Shift (Shade, #2)

Jun 16, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: annoying-main-characters, huge-disappointments, pn-ghosts, read-2011, ruined-series, young-adult, icky-subjects, eye-bleeding, adolescent-wish-fulfillment, 2011-publication

1.5 stars The first book in this series was really entertaining. I liked the concept of a world in which kids born after a certain time period could all see ghosts, as well as the idea of exploring how difficult that reality might be for both the ghosts and the ones they leave behind. Aura's boyfriend Logan made a stupid mistake and paid for it with his life, leaving her full of guilt and unresolved feelings. In both the previous book and in this one, she has to find a way to help him come to te...more 1.5 stars The first book in this series was really entertaining. I liked the concept of a world in which kids born after a certain time period could all see ghosts, as well as the idea of exploring how difficult that reality might be for both the ghosts and the ones they leave behind. Aura's boyfriend Logan made a stupid mistake and paid for it with his life, leaving her full of guilt and unresolved feelings. In both the previous book and in this one, she has to find a way to help him come to terms with his future as well as coming to terms with her own. Complicating matters is the handsome Zachary and the Department of Metaphysical Purity, both of whom want Logan gone for good.

With such an interesting set-up, expanding on the story that began in Shade should not have been particularly difficult. But when 75% of this sequel is spent on the ridiculous back and forth relationship of Aura-and-Logan and Aura-and-Zachary and then Aura-and-(view spoiler), the direction has officially turned from intriguing paranormal series to annoying romance series. I'm one who actually doesn't mind the dreaded love triangle as long as it's handled well and it's not too drawn out, but the events that happen in this book are absolutely ridiculous. And gross. There are more details in my status updates if you care to see them, but suffice to say that in the space of a few weeks, Aura (view spoiler) and there are two hugely, hugely icky moments (between her and one of her partners and between (view spoiler)) that will turn off a lot of women who read this. Or they should, anyway.

I am so disappointed that the author not only chose to spend so much time on the romantic complications in this book, but that she also chose to put in such unforgivable scenarios, all of which could have easily been avoided. I am especially frustrated because there are some nice moments in it involving a brief, bittersweet journal entry that Aura finds as well as some gallant behavior from (view spoiler). I also think it's pretty ballsy that the author pushes the boundaries a little as far as the sexual intimacy between teens goes, without going overboard. It's just too bad that it's spread around with so many partners in this book, and in such an off-putting way. I really don't know if I'll be checking out the next book in the series, but I probably will just to see if it continues on this hideous path. I'm a glutton for punishment that way.

Oh, and by the way? Reading through 36 pages of an unhappy prom (and more pages wasted on talking about it and shopping for it) does not make for good entertainment.

This review also appears in The Midnight Garden.(less)

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Apr 06, 2011 ~Tina~ rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, read-2011, supernatural, young-adult, netgalley-e-galley

2.5stars

What to say, what to say...

Okay, to be honest here, I do like this series, it has all the elements I look for in a good read; swoon-worthy characters, a complex plot and strong writing and I simply adore Logan. But! This book made me dizzy and it felt completely different from the first. With Logan it's- he's a shade, he's a ghost, he's alive?
With Aura, she's basically messed-up throughout this book and flip-flops between Logan, Zach and even had a moment with another character. I since...more 2.5stars

What to say, what to say...

Okay, to be honest here, I do like this series, it has all the elements I look for in a good read; swoon-worthy characters, a complex plot and strong writing and I simply adore Logan. But! This book made me dizzy and it felt completely different from the first. With Logan it's- he's a shade, he's a ghost, he's alive?
With Aura, she's basically messed-up throughout this book and flip-flops between Logan, Zach and even had a moment with another character. I sincerely believe this girl doesn't know what she truly wants. She says one thing and does something completely different and why oh why does everything end up with sex with this girl? I get that part with Logan since he was her childhood friend turned boyfriend/love of her life, but what was the rush for Zach and...the other character? I get she's not in a good place right now but it's very hard to sympathize with someone who is hooking up all over the place. And then there is poor Zach who has been competing with a dead guy ever since he meet Aura, but he still wants her but can't really be with her under some new circumstances and they have to obstacle out of it and then he has his own 'conflicting moments'. It felt like there was just to much drama, to much angst, and as much as I want to love it, I just didn't buy it. Lots of high and low emotions running the book and romantic-confusion/conflict that are all over the place and I didn't know what to feel from one chapter to the next.

With that said, I still liked Shift, but I didn't love it. The plot was crazy, sure, but it's also unique and entertaining and has a great creative twist. I also really liked the way it ended and content enough to leave it here, but since there is a thrid book in the works I know my curiosity will get the better of me and I'll end up checking it out. Plus, Logan owns me and I wanna see if his story is truly done and kinda hope that he finds a way to come back...for good. It's not realistic I know, but what is in this book?
A sap's heart wants what it wants. *shrugs*

Bottom line, while this book did upset me, there were a lot of moments that melted me as well. I just wish I could have loved it the way I wanted too.

(Arc provided by Simon & Schuster Galley Grab)
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Jun 02, 2011 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-arc, favorites

First of all, if you haven't read Shade, stop reading this review right now, and get on that! Not that this review is spoilery by any means, but Shade is awesome and you should definitely start there, since it's the beginning of the series and all.

