Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready (Shade #2)
YA Paranormal
May 3, 2011
Hardcover
Simon Pulse
Reviewed by Mandi
Note: Spoilers for book one, Shade.
Aura was born one minutes after the “Shift” occurred almost 18 years ago. The shift brought about the ability to see ghosts, if you were born after it. Otherwise, those born before the shift, like her love interest Zachary (who was born one minute before the shift) can not see ghosts. In book one, we watched as Aura’s rock n’ roll boyfriend Logan died of a drug overdose. But Logan became a ghost, refusing to pass on. Now, Aura is stuck between her love for Logan, who still hangs out with her as a ghost, and her new, deep feelings for Scottish friend, Zachary. Over the spring equinox, Logan spent a few minutes in actual human form, before reverting back to a ghost. Aura is desperate for answers about who her parents really were, Zachary’s role in her past and her feelings for both of these boys in her life.
Shift is a very nice second installment in this YA trilogy by Jeri Smith-Ready. While I found book one, Shade just to be okay, Shift is much more engaging. I think because it dives deeper into everyone’s feelings and circumstances. Smith-Ready has also done a nice job setting up a love triangle. I know you are thinking, is it really a choice to choose between a ghost or a real life man (who is Scottish and wears a kilt to prom *swoon*). But Logan is such a force that Aura just can’t let him go. He is rash, and speaks before he thinks, and wears his emotions and his love for Aura on his sleeve. Zachary on the other hand is more stoic, and while he loves Aura, he will proceed in life doing what he can to put her first and make her happy. Aura is not only dealing with these new found feelings for Zachary, but Logan’s death. And now the confusing sorrow that he died, but joy that she can still chat with him as a ghost. Over the equinox he is able to come back “to life” for about 15 minutes. This little scrap of hope is enough for Aura to not disregard Logan. I do like the resolution in this book regarding the love triangle and I’m glad that there is an answer before we head into the final book of this series.
Aura is not only dealing with this love triangle, but questions are raised about who really is her father, and what really happened to her mother and Zachary’s father that fateful night before they were conceived. Why did the Shift actually occur? And what will Aura and Zachary do when they discover all the secrets? This book has great pacing and a story which is building up really nicely. Aura never comes off as immature or whiney, even when she can’t help but go back and forth between Logan and Zachary. Even when she clings to Logan’s brother at one point, it really shows the struggle Aura is going through with losing Logan.
I’m very excited to see how this all ends and I encourage you to pick up book one, Shade if you have not done so already.
Rating: B
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Goodreads
Thanks to Simon Pulse and Big Honcho Media, I have a copy of Shift and a Ghost Bead Bracelet to give away today.
To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US residents through June 11th.
Wow! I haven’t yet read any of these, but they just made my TBR LIST!!
I borrowed this series and fell in love with Zach. I know too many unanswered questions about parents.
This sounds like a good series. Please enter me for the giveaway.
This sounds good and I love the cover.
Why have I not heard of this series? lol Great review Mandi.
I’ve heard so much about this series. I’d love a chance to win it!
So glad you’re enjoying this series too Mandi! I just adore it, and I think the love triangle between Zachary and Logan and Aura is very well done. Just when I think I’m ready for her to move past Logan, he does or says something that makes me not ready to have him go:) Can’t wait for Shine!
Forgot to mention my comment isn’t an entry, but such a great giveaway!
Sounds good! I need to read the first book.
Nice review. I too am happy about the love triangle resolution.
I have not read very many stories with ghosts. Please count me in.
This has been on my TBR for a while. Would be cool to finally read it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve already read the 2nd book, but just wanted to say how much I love this series! Loved the 2nd book even more than the first one. Good luck to everyone on the giveaway!
Heard amazing things about this series, would love to win it! Thanks for the giveaway
Thanks for the chance! Looking forward to reading this. Love her other books and the first in this series.
Shift sounds good. Count me in the giveaway please.
Sounds like a good series!
Oh I’ve heard such good things about this book. Great giveaway!
Sounds great!!!
vidishamun@gmail.com
I’d love to read these! Thanks for the giveaway!
meredithfl at gmail dot com
Perhaps a series I should check out. So hard to know with YA, but it does sound goo
Thank you Mandi! Hmmm, it sounds interesting, but I’ve been burnned by a love triangle before, so…
Please don’t include me in the giveaway :)
I would love to read this! I’ve heard good things about the series!
rootml1 AT hotmail DOT com
I loved Shade and I’m looking forward to reading Shift. I’d love to win a copy.
Thanks for the great review, Mandi! Would love to win this one!
Thanks for the giveaway!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Sounds like an unique YA series, I might even be tempted to try it out (no contest entry).
this book sounds good. i love paranormals. thanks!
this one has caught my eye! Thanks for the chance to win
I have heard wonderful things about this series…need to read it soon!
thanks!
i would love to have a copy of this book. love Jeri’s WVMP series. Thanks for the contest.
I loved her book Shade and can’t wait to read Shift! Thank you so much for the great giveaway ! Thank you so much for the chance.
tishajean@ charter.net