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Secrets and Shadows (13 to Life #2)

by Shannon Delany (Goodreads Author)

4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 · rating details · 3,290 ratings · 322 reviews

Nothing's simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she's seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she's suspected. With Jess's realization that the Rusakovas' mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group's choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships...more

Paperback, 320 pages

Published February 15th 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin (first published February 4th 2011)

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Apr 18, 2012 Demonic Circus Princess rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: are-you-kidding-me, cardboard-characters-syndrome, closeminded-asshole, damn-comformists, destruction-destruction-destruction, hate-with-the-wrath-of-hell, i-swear-the-heroine-has-pms, lecture-to-humanity, less-personality-than-a-stick, don-t-know-how-i-survived, one-or-two-redeeming-characters, stupid-decisions, stupid-love-interest, suckish-ending, the-human-mind-makes-no-sense-to-me, wanted-to-slap-the-heroine, why-do-i-still-read-this

Holy. Hell.

I just... Just---

I CAN'T TAKE THIS BULLSHIT ANYMORE! I'M DONE WITH THIS SERIES! I GIVE THE HELL UP!

Actual Review:

Coming Back to the Computer a few Hours Later to Form a Semi-Coherent Rant

WARNING: Extreme fury, extensive amounts of picture use, and wrath of hell ahead.

Oh, and maybe some spoilers, but who cares about those?

After this... I will never read this series again. Ever. I'm perfectly happy not knowing how this situation is going to play out for Jessie.

I would start by complai...more

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Mar 20, 2011 Amy or "Ames" rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: weres-shifters, young-adult, read-in-2011, trilogy, series-abandoned, to-donate

Ever feel like you're missing something? I was constantly reminded that I'm not a Twi-Hard by the never-ending references to the Saga, especially Breaking Dawn (I think). How can the author refer to things (view spoiler) and not explain them enough for me, someone who only made it half way through New Moon, to understand what the heck you're talking about.

I got the feeling that the editors went over this with a fine toot...more

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May 10, 2011 Carmel (Rabid Reads) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: werewolves

Original Review Posted by Rabid Reads at: http://rabid-reads.blogspot.com/2011/05/review-secrets-and-shadows-by-shannon.html

I expected this book to be full speed ahead after the way 13 to Life ended but Shannon Delany maintained the same slow leisurely pace in this second installment much to my disappointment. The first book set the foundation for this series so a lot of world-building was to be expected but Secrets and Shadows should have been all about the action but instead, it's just more of...more Original Review Posted by Rabid Reads at: http://rabid-reads.blogspot.com/2011/05/review-secrets-and-shadows-by-shannon.html

I expected this book to be full speed ahead after the way 13 to Life ended but Shannon Delany maintained the same slow leisurely pace in this second installment much to my disappointment. The first book set the foundation for this series so a lot of world-building was to be expected but Secrets and Shadows should have been all about the action but instead, it's just more of the same. There are a few new developments from the werewolf point-of-view but overall I got the impression that not much really happened this time around. Pietr and Jessie are still butting heads, the CIA are as sneaky as ever and the Rusakovas' are in need of a cure now more than ever.

After having spent the bulk of the previous book feeling frustrated towards Jessie over the Pietr situation I had hoped for a quick resolution in book two. Unfortunately, the teenage lover spat continues for the greater part of the story. I still enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet aspect of their romance and the way that they both adamantly deny the similarities that exist between the tragic Shakespearean love story and their own. It was also interesting to see that no matter how much Pietr tries to stay away from Jessie "for her own good" he's still always there in the nick-of-time when it counts. Not only that, but the whole Rusakovas clan also looks out for her. A pack of werewolves is a good ally to have on your side!

Jessie's "best friend" Sarah finally blows her lid and reverts back to her old ways. Which was a welcomed development in my opinion. Gillmansen's goodie two-shoes mannerisms go a long way but even she is powerless when this ex-mean girl reclaims her status. I liked the way that Delany incorporates life lessons into her writing. Amy and Marvin's abusive relationship is a great example of this. The storyline shows a positive and healthy solution to a common problem facing many women both young and old.