I loved Shade, absolutely loved it, and even after reading several books, it still always stuck out there. The story and it's characters.... it was easy to fall into and hard to fall out! As much as I loved Shade, I have to say that Shift really took i...more

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May 03, 2011 Nic rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, paranormal-romance, young-adult, read-in-2011, arc, ebook

Rating 2.5

Shift was just an okay read for me. The concept is unique and I love the paranormal element of the storyline. The writing was fast paced and full of suspense. However this time I felt that there was too much relationship drama and it annoyed me to the point I thought about giving it up. Just when you thought things would settle down with Aura and her love life and new problem would appear and completely overwhelm the story. Very disappointing :(

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Apr 27, 2011 Aleeeeeza rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-netgalley-galleygrab, 2011-read

*4.25 stars*

Book 1 in the series, Shade, ended on a bloody cliffhanger. Which meant I had to begin reading this one kind of right away. And duuuude, the first 100 pages or so were AMAZING. So good I could barely stop reading. In this book, (as we find out in Book 1) after Logan fails to pass on and has turned into a Shade, he comes back to Aura after three months, and somehow changes back into a ghost. And then, BAM!, he turns into a flesh-and-blood human for fifteen minutes, during which Aura a...more *4.25 stars*

Book 1 in the series, Shade, ended on a bloody cliffhanger. Which meant I had to begin reading this one kind of right away. And duuuude, the first 100 pages or so were AMAZING. So good I could barely stop reading. In this book, (as we find out in Book 1) after Logan fails to pass on and has turned into a Shade, he comes back to Aura after three months, and somehow changes back into a ghost. And then, BAM!, he turns into a flesh-and-blood human for fifteen minutes, during which Aura and him almost love their virginity.

The plot does move at a pretty crack-a-lackin’ space, although it does grow a bit slow in the middle. But not for long, though, and it totally becomes addictive a while later. I mean, I did read this book in one day, ya know, so obviously it was super-exciting. All the stuff about the Shift we got to find out in this book was riveting!

So, let’s see: Logan did sort of annoy me in the chapters post the almost-love making, mostly because he made it awfully hard for Aura to try and move on with a guy she really has a chance with. She still loves him, obviously, but can they actually have a relationship based on conversations only and no-touching-only-desperate-wanting? All this when ZACHARY is right there?

Aura could’ve easily come across as slutty (especially considering how she’s kind of getting it on with Dylan, too, Logan’s younger brother, and the only one on his family who can see his ghost and thus feels very close to Aura because of this), but somehow Smith-Ready manages to make the reader totally empathize with her situation (for the most part, anyway. It was a bit head-scratching-y sometimes). The character development in this book was truly quite great, and I felt, in turn, both charmed with Zachary and Logan and alternately pissed off. (Seriously, guys, at one point in this book I went like: ZACHARY YOU BASTARD YOU COULD YOU OMGGGG I HATE YOU SO MUCH I CAN’T BELIEVE I ACTUALLY THOUGHT YOU WERE A DECENT GUY BUT NOW I REALIZE IT WAS ONLY YOUR YUMMY ACCENT WHICH I NOW ABHOR<-- no kidding, I got verrry emotional. And then some chapters later I was all: oh wow was I really that cold-hearted and judgmental? You poor thing, I totes get you know. *Sniffle*) The secondary characters were kick-butt, too, especially Aura’s best friend Megan. She was a delight! I’d so kill for a BFF like her.

This book also features answers to some questions that the first book posed (even if not completely), so I was glad about that. I was also tremendously pleased with the ending, even if it did tug on my heartstrings.

Only complaint? I never actually felt like I got to know Aura that well. We never really explore her personality without regard to the dudes she’s with…so that aspect could’ve been more fleshed-out.(less)

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May 25, 2011 Krys rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, urban-dark-fantasy-paranormal, arcs-manuscripts, own, twins, series-i-love, ghosts-hauntings, read-in-2011, first-person-narrative, series

Last year I fell utterly and completely in love with Jeri Smith-Ready's Shade. It was my favourite book of 2010. Hands down. Naturally I was looking forward to Shift, the sequel that will be out this May... however, this kind of gleeful level of anticipation is a double edged sword... will the sequel be as good as the first one? Will I be disappointed? Will I lose faith in the author?

I've burned out on many sequels recently. I'm pleased to report that this was not the case with Shift... I loved...more Last year I fell utterly and completely in love with Jeri Smith-Ready's Shade. It was my favourite book of 2010. Hands down. Naturally I was looking forward to Shift, the sequel that will be out this May... however, this kind of gleeful level of anticipation is a double edged sword... will the sequel be as good as the first one? Will I be disappointed? Will I lose faith in the author?

I've burned out on many sequels recently. I'm pleased to report that this was not the case with Shift... I loved this book as much, if not better, than the first book. Squee!

In Shift Aura is trying to get over Logan's death in the previous book. Problem is, he's still here...despite numerous attempts to pass on and nearly turning into a shade as well. Aura has fallen for Scottish boy Zachary and wants to be with him but Logan is still hovering about. In one moment Logan becomes real and Aura looses herself in him, throwing away any chance that she and Zachary might be together.

Besides the romance there is a lot going on. Logan plans to go out of this world with a bang, the DMP begins to follow the two around, Aura and Zach are still researching the Newgrange project... and now Aura has to act as Logan's translator, filtering his words so that she can protect herself from scrutiny. It's a big, giant, explosive ball of awesome...and I loved every word. I devoured this book from cover to cover while barely stopping for a breath. It. Was. Absolutely. Wonderful. Absolutely.

It's more than just a teen romance book... it's about life, and dealing with losing people. In Shift Smith-Ready explores the profoundly woeful nature of grief. She follows several people as they deal, or do not deal, with the ramifications of the loss of Logan. The metaphors are thick in this book, and they are powerful... and expressive... and very, very sad. While the context is disheartening the meaning is pure - Death changes everything in subtle and terrifying ways. Death is the greatest modifier. This book is about people getting through and getting on... or in several cases not getting on. It's a very apt portrayal of how death tears people apart. The execution is sublime.

This book has it all. It made me laugh out loud, it made me cry. It's sweet, it's tender, it's exciting... and it's exactly what I wanted. I wish I could reread this for the first time. I wish I had written it... I can't gush enough. I think it's absolutely smashing...and I want another book.

I love Jeri Smith-Ready... for those of you who have not read it...you're missing out. She's one of the best. I love this. It's beyond 5 out of 5 stars. It's in a whole different dimension.

