Shadow Hills (Shadow Hills, #1) in Once Upon a Twilight blog

Sep 03, 2010 Jenna rated it liked it

Shelves: reviewed, books-read-in-2010, arc-or-blog-tours

In Shadow Hills, Anastasia Hopcus has written an intriguing novel full of mystery and romance with a dash of science thrown in.

Shadow Hills, is a great departure from the werewolves, vampires and angels that have been so prevalent in the recent releases occupying the YA section of bookstores and libraries. Hopcus' unique concept of a genetic mutation, a town shrouded in mystery, and a young girl searching for answers about her deceased sister, all combine to make an engaging and hard to put dow In Shadow Hills, Anastasia Hopcus has written an intriguing novel full of mystery and romance with a dash of science thrown in.

Shadow Hills, is a great departure from the werewolves, vampires and angels that have been so prevalent in the recent releases occupying the YA section of bookstores and libraries. Hopcus' unique concept of a genetic mutation, a town shrouded in mystery, and a young girl searching for answers about her deceased sister, all combine to make an engaging and hard to put down debut novel.

What I liked most about Shadow Hills was how Hopcus incorporated music into the story. Music is a big influence in my personal life and Hopcus' use of it made me feel more connected to the book. The individual musical tastes of her characters help me to have more insight into their personality. I must admit, I did have to look up a few of the artists/bands mentioned because I wasn't familiar with them, but I also found some new tunes to add to my personal library. Having the musical connection made it easier to lose myself in the world of Shadow Hills and to personally connect with the characters.

The one aspect of the book I found a little unrealistic was how fast the relationship between Zach and Phe grew. I personally felt it was a little to fast. It seemed as if she barely knew Zach and all of a sudden they're all hot and heavy. I would have liked to see more development of a friendship before it went straight to romance. Also, Phe seemed to take Zach's condition pretty easily. I think I would have been a little more cautious and not jumped into a relationship with someone who had a genetic mutation that caused all sorts of unusual "gifts."

I liked Shadow Hills. The incorporation of a unique paranormal romance makes it a standout in YA fiction. This debut novel is refreshing and engages readers into the mystery of the town of Shadow Hills and it's residents. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and am interested in seeing how Hopcus continues Phe and Zach's story. ...more

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Dec 01, 2010 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2010-debut-author, mundie-moms-reviews, signed-books-arcs, 2010-100-book-challenge, arcs, books-i-own

*SPOILER FREE* Shadow Hills is such an engaging read, that from the moment I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down. I was not only captured by the story, intrigued by the characters, but I was engrossed by the setting. The descriptions are so vivid that I had the urge for it to be fall and wanted to find the cemetery the story takes place around.

Shadow Hills is a good blend of mythology, mystery, and romance, mixed in with some suspense. It's the type of story you sit down to read, ...more

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