The puzzle that is the Rusakovas is slowly solved piece by piece in this installment. Their past and future is shrouded is mystery but every new morsel that's revealed is oh so juicy. I loved the family reunion and Jessie's introduction to their mother. It's curious how seemingly random characters like Sophia and the old lady seem to know more about the whole werewolf thing than they themselves do. This book doesn't give away all of the secrets though. There are still plenty more to come! Maybe Bargains and Betrayals will tell all?

I really enjoyed the werewolf storyline this time around; it played a greater role than in 13 to Life. On the other hand, the high school drama facet was a little irritating. I realize that this is a Young Adult book but sometimes the teen angst part of a story just rubs me the wrong way. I found that the characters hadn't matured nor did they learn from their mistakes. That being said, this book is still an enjoyable read overflowing with important life lessons. Secrets and Shadows is a tale of tragic romance gone furry. (less)

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Sep 07, 2012 VaultOfBooks rated it 3 of 5 stars

By Shannon Delany. #2 of the 13 To Life Series. Grade B+
After not really liking 13 to Life, the first book in this series, I dared to continue reading because a)it was a review copy and b)I don’t like to leave a series incomplete. I must say, I was a bit surprised.
The supernatural stakes are higher than ever now that more than just werewolves prowl the town of Junction–friendships will be formed, choices will be made and allies may become enemies…
Nothing’s simple when you run with werewolves. Je...more By Shannon Delany. #2 of the 13 To Life Series. Grade B+
After not really liking 13 to Life, the first book in this series, I dared to continue reading because a)it was a review copy and b)I don’t like to leave a series incomplete. I must say, I was a bit surprised.
The supernatural stakes are higher than ever now that more than just werewolves prowl the town of Junction–friendships will be formed, choices will be made and allies may become enemies…
Nothing’s simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she’s seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she’s suspected.
With Jess’s realization that the Rusakovas’ mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group’s choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite long enough to free their mother and people who Jess always just took to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more.
After a sudden and fast paced end to the first novel, where Pietr Rusakova reveals his true form to Jess Gillmansen and leaves her shocked, the story continues right where it was left off.
Pietr is a werewolf! Jess is terrified to know that Pietr, his twin Catherine and and elder brother Maxmilian (Max) are all werewolves and they have lives on some kind of genetic time bombs. They die young. Jess also learns that Alexi is an adopted brother of the Rusakovas. The story’s prologue tells us how the Rusakova’s father died and their mother is captured by the CIA and now they are tracking their werewolf siblings.
Jess and Pietr’s relationship is threatened as Pietr grows more and more distant to her after his first change (in typical Edward style: staying away to keep you safe) and closer to Sarah. In the meantime, Wanda, a secret agent of the CIA and Jess’s dad’s girlfriend, tells the Rusakovas that she knows where their mother is and takes them to meet them in exchange of samples of their blood, hair, etc.
There are so many things that happen in this novel simultaneously… and sometimes, instead of gripping the reader, it ends up being too overwhelming – or that’s what I felt. Things like Jess and Derek dating, then Derek advising Jess to go for competitive horse riding – which ends in a disaster. After which Derek tries to rape Jess, who is in a subconscious state, and is rescued by Max. Then Pietr breaks up with Sarah, making his relationship with Jess official. All of this happens just one after the other and is like things are being randomly thrown at the reader out of a black hat.
My favourite characters in the whole novel is Catherine, closely followed by Max, as they helped in spicing up the story! Everyone assumes Max is a man-whore but he’s an adorable hero-in-the-making. The two give us some witty dialouges that helped me in completing the novel without wanting to kill somebody.
Also because of the fast paced story, I tended to lose reference with what I’d read in previous chapters and prequels, and the reference kept cropping up at times which made me completely lost more than once. Also, the constant use of Russian words irritated me.
As far as the story line goes, the initial part, I felt the resemblance to Stephanie Meyer’s New Moon. And funnily at times, the author has given reference to those books and characters too, as the protagonist is a vampire-book lover.
But this really made me annoyed with Jess for not having enough brain cells to put two and two together even though her memories/actions/emotions were being manipulated. The clues were so obvious. Hello? Derek, derek, derek. Blood, blood, blood. Simple. And you call yourself a vampire lover? I am obsessed with Harry Potter, and when a street light goes off and I am walking, I immediately think: Uh-oh, Dumbledore is here. Because that’s how a normal teenager’s mind works.
I liked the last chapters most, as they had way too much of drama, but reasonable and meaningful drama…I liked reading it! And again an ending with a great cliff hanger that left me pleasantly curious about the third one.
I’ll recommend this book to only those who like hard-core paranomal books.