- review courtesy of www.bibliopunkk.net

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May 30, 2011 Smash added it · review of another edition Recommends it for: YA Paranormal/Fantasy Fans, Ghost Story Geeks

Shelves: ya-fantasy, read-2011, book-reviews, favorites, review-request-complete

Read this review at Smash Attack Reads!: http://www.smashattackreads.com/2011/...

There is much more emotion in this book. My heart broke for Aura, especially, because of the ugly situation that she’s in. Love triangles are never easy, but Aura’s predicament takes the cake. She is truly stuck between holding on to her first love and desperately trying to move on at the same time. Logan will always remain in her heart, but she can’t deny the ache she feels when Zach is not near. Zach is a passiona...more Read this review at Smash Attack Reads!: http://www.smashattackreads.com/2011/...

There is much more emotion in this book. My heart broke for Aura, especially, because of the ugly situation that she’s in. Love triangles are never easy, but Aura’s predicament takes the cake. She is truly stuck between holding on to her first love and desperately trying to move on at the same time. Logan will always remain in her heart, but she can’t deny the ache she feels when Zach is not near. Zach is a passionate, considerate soul who just takes my breath away, really. I’m pretty smitten with him. And the author dropped a pretty rad surprise on us during the prom scene. I love her for that! Ok, back to Aura. As the story progresses, she begins to realize that he has invaded her heart and that their relationship is pretty pure.

"Zachary fit me, like the answer to an equation I’d forgotten how to solve."

The pain felt by Aura, Logan’s family and close friends is so poignant, and it alters their relationships. In particular, Logan’s older brother, Mickey, has not dealt with his grief and he’s overcome with depression. His character remains in the background, but being who I am, I couldn’t help but pick up on the struggles he was enduring. I really want to give him a hug and take him to a local therapist. My heart also goes out to Logan’s younger brother, Dylan, who is the only family member that can see Logan. His character matures greatly in this book and he snagged my heart!

Logan is a character that I’m constantly on the fence about. His sincerity felt real, at times, but I was really angry with his character at other times. I felt some of his decisions and actions were selfish as hell. But then he’d have this wow moment, where I’d say to myself “who is this guy and what did you do with Logan?” All his loved ones feel like they can’t move on until Logan does, because even in death, he still demands an audience.

“It’s like we’re back in the neighborhood playing freeze tag, and Logan’s It. Everyone he touches has to stop living, until we’re all frozen.”

There’s some great action near the end of the novel. These books also seems mature for the genre, or maybe I’m viewing Aura as a more mature protagonist. Of course, there is much more to this book than the love triangle. The mystery that surrounds Aura and the Shift is revealed slowly through the books, and I think the end of this novel sets up a nice conclusion. Shine, the final installment, is due out in 2012.(less)

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Nov 11, 2011 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: books-i-own

Jeri did a tremendous job with this. The way she handled Zach's pov was perfect. It was intimate and brilliant. Excellent.

Merged review:

I have a really dramatic statement to make. I know, you're shocked, right? But honestly, I think Jeri Smith-Ready may kill me one of these days. Seriously. Her books completely break me down and leave me red-faced, bleary-eyed, and yet, oddly happy.

I loved, LOVED book one of the series, SHADE. One of my favorite books, ever. So, when I started to read SHIFT, I r...more Jeri did a tremendous job with this. The way she handled Zach's pov was perfect. It was intimate and brilliant. Excellent.

Merged review:

I have a really dramatic statement to make. I know, you're shocked, right? But honestly, I think Jeri Smith-Ready may kill me one of these days. Seriously. Her books completely break me down and leave me red-faced, bleary-eyed, and yet, oddly happy.

I loved, LOVED book one of the series, SHADE. One of my favorite books, ever. So, when I started to read SHIFT, I realized I left my book at home. My home was twelve hours away! It was too late to go to a bookstore, so I did what any book hungry girl would do and bought it off of iBooks. Thank the good Lord for technology because, let me tell you, I needed that book and I needed it yesterday!

I am so, so happy that I took that I let my impatient nature take over. SHIFT could not wait. Nuh uh. The book literally continues at the exact moment SHADE ended and takes off running. Aura, the possible catalyst for the shift phenomenon, is still torn by her love for what she had, Logan, and what may come, Zach. Can she let Logan go? I don't know that I could. Can she grab her chance at a future with Zach? I hope so. See? I just made two contradictory statements. That's the beauty of this series. There is no black and white in this world. Anything, ANYTHING is possible.

Now for the most important, debatable subjects of the series, Logan and Zach. Those two make me crazy and sometimes I want to bitch-slap them for the craptastic moves they pull on Aura. But, here's the thing. They are teenage boys. They make stupid, impulsive decisions just like any teenage boys. Sometimes they are ruled by hormones, sometimes they're just idiots. That is the beauty of Logan and Zach. They are bonehead teenage boys sometimes, and you love them anyway. And occasionally, those two make a beautiful gesture or decision that will take your breath away. For the record, I'm still Team ShadeBoys. You can't force me into choosing a team. YOU CAN'T!

Here's the point, I guess. One of the girls from Fictish Delish (I hardly ever know if it's Amy or Jen, but they're both awesome!) asked me how I felt after reading SHIFT. I wanted to say what I really felt, but was afraid I would creep someone the heck out. But I thought, "These people get it." So I said what I really felt and I'm quoting: "I LOVED IT! I want to cut open my chest, put these books inside and carry them around with me. I'm weird that way." To which she said, "See, to us that just doesn't seem weird. Doesn't everyone want to do that?" So, are we weird for being this passionate about this series? Maybe. Do the books (and author) deserve that kind of passion for writing books that rock our world? Definitely.

Just a warning, I may not survive SHINE. For real.

Favorite Quote ~
I started looking over the quotes I bookmarked, and of course I couldn't choose just one. I also started crying, of course. And I know I say that I'm Team ShadeBoys, but all my quotes are about Logan. Hmm...

