom in a car accident and ever since, her father has virtually ignored her and thrown himself into his work.

*  Her father eventually remarried so she now has a step-mom and younger half-sister.

*  Kenzie has a very special (and heart-breaking) reason for jumping headlong into the Nevernever with Ethan.

*  Ethan is the first boy she has ever kissed.

Quotes From/About Lela (all quotes from Goodreads except where noted):

"Except...the girl wasn't leaving.  From the corner of my eye, I saw her lean back and cross her arms, still with that lopsided grin on her face.  "No need to be nasty," she said, seeming unconcerned with my aggressiveness.  "I'm not asking for a date, tough guy, just your name.""  ~ p. 17-18 The Lost Prince (ebook)

~

"My words were not having the effect I wanted.  Instead of driving her off, she seemed almost...excited.  What the hell?"  ~ p.  17-18 The Lost Prince (ebook)

~

"Kenzie did something completely unexpected.

She smiled.

It wasn't big or obvious.  Just a faint, secret grin, a flicker of excitement crossing her face, as if this was something she'd been waiting for her whole life, only she hadn't known it."  ~p. 104 The Lost Prince (ebook)

~

"“Razor!” she barked, making Keirran jump. “No! Bad gremlin! You stop that, right now!”
The gremlin, shockingly, looked up from where he was bouncing on a rock, sheep scattering around him. He blinked and cocked his head, looking confused. Kenzie pointed to the ground in front of her.
“I want to see you. Come here, Razor. Now!”
And, he did. Blipping into sight at her feet, he gazed up expectantly, looking like a mutant Chihuahua awaiting commands. Keirran blinked in astonishment as she snapped her fingers and pointed at him, and Razor scurried up his arm to perch on his shoulder. She smiled, giving us both a smug look, and crossed her arms.
“Dog training classes,” She explained."

~

“Kenzie approached sheepishly, one half of the broken rattan in her hand. "Sorry," she said, holding up the ruined weapon with a helpless gesture. "It...uh...died a noble death. I can only hope it gave that thing a wicked tongue splinter.”"

~

“But there are things I want to do before I die, a whole list that I know I probably won't get to, but I'm sure as hell going to try.”

Why Is Kenzie My Book BFF?

Kenzie has the most incredible outlook on things...she truly feels like a breath of fresh air.  And I can see how natural it was for this diminutive girl--through sheer patience, determination and charm--to break down those incredibly high walls that Ethan had built up.  Who wouldn't want a BFF with those kinds of traits?!