Originally reviewed at www.vaultofbooks.com (less)

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Apr 15, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hot-amazing-series, i-will-die-if-i-never-knew-this-boo, romance-land, i-will-love-it-forever

Okay, this book is...Awesome! Just like the first book. It really did make me go teary sometimes. It's so sweet of Pietr to always think of Jessica and his mom first. Ugh, look at my class...Boys like that never existed in my school.

Jessica is a very strong girl and I admire her courage! It makes us girls seem so strong and dangerous. Not only boys can be like that, girls can too! Pietr is just like Jessica always thinking of other people but sometimes he does of think of himself. Like, how he...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Shriya Garg rated it 3 of 5 stars

Originally reviewed by Bhairavi for www.the-vault.co.cc

By Shannon Delany. #2 of the 13 To Life Series. Grade B+

After not really liking 13 to Life, the first book in this series, I dared to continue reading because a)it was a review copy and b)I don’t like to leave a series incomplete. I must say, I was a bit surprised.

The supernatural stakes are higher than ever now that more than just werewolves prowl the town of Junction–friendships will be formed, choices will be made and allies may become en...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Seduced By Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

What can I say - - other than young adult needs a new breakout genre - - this book had me on the edge of my seat.

Tension mounts as Delany does it again! I want happiness for Jess, but I don't want the stories to end. So as soon as you think things are falling into place, Delany hits you in a spiral.

Jess is getting walked on, over and stomped...but she keeps rolling on. Her character grows a bit stronger throughout the book, maybe not stronger pursa, but more with it and able to react quicker....more

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Jul 03, 2011 Alyssa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: get-with-library, 2011-read, mystery-suspense, not-even-okay, ya-romance

I don’t understand books like these. I mean, I do. Usually, the writing is simple, the plot is comprehensible and the characters read off like simple sentences. I understand the books – sorta – but I just don’t get why they sell, why they’re so interesting. Could someone please tell me where the appeal lies in reading a complete rip-off? In controlling, wishy-washy guys? In supposedly-intelligent yet insipid, boring protagonists? In mean girls who get everything they want?

I liked 13 to Life bett...more

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Apr 15, 2011 (´*•.¸ღBexღ¸.•*´) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Secrets and Shadows is nothing I expected it to be as it is full of twists and turns and nothing is what it seems. Shannon totally took me on one heck of an emotional roller coaster with this sequel. One minute I want to yell at Pietr and Jess, and the next moment I'm laughing at Max or sighing over Pietr and Max's affection for Jess. Let me just say, there is a lot of that happening in Secrets and Shadows that kept me emotionally invested in the story until the very end.

The characters really g...more Secrets and Shadows is nothing I expected it to be as it is full of twists and turns and nothing is what it seems. Shannon totally took me on one heck of an emotional roller coaster with this sequel. One minute I want to yell at Pietr and Jess, and the next moment I'm laughing at Max or sighing over Pietr and Max's affection for Jess. Let me just say, there is a lot of that happening in Secrets and Shadows that kept me emotionally invested in the story until the very end.

The characters really grew and some of them changed and not necessarily for the better. I really enjoyed getting to know more of the Rusakovas history and I adored seeing a softer side, well I should say a more protective side to Max. He adds comedic relief at all the right times in the story. I was a huge Max fan in 13 To Life, and I'm an even bigger fan now. The one that shocked me the most was Derek's character twist. I knew there was something about him, but I was totally shocked at what Shannon reveals (you'll have to read the story to find out what it is), as his character plays a bigger role in the series than I thought. Sarah was my least favourite in 13 To Life, and her true colours show here. There's a lot to Pietr and Jess's relationship to talk about, and I don't want to give anything away, but I will say I liked how Shannon surprised me with the manner in which some things happen.