"Just be here. Tonight, tomorrow night, whenever you need a quiet place to rest."

"I thought of what Logan and I had shared last fall, and the way his face had looked tonight onstage, as a ghost and as a human. Some of the best days of his life were after his death."(less)

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Apr 24, 2012 Michele (Reading Lark/CanadianTwiMom) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-it, paranormal, favourite-epic, ghosts, general-fantasy, reading-lark, read-more-than-once, mature-ya, hardcover, fictional-crush, fav-author

Zachary has utterly left me speechless!!

Merged review:

My review can also now be found on Reading Lark: http://readinglark.blogspot.ca/2012/0...

Another favourite to add to my shelf!

I have been enjoying a really great roll of good books lately... and I have to confess I was a little worried about Shift because it was the second book in the Shade trilogy... and we all know how painful second books can be... but upon closing Shift, I can say that my roll with awesome books continues!

Sure there was...more

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Apr 21, 2011 Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let me start by saying this book was awesome and I hope I do it justice.

I loved Shade and the world Jeri created with the pre and post shifters so I couldn't wait to read Shift and I was not disappointed! Picking up Shift was like coming home. Shift picks up a couple of months after Shade ended and digs right back into the story. There are some amazing moments of steamy passion, mixed with action scenes that have you gripping the sides of your chair, as well as some utterly heartbreaking moments...more

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Apr 27, 2011 Morgan F rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series, fantasy, 2011, young-adult, not-yet-released, the-afterlife, e-book, paranormal, love-triangle, galleygrab, read-2011, medium-sized, ghosts, its-a-girl, grief, romance, suckfest, supernatural

Disappointment.

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Oct 05, 2011 KJ Shadows rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ghost-stories, young-adult, kinda-disapointing, should-have-loved-it-but-didn-t, really-wierd, romance, spiritual

OK..Now before you think I'm a hater and go ballistic on me I'm going to explain WHY I gave this book a two star rating instead of three stars which was what I originally planned on giving it. I will have some spoilers but I will block those out for those of you who have not read it.

First off let me start out by saying I loved the first book of this series. Especially since it got review from PC Cast one of my fav authors, I was excited to get into this series. I'm definately pro-logan of cour

...more

OK..Now before you think I'm a hater and go ballistic on me I'm going to explain WHY I gave this book a two star rating instead of three stars which was what I originally planned on giving it. I will have some spoilers but I will block those out for those of you who have not read it.

First off let me start out by saying I loved the first book of this series. Especially since it got review from PC Cast one of my fav authors, I was excited to get into this series. I'm definately pro-logan of course, something about the guy that always gets shafted that I'm drawn too or whatever the reason. However, I was willing to give Zachary a chance and even liked him somewhat in book one. NOW, in Shift we go deeper into why the actual shift happened, what happened at newgrange with Aura's mother, who her actual father is and all the romance drama just comes between. I REALLY did enjoy finding out more about newgrange and Eowyn the only character that really still has a mysterious vibe and doesn't annoy me at this point.

In the book, Aura finds out that (view spoiler)[ her father is a ghost (hide spoiler)] big shocker? I wasn't that suprised however when she (view spoiler) from Eowyn the actual shift interested me more then the drama between Her vs. Logan vs. Zachary. Let me start off by saying I REALLY wanted to like Zach but if you read the book then you know how he gets incredibly whiny and annoying. There are parts of the book that literally had me saying WTF!!?? Aura are you braindead? This is why Zach is the most retarded guy on the planet. He (view spoiler) Which to be honest is understandable. Then (view spoiler) I mean can anyone say HYPOCRITE? like its ok to un-ask you but not her cause he'll be the bad guy? But its ok to hurt the girl you supposedly "love" AND go out with another girl. If I were Aura I would be like its either me or NOBODY.

Does Zach take this as a hint? OH NO...it gets worse. Zach (view spoiler)

(view spoiler)

(hide spoiler)]

I apologized to Zach fanatics out there but after this book I'm more pro-logan then ever. Atleast for Logan he did not eye other females, he truely was about aura always. And is always there when she needs him not running away to "protect" her bullcrap. I will still buy Shine to see HOW the series surely out of the curiosity about the shift and her mother's past history. Anything else purely just makes me wish you had a stronger, wiser main character. But that can obviously never happen. Although I'm sure Zach is going to remain faithful and so in love in the next six months away from Aura. I have no doubt about that HAH!.

And that is why I gave my 2 stars. Disapointed is the word for it. If you read my long essay kudos to you =)

(hide spoiler)]

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May 24, 2011 Fictitious Delicious rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-by-jen

(Posted to Fictitious Delicious blog on 5/24/11)

I'm going to start this review with a confession. I LOVE Jeri Smith-Ready. She is one of those authors that brings out the fan-girl-with-stalker-tendencies in me. (I am mostly kidding here.) Her writing is magical and touches the same part of me that made me drop everything and obsess over Edward Cullen. It's THAT good.

It is difficult to write a review for a second book in a series without mentioning an event or two that occurred in the first book...more (Posted to Fictitious Delicious blog on 5/24/11)

I'm going to start this review with a confession. I LOVE Jeri Smith-Ready. She is one of those authors that brings out the fan-girl-with-stalker-tendencies in me. (I am mostly kidding here.) Her writing is magical and touches the same part of me that made me drop everything and obsess over Edward Cullen. It's THAT good.

It is difficult to write a review for a second book in a series without mentioning an event or two that occurred in the first book. There may be some spoilers from book one in this review, so please continue at your own risk. I've tried very hard to be as spoiler-free as possible.

SHIFT starts off where SHADE ended. Literally. The first few pages of this book are the last few in book one. What a great way to remind readers of where we left off! The transition between the books is seamless and there is no awkward retelling of book one events in the first few chapters as can be the case in some series.
The thing that excites me most about this book is the character development of the two main male characters in the series. Logan is almost unrecognizable from who he was before his death in SHADE. To simply say he matures is really doing an injustice to his growth and the events that are a catalyst to his maturity.

