Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the first book in this series by Jeri Ready-Smith. The plot was incredibly unique and is fast paced, jumping right into the good stuff.
Aura and Logan have been dating for almost a year and it’s his birthday … she’s decided she’s ready for the big S-E-X. *gasp* Logan’s band has a gig but after that, it’s just him and her… or so she thinks. Throw in a couple record execs, some alcohol, something called ‘liquid stupid’ and well… her night doesn’t go as planned. She’s disappointed and Logan isn’t going to give up. A line of coke later and his ghost is standing at the foot of his bed all aglow in violet.
I forgot to tell you, Aura can see and communicate with ghosts. She’s not completely unique in that talent. Everyone born after the shift can see and heart ghosts… where Aura is unique, is she is ‘the first’.
Zachary is the new student … he’s Scottish and I love it. They instantly click (view spoiler)
See what I mean about how unique the plot is? I really really enjoyed almost every aspect of this book.
Logan is a little formulaic but you can’t help but feel sorry for the guy. I mean, he was on the cusp of this rock and roll life that he wanted, every inch the drama queen and star.. but he truly loved Aura and his family and all that was cut short because a stupid decision.
Zachary was incredibly sweet and patient and kind and I loved that about him. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not a saint by any means and you’ll see what I mean when you read this, but I really love him with Aura. They just work. Plus, everytime he had dialogue I found myself trying to do it with the Scottish accent… lol
Aura… *sigh* I don’t know – I like her, I think I really do, but there were some things about her that just made me mad. She loved Logan… loves Logan?? I don’t know because even though he was dead, she continued a sort of relationship with him. Apparently even ghosts are people too LOL and so even after he passed, they were “boyfriend/girlfriend”. Which makes sense, it’s just hard to wrap my head around.
I think this book is a prime example of why love triangles drive me nutso. I like both characters in this book, but to me, it was a no brainer.
So… I’m not going to say anything more because I’m afraid I’ll ruin it for you. Just know this, I loved the plot, I loved the writing and the characters were layered and well written. I even enjoyed the secondary characters here. There is more to this story than just the romance and heartache… I promise!
Definitely give it a read if you’re interested in a well-written, paranormal YA series. And bonus the third book is out now so I do believe the series is complete!
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