I really enjoyed that the story picks up right where 13 To Life left off. This time around, I spent a good part of the book being totally irritated with Pietr and Jess, but then Shannon reveals little bits of her plot twists and that allowed me to understand why they made the choices they did. Shannon not only throws in twist after twist throughout the story, but she throws in a lot of emotional kinks. There is a lot of important things that happen through the story, both with some character and plot twist revelations. I was shocked at how emotional invested I became with the story. I yelled, I laughed, I sighed, and towards the end of the book I felt completely satisfied with how Shannon wraps up the story. But don't let Shannon fool you into thinking all is well, as just as I finally have that "ah ha" moment, she leaves me with a cliff hanger. Oh yes, the type of cliff hanger that makes you wish you could run out and pick up the next book. Yes, I will be rushing out to get Bargains and Betrayals as soon as it's released in August.

I enjoyed this sequel, and I highly recommend picking it up. If you've read 13 to Life, wait till you read Secrets and Shadows! I can only imagine what Shannon has in store for us when Bargains and Betrayals is released.
(less)

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Apr 09, 2011 S.J. Bell added it

I diagnosed the first 13 to Life book as having Trilogy Syndrome, and the sequel is as good an opportunity as any to raise awareness of this crippling narrative disorder. Trilogy Syndrome occurs, appropriately enough, in three phases: Phase one is ADD: throwing out a lot of ideas and plot hooks and not following up on a lot of them, leaving the development and resolution for further books. Phase two is ennui: Having set up everything, and needing to put off the resolution until the big finale, t...more

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Mar 25, 2011 Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale rated it 5 of 5 stars

The amazing story of the Rusakova's and Jessie continue with the sequel to 13 to Life. If we thought there were complications and trouble in the first book we haven't seen anything yet. The high school drama, CIA drama and friendship drama continue.

Pietr starts to push Jessie away and closer to Sarah and Jessie cannot figure out why. She know's Pietr's secret and has sworn to protect the family secret but it doesn't seem to be enough because Pietr has cut himself off from Jessie completely.
As...more

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Mar 21, 2011 Amsy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This series is getting better and better..... This book was interesting and fast I completed it in a day . I didn't expect the author to end the book like that. I m already looking forward to August, for the third book.
Peitr and family (werewolves) fights the CIA to free their mother from their hold. The Russian mafia, tries to take the werewolf family back in their hold, and use them for sinister purposes. Meanwhile Peitr falls for Jess, a simple farm girl, who tries to keep her life normal...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Elle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: wolves, stupid-daft-heroines

I like the whole concept of werewolves that are "man-made". Basically I like the story.

BUT... I still don't know what the fuck is going on with Jess and Pietr! --> like seriously?! Okay, so basically Pietr is dating Jess' once-enemy-now-"best"-"friend" but Jess likes Pietr and Pietr likes her. They want to be together and Pietr is ready to ditch Sarah (the "best friend") but Jess is all "Noo... we have to do it gently 'cause she's my best friend.. blah-defucking-blah..." But! She asks Pietr t...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Jodie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: library

I have read some reviews on this book that made me laugh so hard I was almost sick, and its because they were right on the money.

This book was so frustrating! But, as embarrassed as I am to admit it, I kinda enjoyed it. I'm not sure if laughing in the serious moments was the desired outcome, but anything that makes me giggle is worth it for me. It got better.

If you have seen any reviews that compare these first 2 books to Twilight/New Moon, they aren't kidding. Only Edward is a werewolf. True....more

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Mar 23, 2011 Christina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

SECRETS AND SHADOWS picks up close to were we left off in 13 TO LIFE. Cat and Pietr have turned 17, had their first transformation to a werewolf, and have found out that their mom is still alive and is being held by the CIA. Jessie is still struggling with the death of her mom, the fact that her “boyfriend” is still dating her “best-friend” (the same best-friend that killed her mother), and her dad is dating CIA agent Wanda.