And Zachary. Where to begin? Well, there are some heartbreaking moments with Zachary in this installment. But here's the thing: They needed to happen. A boy can only be so patient with a girl that is being pretty darn wishy-washy in this whole love triangle business. Aura kinda gets her just deserts. In addition to Aura's indecisive heart, Zachary has to consider the ramifications their relationship will have on the WHOLE WORLD! That's a tough call, kids. Even with the heartbreak felt in SHIFT, Zachary is very, very close to becoming my favorite fictional boyfriend of all time.

Aura is still Aura. I've always really liked her and I think her maturity level is enviable. Not sure how she's able to practice such self control with a naked Zachary, but like I said, her maturity level is enviable. I'm pretty sure I don't have that level of maturity at double her age. ;)

Many secrets were learned in SHADE and I feel like the love triangle has been resolved after finishing this book. Which makes me wonder what SHINE is going to bring us. (Surely many chapters will be dedicated to a castle getaway.) There is a hint of a new love triangle forming for Aura so maybe that plot line will be more developed? And I am anxious to learn more about the mysterious Shine event, too. Or....maybe it will be a 500 page love story that accidentally turns into an adult book? Either way, I'm anxiously awaiting Jeri Smith-Ready's next masterpiece.(less)

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May 23, 2011 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-athenna

Seventeen years ago the world shifted and every one born after that date is able to see and hear ghost. Some ghost get agitated and shift in to shade a type of hell for ghost . So when Auras boyfriend is unable to pass on and becomes a shade, she will stop at nothing to help him come back to her as a ghost and pass on. But Logan may have other plans once he becomes a ghost again he finds he's not willing to let Aura go and will do everything in his power to stay with her. This just complicates t...more

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May 24, 2011 Britta rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought Shade, the first book in the trilogy, was good, but Shift is at least ten times better. This installment had more secrets, more romance and way more action than the first. In a nutshell, it was awesome.

In Shift Aura finds herself in an even more difficult situation that before. She has started pulling away from Zachary out of worry and stress about the current shade state of her dead boyfriend Logan. Will all that is going on, even she can't figure out who it is that she loves, never...more I thought Shade, the first book in the trilogy, was good, but Shift is at least ten times better. This installment had more secrets, more romance and way more action than the first. In a nutshell, it was awesome.

In Shift Aura finds herself in an even more difficult situation that before. She has started pulling away from Zachary out of worry and stress about the current shade state of her dead boyfriend Logan. Will all that is going on, even she can't figure out who it is that she loves, never mind what to do about it. As if that wasn't enough, she finds herself uncovering dangerous secrets about her and Zachary's lives through the hidden clues her mother left behind.

While the first book was more introduction to the world, the characters and their problems, this book was more expansion on the plot, which gave it extra room to explore. Let me tell you, Smith-Ready took advantage of that and created a fast paced adventure in 367 pages of pure awesome. I loved this book! Even more so than the first. I liked how the first book kind of makes you think that events are going to happen a certain way, but then this book comes along and erases all of your preconceived notions. Nothing is quite predictable, and I was really glad for that.

As readers of the first book know, this series has a sort of mystical, or magical feel about it. Even when nothing paranormal or fantastical is happening, the writing has a way of making the reader feel like it is. It is hard to describe or understand without having immersed yourself in the book- but hey! That is one good reason why you should. (Soon.)

Contrary to the ending of the first, this ending almost wrapped everything up. I am really glad that there is going to be a third and final book, since I am not yet ready to part from this lovely world. However, I almost felt like this was the conclusion to the series. There was no big cliffhanger like the first, which disappointed me just a bit, but I'm sure many people will like.

Each little plot point is pretty essential to the story line, even if it doesn't seem so, so I do not want to take the chance of ruining anything for anyone. So I am going to stop myself here from raving uncontrollably. But I will say two things before I leave you. One, Team Zachary! (Honestly, why are you still here Logan?) Two, someone please get me Shine!
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May 03, 2011 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: galley-grab

Since Logan turned shade it was almost as if time stopped for Aura. Her life was on pause as she waited for him to come back to her. Calling out for him, hoping that somehow he could hear her call. That once again she would be enough to bring him back.

Logan had been her entire life, her past and her future. And even though she might have been ready to let him go, to let him move on so that she could finally learn how to live her life without him, she never wanted his existence to be in the dark,...more

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May 22, 2011 Princess Bookie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read2011

My Thoughts: Wow, I did not think I could love Shift as much as I loved Shade. I ended up loving it even more. Shift was full of tears, happiness, anxiety, love, fear, romance, family.

In Shade we were introduced to the world of anyone under 18 can see ghosts. In Shift, we start to discover why the Shift happened. Aura and Zach are trying to find out why they are in the middle of it and how it effects them. Logan is also back and for 15 minutes every so often he becomes solid. A real live person...more

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May 22, 2011 Amanda rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed 'Shade' and was very excited for this book. Talk about a MAJOR disappointment. First off, WAY too much sex for a YA novel. It's hard to enjoy a book when the lead character is so slutty (why I stopped reading the House of Night series). To hell with a love triangle, this girl jumped any guy that walked by, which also made it hard to root for any potential couple. I was seriously hoping Zachary would end up being her brother since they have zero chemistry. Aura and the surprise!s...more

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Oct 11, 2012 fяσzєη rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: covergasm, books-i-want-to-marry, deserves-the-hype, faves, heroes-i-adore, my-emotions-i-cannot, love-triangles, insta-love, owned-ebooks, unlikable-heroines, ghosts

This review is also available over at my blog.

