This is and will most likely always be my favorite collection by L.J. Smith (followed closely by the Night World books). Kaitlyn Fairchild simply does not belong in her town. She is not invited to any parties, her eyes are 'evil' and worst her drawings seem to come true. So when Mr. Zete shows up offering her the chance to explore her powers with others like her, it is an offer she cannot refuse. Finally a place where she will belong! 
 And belong she does. With Rob the beautiful boy with the healing powers. Only strangely she also seems to be attracted to Gabriel, a boy who shows up in a youth authority van. Rounding out the cas is beautiful Anna who can speak to animals and Lewis who has telekinetic powers. There seems to be more to the mysterious Institute as well. What are Mr. Zete's true motives? Can everything be as good as it seems? When Kait finds pictures of some of the Institutes former patrons she becomes curious. But her curiosity is unwelcome and basically leads to the deck of cards tumbling down around her, leading her and her comrades to flee from the Institute with Mr. Zetes hot on their trail. Every step they find out more about the Institute and the ulterior motives of their benefactor.