I had a lot of problems with this book, which makes me sad cause I reall...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Heather Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've read the reviews. I just don't happen to agree with them. But, being an argumentative person by nature, I'm okay with that. Sure, this book isn't going to change the world. But I think it deserves more credit than what it's getting, at least on Goodreads. I like to think of myself as an educated adult and a reasonable judge of a good book. Sure, I hated Jessie and her idiocy. Sure, this book is fluff at best. But, we can't all be wading through War and Peace all of the time, now can we? Nor...more

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Aug 21, 2011 Primero rated it 2 of 5 stars

*Spoilers*

Pietr thought he was protecting Jess by pushing her away. He might forget that he wasn't the only threads Jess got. Not to mention, while he thought he "physically" protecting her, he "mentally hurting" her by dating her best friend who was a former phycho-b***h, Sarah. I kind of think she deserved it because she's the one who pushed Pietr away in the first place.

Jess thought Pietr didn't want her anymore and tried to move on. Later, around the last two chapter or so, Pietr revealed th...more

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Feb 15, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this copy from the publisher for review

Is it any surprise that I have this book finished today on its release day? If you answered yes, you obviously haven't been around at my blog for the past few days and whatnot where I go on about my excitement for the release of Shannon Delany's Secrets and Shadows.

And it was a tremendous followup! I still can't put into words why I am so drawn to this series. Really! I don't know why. I guess there's something about Jess that I see in myself, be...more
I received this copy from the publisher for review

Is it any surprise that I have this book finished today on its release day? If you answered yes, you obviously haven't been around at my blog for the past few days and whatnot where I go on about my excitement for the release of Shannon Delany's Secrets and Shadows.

And it was a tremendous followup! I still can't put into words why I am so drawn to this series. Really! I don't know why. I guess there's something about Jess that I see in myself, besides the name. Not that I have the same situations or lifestyle that she has, but I can't quite put how I feel into words.

Anyway, not much time has passed since 13 to Life for Jessie, lucky girl! (I had to wait!!) Jessie is trying to adjust to the fact that werewolves, the CIA, and the Russian mafia are in little old Junction. Not easy, so she seeks help--literally. But the psychiatrist is anything but, she really annoyed me and it was only for a short time in Chapter 1! She seemed very unprofessional for someone in her line of work.

Which brings me to the other members of Junction. No one is who they seem to be at all anymore. There are so many secrets going around that it is insane! My head was spinning and developing theories and yet they weren't ever really answered in plain words, we're led to believe a conclusion on some of the matters, but nothing is ever revealed.

Quite a bit of the mysteries weren't revealed, which doesn't bother me as much as it should. This is just where the series is going to go eventually, the waiting is what bothers me!

Several surprising occurrences happen with the students at Jessie's school. Besides the rush of unexplainable suicides that is. People are acting very strangely and differently--there is a fair guess to the cause but it wasn't explored this time around.

One thing that was aggravating was how Jessie and Pietr were having relationship trouble--in that they can't be together. Pietr is acting very distance with Jessie and not really getting to the breakup point with Sarah (hate her!) and Jessie doesn't know what to do. That's when Derek starts taking an extra special interest in her. It seems very unreal to her and she is even more confused than ever.

Secrets between Jessie and her friends Amy and Sophia and the werewolves are determined more than ever to free their mother. This was quite a fast read and the pacing was done remarkably well, even though it spun you in several directions, it was quite the [positive] rush!!

Going to stop talking because I really can go all day about the strangeness of what went on. And like I said not everything was solved and it was quite annoying in some ways only because I know that I have to wait til August to try to get more answers and as you know "I hate waiting".

***WHICH was ANOTHER thing! The Princess Bride got intertwined into the story as well near the Halloween party!!!

Okay, going to stop, overall I give it 5/5 stars. Really can't give it anything less!(less)

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Aug 10, 2011 Kasey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kasey by: Me

This was a sensational sequel to the amazing 13 to Life. I fell in love with Jess and Pietr all over again.
It was the perfect mix of heart break, love, loss and absolute shock. Pietr keeps pulling away from Jess more and more, and while i tried to reason that he was trying to protect her, i just think he didn't have to be so mean about it.
Things are even stranger in this book, and Jess finds her life has not only been turned upside down, but inside out as well, with all she's ever known coming c...more

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Jul 18, 2011 Jahlia ((thing 10 Evil 1)) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: made-me-feel-violent

I am pissed off at Shanon Delaney. Very, very, very pissed off. And no, those three stars above weren't a typo, this book earned every one of them, it just pissed me off. So before i start my rant, I want you guys to know one thing. I do not hate the 13 to life books, no, I actually enjoyed them very much. I won't lie, i did, and this book was enjoyable too when I wasn't contemplating punching it. However, I am going to give these books it's props.