______________________

WOO, I'm on a roll. I finished this book in like 4 hours or something? Can't believe it. xD

I just had to read this book straight away after the ending-that-doesn't-even-deserve-to-be-called-an-ending that happened in book one. I simply just could not deal with waiting. I would say this book is better than the first one, but at the same time, it's, well . . . not better. If that makes any sense. Let me clarify.

Hokay. So. The book...more

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May 24, 2012 JennyJen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: antsy-for-the-next-book, ghosts, read-2012, young-adult

**Spoilers marked.

3.5 Stars

I had a hard time rating this and am having a hard time reviewing it, because while I like Shift as a whole, many parts of the book aren’t so great. Despite this, it’s an enjoyable read. I liked the first book, Shade, more, but this was close behind it. While I did become engrossed in the book, I felt a lot of it was contrived. There were a lot of situations that were just too conveniently placed and I frikkin hate that in a book. Where Shade and Shift shine, is in the...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 12, 2012 Veela rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Disappointing, but readable.

With all the "Zachary madness" I've witnessed, especially in this year's YA Crush Tourney, and him almost beating Will Herondale, I thought to myself: I have to read these books to see what all the fuss is about. I think it's safe to say he doesn't even come to Will's knees. I mean, seriously. This guy is "awesome" or whatever because he's::
a) hot
b) Scottish, which means he has that weird (interesting) accent.
Oh, please. Don't make me start about how big of a cliche...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Demonic Circus Princess rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: atmosphere, best-male-character, don-t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover, fangirling, hilarious-as-hell, moe-moe-moe, kick-ass-heroine, shattered-my-heart, so-insanely-in-love-with, warm-fuzzy-feelings, will-never-forget

Why does this need its own cover? It wasn't even a page long!!!

Merged review:

“Hey. Do not. I repeat. Do. Not. Panic. There’s nothing to be scared of. This is just your average everyday fucking miracle.” ~Logan Keeley

And this is why I love this series.

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 17, 2011 Tara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-paranormal, ghosts

So this was another one of those 'pick-up-start-reading-can't-stop-reading-until-I-finish-book' stories! I have had Shade and Shift on my TBR list for awhile now and I am sorry that it took me this long to read them. I had been hearing a lot about a certain Scotsman named Zachary Moore and because I am quite partial to a bit of swoon...I decided to get on with it and read these books. Not at all what I was expecting but I am starting to understand that just because a book has a ghost in it, does...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Jessica Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: hardback, trade, to-read

Oh.My.GOODNESS!!! This was so perfect. PER-FECT!
This book picked right up where the first left off without missing a beat at all. My heart was in torture the entire time. Whether is was torn apart or beating too fast or just....sighing in contentment.
First of all, I absolutely love to see characters grown before your eyes. It was so great that Aura and Logan grew up together. They did their own things in their own ways and became better for it. Zachary didn't really need to grow too much as he w...more Oh.My.GOODNESS!!! This was so perfect. PER-FECT!
This book picked right up where the first left off without missing a beat at all. My heart was in torture the entire time. Whether is was torn apart or beating too fast or just....sighing in contentment.
First of all, I absolutely love to see characters grown before your eyes. It was so great that Aura and Logan grew up together. They did their own things in their own ways and became better for it. Zachary didn't really need to grow too much as he was perfect anyways ;).
Jeri Smith-Ready's words just made everything come so alive. I felt like I was there. I'd kill to see or hear Logan sing. She makes him sound so completely amazing that I forget he's a fictional character and I can't go on youtube and find a video to listen to.
Throughout the entire book, I felt Aura's heartbreak just like it was my own. Eveything was conveyed to the best ability and it made it seem that much more real.
I started this book 11/20 around 6-7 and was at page 344 by 2:30 this morning and finished it on my lunch break. I would have finished it at 3:30-4 this morning but sadly I had to work (boo for reality).
Crying at my desk....at work....was probably not the best thing but the girls in here understand me ;).
Also, can I just say....the last 3-4 chapters were....how do I explain this....so...so wonderfully beautiful. There are really no words to really show how much those last few chapters effected me. You'll undertand when you read the book (notice I didn't say "if" but "when" because you are a fool if you don't read this series).
There were so many great moments in this book that made me smile and sigh in such contentment but here are a couple that were my favorite lines:
"He kissed me them because he could. I was free to be red, free to be his. Free to live, at last."

"I'd opened up a whole new world of experience for him, even as he'd givrn me a whole new world of peace.
For a short time, we'd become each other, a little. Maybe that's what people do when they fall in love, mind, body, and soul. Or maybe we were just weird.
In any case, we belonged together, no matter what parents and governments had to say about it.
Soon enough, time and destiny would have their own say."(less)

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Sep 15, 2011 Laura Summers rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, read-in-2011, young-adult, bcc-reviewed, bcc-received

Reviewed for www.BookChickCity.com

***Warning spoilers for the first book in this series, 'Shade' ***

Jeri Smith-Ready has created a clever and different world in this series. Just over sixteen years ago, the 'Shift' happened and every child that has been born since can see and talk to ghosts. This has changed the world and created a divide between pre and post shifters. Imagine being able to testify in your own murder trial. Our lead character Aura is a post-shifter and tragically lost her boyfr...more Reviewed for www.BookChickCity.com

***Warning spoilers for the first book in this series, 'Shade' ***

Jeri Smith-Ready has created a clever and different world in this series. Just over sixteen years ago, the 'Shift' happened and every child that has been born since can see and talk to ghosts. This has changed the world and created a divide between pre and post shifters. Imagine being able to testify in your own murder trial. Our lead character Aura is a post-shifter and tragically lost her boyfriend Logan at the beginning of the last novel.

'Shift' takes off a few weeks after 'Shade' ended, with Aura trying to get on with her life, but unable to move on with the devastating knowledge that Logan has turned shade. At the centre of this book is perhaps a somewhat unusual love triangle, with Aura torn between the ghost of the boy she loved and her feelings for the very much alive Zachary.

The first part of this book is a mix of grief and painful teenage hormones at times with characters seemingly making frustrating decisions. Aura seems to be growing up and dealing with her grief slowly, but surely. Logan on the other hand seems to have grown entirely selfish with little thought for those around him, self-seeking the fame and notoriety he didn't have enough time to reach in life. Even Zachary doesn't quite behave as nobly as I wanted him to. Then there is a third unexpected character thrown into the mix who completely surprised me. All churning the painful hormone cocktail as each character tries to find his or her way.

Because of this swill of emotion, I didn't feel like the book really started moving and come into it's own until the final third of the story. It focused more on the relationships between each other and Aura's gift with ghosts and I felt like I was waiting for things to get moving. But, then in the final third we finally get the action and insight into the mystery and Aura and Zachary's birth that it felt like I'd been waiting the whole book for. But I wish that more of this mystery and pace had been woven into the early part of the book.

VERDICT:

This is a well written novel that deals with young adult issues of grief and relationships in a clever way. Aura is a heroine to look up to as she struggles and grows up through the experiences thrown at her. I would have liked a bit more of the broader storyline explored in more detail earlier in the book, but I would still definitely recommend it.
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Apr 20, 2012 Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Quick review

Cover: Pretty
Rating PG-13 for subject matter
Thumbs Up 5 glowing stars
Overall: Love it!
Characters: As great as before.
Plot: Talk about a roller coaster ride.
Page Turner: Yes, definitely.
Series Cont.? Yes, absolutely.
Recommend Yes.
Book Boyfriend: Still Zach

SUMMARY (50 word or less)

This is up to be one of my favorite series ever. What can I say but this book is full of drama. My mouth was gaping opening for most of the book unable to accept all that I was reading/hearing. Jeri Sm...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Mika rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: doormat-heroine, tstl-heroine, douchebag-heroes, books-with-stupid-annoying-heroines, books-with-ghosts, meh-characters, meh-hero, one-track-mind-heroine, whole-lesser-than-its-parts-series, ya-pnr

* REVIEW WITH SPOILERS AND STRONG LANGUAGE *

Let me go ahead and say SCREW ZACHARY AND LOGAN! I’m a team DYLAN! I’ve never come across a love triangle where the two guys were such complete assholes. Both of them! Ugh!

Let’s take a closer look at the clowns:

Logan: I liked the Logan from Shade. Yes, he was impulsive, childish but I got the sense he truly loved Aura. But in Shift we really get to see that Logan is a spotlight loving, selfish douchebag. Everything he does he is only thinking about him...more * REVIEW WITH SPOILERS AND STRONG LANGUAGE *

Let me go ahead and say SCREW ZACHARY AND LOGAN! I’m a team DYLAN! I’ve never come across a love triangle where the two guys were such complete assholes. Both of them! Ugh!

Let’s take a closer look at the clowns:

Logan: I liked the Logan from Shade. Yes, he was impulsive, childish but I got the sense he truly loved Aura. But in Shift we really get to see that Logan is a spotlight loving, selfish douchebag. Everything he does he is only thinking about himself and he doesn’t spare a single thought about how his actions will affect not only Aura but his family as well. Ghosts can’t lie and Logan's love for the media circus can jeopardize the secret that Aura can’t afford to let the world know. Do you think Logan cares? No. The worst thing is that Aura lets him get away with stuff. Even when she will have to pay for the consequences later.

Zachary: I swear boy you were a waste of space in this book. Okay, I enjoyed the book because of the deep angst you provided to the story and the heroine but you are an idiot and also an asshole. First Zachary invites Aura to the prom then uninvites her because he is pissed at her because she was honest with him. Yes, Aura almost went all the way with Logan during the brief 15 minutes that he had flesh but hey, 1. She was not Zach’s girlfriend, 2. If I was in her shoes I would have done exactly the same thing. Okay, I wouldn’t have even considered birth control methods. That was really irritating and sort of unrealistic that at that point Logan would stop and ask Aura if she was on pill. Really?

Aura: I have only one word to describe her: DOORMAT. Let me put it this way, after the stunt Zachary pulled during and after prom, I would have never talked to him again. I was hoping he would explain later that it had been a misunderstanding but he really did almost have sex with Becca, a girl who hated Aura. How could he do that to her? And she forgave him? Because she felt that she was the one who screwed up first? At this day and age I'm appalled that I still have to read about submissive and pitiful heroines. That being said, I really, really wanted her to lose her virginity to Dylan. Why do all the heroines in YA have to be freaking virgins whereas the ‘heroes’ are all sleeping around and that is all good?

Aunt Gina: I might be wrong but what I got from the revelations from Aura’s mother’s journal is that dear sweet aunt Gina was a slut who pretty much seduced the man her sister loved. And to boot she was already married. I’m going ahead and say I don’t like her at all.

* UPDATED REVIEW AFTER FINISHING SERIES *

Unfortunately, I had to come back to my initial review of Shift and change the rating because the final book of this series just ruined the whole thing. Another classic case where the whole is lesser than the sum of its parts.
Me and a friend of mine started reading this series together and by the final book we couldn't be bothered anymore to know about Aura's fate. It is really sad when an author can't sustain the same quality of work throughout the series.
For that reason I'm changing my rate of Shift from 4 to 2 stars.
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Sep 22, 2011 Jess (Gone with the Words) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, supernatural-aspects, read-2011, female-narrator

Read this review on my blog! --> Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Ok, so I picked up Shift right after finishing Shade. Good thing I had it ready to go (Thanks to Ginger of GReads!) because I was not through with these characters! Not by a long shot! I started the first 50 pages or so during my lunch break then proceeded to read straight through once I was home. I loved it!! But now I have to wait months for Shine!! *sobs*

Shift was focused on discovering more about Aura and Zachary’s connection to t...more Read this review on my blog! --> Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Ok, so I picked up Shift right after finishing Shade. Good thing I had it ready to go (Thanks to Ginger of GReads!) because I was not through with these characters! Not by a long shot! I started the first 50 pages or so during my lunch break then proceeded to read straight through once I was home. I loved it!! But now I have to wait months for Shine!! *sobs*

Shift was focused on discovering more about Aura and Zachary’s connection to the Shift. It was also about helping Logan finally pass on since he wasn’t too successful in Shade. I love Logan, but I’m without a doubt Team Zachary. Besides being hotness personified, he is selfless, sweet, and caring. And the accent! *swoons* But our Zach isn’t perfect and I’m ok with that. I was happy that he finally blew up at Aura, she needed the wake up call, but I was so hurt about Becca! It was like he had done it to me personally instead of to Aura. I did eventually forgive him but the hurt remains a little. Aura’s doing way better with it than I am, that’s for sure.