The 1/2 star.
These books give me joy while readi...more

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Apr 07, 2012 Linette rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: never-will-glance-at-again, don-t-really-like-books, 13-to-life-series

1.5 This. Book. Sucked. Sorry for being so blunt but it's the truth. I only gave this book the extra .5 because of Max, Cat, Amy, and Pietr. A little for Max, Cat, and Amy because they are the only characters in this whole book that I actually liked. A tiny, tiny amount for Pietr because throughout most of the book he had some sense in ignoring Jessica. Until the End. Yeah, I get it. I shouldn't be wishing that. But hello? I can't help it!

First of all-this book is just like Twilight. In the firs...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, wolves-shifter

I have been looking forward to the release of Secrets and Shadows, the second book in the 13 to Life series by Shannon Delany since I closed the cover on book one in September. Ms. Delany does not disappoint, in fact I'd say she exceeds expectations!

I know some readers were frustrated that Secrets and Shadows does not pick up right where 13 to Life left off, but really, I never expected it to. We come back a few months later. Jessie is having trouble dealing with not only her mother's death, but...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Ziaria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow I think this one was even more action packed than the first book. A few questions answered and a pile of new ones left behind. I think Jess is one strong character for all she had to put up with in this book. CIA, Russian Mafia, Ghosts, Dads, Angst filled teenagers. An explosive combination and then you add all the new stuff, that we got a glimpse of in this book, and I have to say I am very curious to see where all of this is heading.

I am still so incredibly fascinated with the Rusakova fam...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Amanda-Lee (StoryWings) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

Ms Delany seems to have a serious Twilight complex and it doesn’t bode well with this book.

Jessie is still struggling to come to terms with how her life has been flipped on its head in the past year. Now she also has to deal with the increasing distance Pietr is putting between them whilst still agreeing to help the werewolves release their captured mother.

Jessie seems to have had a complete character change from how I remember her in the first book. She went from being a likeable, seemingly int...more Ms Delany seems to have a serious Twilight complex and it doesn’t bode well with this book.

Jessie is still struggling to come to terms with how her life has been flipped on its head in the past year. Now she also has to deal with the increasing distance Pietr is putting between them whilst still agreeing to help the werewolves release their captured mother.

Jessie seems to have had a complete character change from how I remember her in the first book. She went from being a likeable, seemingly intelligent character to this clingy, whiny schoolgirl who is having a breakdown every other day and unable to handle her life at all. She went from being well-adjusted considering her situation to a total mental wreck in the space of the couple of weeks between books. She became Bella, basically.

Shamelessly throwing herself at a guy who doesn’t want her then going and making out with his arch enemy to get back at him. Then wondering why he still doesn’t want her and not listening to him after he tells her something is too dangerous, she stubbornly tags along anyway. What is wrong with these humans who seem to think they can match a supernatural's healing abilities?!

Pietr went from an arrogant semi-likable character because of his hotness appeal, to well, Edward. Tortured teen who thinks the world will never understand his predicament, wanting to ”protect” those he loves by distancing himself from them but still keeping an emotional hold over them so they can never move on.

Secrets and Shadows was a train wreck in every sense of the word. The story is a bad copy of Twilight even going so far as to say that the male lead doesn’t think he has a soul anymore because of what he’s become and what he has done and then to say that maybe the family should leave town and everyone they know behind to keep them safe from themselves.

The romance between Jessie and Pietr is becoming laughable now. Jessie pushed Pietr into the arms of another girl and expects him to treat the other girl, Sarah the former Queen Bee, like dirt because Jessie can’t stand the thought of them being together.

I will admit up front that I could barely remember anything from 13 to Life, and Delany’s lack of any form of backstory until three quarters of the way through the book had me scratching my head at times. It goes to show that either I’m losing my memory or that no matter how much I liked 13 to Life, it just wasn’t memorable.