I felt so bad for Aura in this one! She has been through so much and it just feels like she’ll never have her happy ending...you know, until she does. Teehee... Jeri Smith-Ready does not shy away from the sexytimes and I really appreciate that about her writing. One thing I did not suspect was who Aura’s father would turn out to be. I love all the mystery surrounding Newgrange! I have now put it on my bucket list of places to visit one day.

My heart continued to break for the Keeleys, but I was glad that Logan was getting a chance to make things better for them...to whatever extent they can be ok after losing him, anyway. And whoa! What was that whole deal with Dylan!? That caught me off guard! Logan charmed me and tugged at my heart all the way to the end. One person who could make me laugh like no other in this book was Megan. Man, I love that girl!!

And so now, here I sit, with this bittersweet book, desperately wishing I had Shine in my hands already. This series is making my favorites list without a doubt, so if you’ve been putting it off like I was...don’t! Got out and get them now!

(If you want to see what I thought of the first book in this series, Shade, go HERE!) (less)

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Jul 25, 2011 Sophie Riggsby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

*published on Mundie Moms on July 30, 2011*

In Shift, we find out more about the origins of The Shift and Aura’s and Zachary’s roles in it. Jeri’s well established world-building skills are showcased in the how she weaves her ghostly mythology in and out of key points in their lives. As a reader, I delighted in turning a page only to discover a key element that made everything before it make even more sense.

And Jeri brings us not only a Love Triangle but a Love Square (of sorts). Without bringin...more

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Jun 01, 2011 Jenny rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review originally posted at: http://supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com...

This is a joint review with SHADE

MY THOUGHTS
Despite its paranormal element, the world of Shade and Shift is one that's easily believable, the existence of ghosts explained in such a matter-of-fact way we have no choice but to accept the parameters set for us and get immersed in a tale of love and loss, pain and joy, and life and death. Because we know Logan's passing is inevitable from the beginning, the weight of this knowledg...more Review originally posted at: http://supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com...

This is a joint review with SHADE

MY THOUGHTS
Despite its paranormal element, the world of Shade and Shift is one that's easily believable, the existence of ghosts explained in such a matter-of-fact way we have no choice but to accept the parameters set for us and get immersed in a tale of love and loss, pain and joy, and life and death. Because we know Logan's passing is inevitable from the beginning, the weight of this knowledge draws us into this story almost instantaneously as we mentally and emotionally prepare ourselves for his demise, and attempt to steel our spines in order to be a vicarious support system for Aura when the time comes. Our preparations don't spare us the pain of his loss as we'd hoped though, and we read on with heavy hearts to see what awaits us now that Aura's relationship has changed so dramatically. Ms. Smith-Ready does a lovely job of interrupting our pain with the distraction of a new possible love interest and the mystery surrounding Aura's connection to him, ensuring we never get lost in the churning tide of misery but always have a lifeline to pull us out of the despairing blackness.

Logan is a fascinating character–a young man who seems rather selfish in his pursuit of music to the exclusion of all else (including Aura) during life, and then who, after death, glories in being a ghost despite the pain his presence causes those around him. Because of this, as well as the fact that we are introduced to him a point in his and Aura's relationship where she's beginning to have doubts and reservations about her place in his life, our connection to him is troubled. Though his death is agonizing, it's fairly easy to shift our focus and affection to Zachary as we don't have the benefit of years of memories that Aura has from their shared childhood. Then, just when we think Aura should move on and let Logan go, he either voices a sentiment or makes a gesture that sucker punches us in the gut, the ethereal violet tendrils that comprise his ghostly form suddenly becoming tangible emotional links instead of whispering through our fingers as we grasp for connection. This surprising rush of feeling makes us realize we're not quite ready for Logan to pass on, and we begin to see more clearly why Aura has been waffling with her reactions to both Logan and Zachary.

Shift is a bit heavier on the angst than Shade, Aura's continued confusion over her affections for both boys becoming more prominent, and just as she seems to have a decision made, new information pops up with regard to the Shift to the keep the drama going. When a third romantic player enters the picture, we do begin to question the state of things, but luckily for us his presence is short-lived and the angst is toned down in favor of some very interesting revelations about both Aura and Zachary's pasts. We're given just a few more hints as to what makes these two so special, and our tumultuous emotions are given a brief and welcome reprieve while our minds churn over the possibilities this new information has provided. When the Logan gut-clenching moment does come back at the end to blissfully torture us, we find ourselves ready for the onslaught and finish the last few pages greatly looking forward to the future.

Shade and Shift are very quick reads that deny us any other option than to be involved with characters and story, working us into a frenzy of teen drama and then shifting our attention to an intriguing enigma surrounding our two main protagonists. The combination of romance and suspense is beautifully executed, and Ms. Smith-Ready seems to know just when the Logan/Zachary competition is about to become too much and then relents, allowing us to breathe again and immerse ourselves in the story in a different way. The final installment in this trilogy cannot release soon enough, and I will be at the bookstore the moment it's available.

Overall Series Rating: 4/5(less)

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Shift (Shade #2)

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