The writing in Secrets and Shadows is engaging once again but the plot is all over the place. There’s trimming down unnecessary detail and then there’s butchering your story. A werewolf got turned back into a human, end of chapter; do we see how said werewolf is faring? How said werewolf feels or is coping with this massive change in their life? Of course not. Vital details were missing; Jessie was at her house one minute then in the car the next. She was possibly borderline date-raped (hmm, I’m seeing more Twilight here) but that doesn’t get explored at all.

I said in the first book that there was a severe lack of information, that pattern continued in the second book. It was a complete mind-boggling circle of the mess Jessie has made of her non-existent love-life and any interesting parts of the story were overlooked because Jessie was too busy panting after Pietr – and quite literally sexually harassing him, I’m sorry but shoving your tongue down someone’s throat who has expressly asked you not to do so is harassment in my book - to notice anything else that may have been going on around her.

Secrets and Shadows was a big disappointment for me. It was a bad copy of the Twilight Saga and the writing was so jumpy it literally gave me headaches to read. I kind of want to know what happens in relation to the Rusakova’s mother but I am wary.

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May 08, 2011 Marissa Novels On The Run rated it 4 of 5 stars

Secrets and Shadows is the second book in the 13 to Life series by Shannon Delany. In the first book, I was left a little lost at the end - not too sure how or why the book ended how it did....it just stopped - no cliff hanger. I had many a question for Shannon but of course I had to wait it out for Secrets and Shadows to be released. Like a good little girl I waited....and finally got my hands on it!!! Though the book has a primary storyline of the relationship between Jess and Pietr.....it ope...more Secrets and Shadows is the second book in the 13 to Life series by Shannon Delany. In the first book, I was left a little lost at the end - not too sure how or why the book ended how it did....it just stopped - no cliff hanger. I had many a question for Shannon but of course I had to wait it out for Secrets and Shadows to be released. Like a good little girl I waited....and finally got my hands on it!!! Though the book has a primary storyline of the relationship between Jess and Pietr.....it opens up to so much more every page you turn!!!

Average characters turn out to be oh so much more and when I sit back now and go through what each character has become....I realise I feel that I was "duped" just as much as Jessie and Rusakova's are feeling....one character in particular feels like you've just been slapped in the face with it's identity (sorry....not giving it away!!!).

There is quite a focus on the relationship of Jessie and Peitr .... at times it felt more like the only focal point...but there is a lot playing out in the background that you have to pay attention to. There is violent action, passion, betrayal and a bond between characters that strengthens as time goes.

Max just gets better and better. Cheeky, gorgeous and ...Cheeky!!
Cat becomes the protective friend and older sisters that Jessie has needed.
Derek.....grrrrr....I don't like him...he's just too sleazy. Something doesn't add up with him.
Sarah - she is starting to unravel...can Jess keep the lid on this little fire cracker???
Amy's not as tough a little cookie as she makes out to be. She has a crap background and her involvement with Marvin is not what it seems.

My one query I did have...the only thing that just didn't sit well with me.........Jessie's dad is involved with Wanda (CIA)......but it's only been 6 months since her mothers' death???? Do people move on that quickly??? Jessie's Dad was also allowing Wanda to influence his decisions with Jessie.....hmmm maybe it's just me?!

And at the end????? I'M LEFT HANGING!!! Till August it is when Bargains and Betrayals is released.(less)

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Feb 20, 2012 Mallory Anne-Marie Forbes rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal, Werewolf, Urban fantasy

Shelves: feb-2012-book-challenge

Book Two in the 13 to Life Series

I read the first book in this series-appropriately titled “13 to Life”-just four days ago, and I was, to say the least, enraptured. There was not one aspect of that novel I did not love. Then I picked up “Secrets and Shadows” which very cleverly takes up where the first leaves off (the same is true of the segue from this book to Book Three, “Bargains and Betrayals”) and again, I raced through it. The writing is just as excellent, the characters just as strongly-d...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

There are spoilers from 13 to Life in this review.

In Secrets and Shadows, the Rusakova’s are on a mission to find their mother, while Jessie and Pietr are still trying to figure out a way to let Sarah down gently so she doesn’t go nuts or revert back to her previous mean girl self. However, after an incident with the CIA, Pietr grows more distant and appears to have decided Sarah might be the girl he should be with. In response to that, Sarah finds herself hanging out with her former crush, foot...more There are spoilers from 13 to Life in this review.

In Secrets and Shadows, the Rusakova’s are on a mission to find their mother, while Jessie and Pietr are still trying to figure out a way to let Sarah down gently so she doesn’t go nuts or revert back to her previous mean girl self. However, after an incident with the CIA, Pietr grows more distant and appears to have decided Sarah might be the girl he should be with. In response to that, Sarah finds herself hanging out with her former crush, football star Derek, who’s definitely showing an interest in her. Of course, not everything is as it seems and we find out a lot more about the Rusakova’s, Jessie and other secondary characters in the series.

It had been well over a year since I’d read 13 to Life and I honestly couldn’t remember a lot of the details, but Delany did a good job of reminding me of most of what I had forgotten relatively early in the book. I’d picked this one up because I’ve got tons of books to read and figured I should start reading some of the stuff I’d had sitting around for a while, not thinking I’d be all that into this one. I’m glad to say I was wrong; there was a decent amount of action, we found out more about the Rusakova’s, and there were a couple of pretty big developments with both main and minor characters. The book ends on, not a cliffhanger, per se, because we know what’s going on, but definitely on something that’s going to be a main focus of book three.

The only thing that really annoyed me about this book (it bugged me in the first one, too), is the whole triangle thing with Sarah (even though she wasn’t aware of it), Pietr and Jessica. I mean, really, you’re going to tell the guy you like, and who likes you, to keep going out with the girl who killed your mother because you think she’s so fragile? Plus, if that’s what you decide, don’t get all kissy-face with the guy behind her back. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book; I recently bought Bargains and Betrayals and look forward to reading it soon.(less)

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Jul 22, 2011 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book could only be describe in one word: Torture. Pure torture. I mean, my heart just ache and well, the writing is pretty dang good.
Torture. Why? Well what else is hard to watch then the one person your in love with be with someone else. I mean that tough. The drama in this book is great, but pure torture. You don't know how many times I wanted to be Jessie just so I can slap Pietr.

The characters I feel in this book did no growing up whats so ever. They made the same mistakes over and ove...more

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May 21, 2012 Heidi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen, guilty, supernatural-fantasy

Yeah, I know. I didn't like the first one much, but somehow I had to read the next one. Still not impressed, even though this one was less frustrating. Except for how blatantly the author rips off the Twilight series, even refers to it at one point. In the first book there's the strange attraction, in the second is the feigned rejection "because I'm dangerous" and lots of moping. Bleah. And she keeps throwing in more "twists" to keep it exciting: we already had werewolves, the Russian mafia, and...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Tough Critic Book Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

I actually liked this book better than the first. Eventhough the relationship issues between Pietr and Jessie will frustrate you to no end, the author did a better job developing the characters. I really grew to love Max and enjoyed the relationship development between him and Jess (Don't worry, I meant caring big brother role). One thing I did notice was that the book jumped around alot leaving gaps. Its almost like when they edited the book they just decided to remove a paragraph here, a page...more

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About Shannon Delany

Shannon Delany's newest novel, WEATHER WITCH (St. Martin's Press) is already available for pre-order (which both stuns and delights Delany)!

Shannon Delany has written stories since she was a child. She began writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill during a family vacation. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize i...more

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Quotes from Secrets and Shadows

“Yes. Da, I corrected.
"Say it again."
"What?"
His voice grew husky as he repeated his request. "Say yes - in Russian - again."
I blushed. "Da", I whispered. "Will you teach me more Russian, Pietr?"
"Mm, only the important words," he promised.
I bit back my request for the three most important words to me. "What words would you teach me?"
"Pocelujte menyah."
"What's that mean?"
He groaned. "Repeat it tonight and perhaps I will show you.” — 51 people liked it

“Max," I said, looking up at him, "I love the Russian heritage you guys are so willing to share, but I'm not so thrilled with the French."
"What?" His brows lowered. "We're not French."
"Great. So the next time you feel the need to kiss me, keep your tongue out of my mouth!” — 38 people liked it

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Secrets and Shadows (13 to Life #2)

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