lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
5.0
This was a beautiful and intriguing book. I loved all of the main characters, and even most of the minor characters made sense and had their rightful place in the plot and the story.
Aura is a wonderful, strong, young woman, who goes through something horrible that no teenager should have to go through. Her life has never been easy, but things seem to just get more complicated as time passes. Her being the first born after the shift, and maybe having some kind of special powers because of it makes the plot even more exciting than the rest of it. Although the rest is pretty amazing in itself.
I started reading this book after the YA sisterhood blog had their crush-tourney, and I had no idea who Zach was ;) I just had to find out.
One of the YA books that definitely is exciting both for actual young adults, and for the not so young adults (like myself) as well :D I am off to read the next installment, can't wait to find out what will happen with Logan, Aura, Meghan, Zach, and the rest of this extraodrinary cast of characters.
Aura is a wonderful, strong, young woman, who goes through something horrible that no teenager should have to go through. Her life has never been easy, but things seem to just get more complicated as time passes. Her being the first born after the shift, and maybe having some kind of special powers because of it makes the plot even more exciting than the rest of it. Although the rest is pretty amazing in itself.
I started reading this book after the YA sisterhood blog had their crush-tourney, and I had no idea who Zach was ;) I just had to find out.
One of the YA books that definitely is exciting both for actual young adults, and for the not so young adults (like myself) as well :D I am off to read the next installment, can't wait to find out what will happen with Logan, Aura, Meghan, Zach, and the rest of this extraodrinary cast of characters.
nannasa16's review against another edition
5.0
"How can so much love feel like nothing at all?
How can so much nothing leave me dying to crawl
To the foot of your bed,
I should be with you—instead,
I walk away, stumbling, waiting, always waiting to fall"
WHAT. A. FRICKING. CUTIE.
Merged review:
4+
I think Logan is really really really really perfect. It's obvious that I end up loving the only character who's dead. Obviously. What a great fangirl.
Merged review:
3.5 to 4
I'll write a full review but right now I can tell you that I liked it more than I thought. Especially the whole "shift" thing, and Aura's mistery. A lot less the romance but I know that I am hard to please. Really hard. But I enjoyed Logan's character and Zachary's accent, it's just that i'm not into love triangles or at least not anymore, I found them boring and too predictable. I will read the next book, just not right now.
How can so much nothing leave me dying to crawl
To the foot of your bed,
I should be with you—instead,
I walk away, stumbling, waiting, always waiting to fall"
WHAT. A. FRICKING. CUTIE.
Merged review:
4+
I think Logan is really really really really perfect. It's obvious that I end up loving the only character who's dead. Obviously. What a great fangirl.
Merged review:
3.5 to 4
I'll write a full review but right now I can tell you that I liked it more than I thought. Especially the whole "shift" thing, and Aura's mistery. A lot less the romance but I know that I am hard to please. Really hard. But I enjoyed Logan's character and Zachary's accent, it's just that i'm not into love triangles or at least not anymore, I found them boring and too predictable. I will read the next book, just not right now.
sunnydee's review against another edition
5.0
5+ von 5 Sternen
*Aufmachung/Qualität*
Das Cover hat mich gleich angesprochen. Im Nachhinein muss ich sagen, dass es wenig mit dem Inhalt zu tun hat. Lediglich die Farbe Rot spielt eine sehr wichtige Rolle im Buch, aber die Protagonistin ist eher eine ganz normale Highschool Schülerin und das ganze ist Urban-Fantasy. Das Cover deutet aus meiner Sicht aber eher in Richtung Highfantasy.
Das ganze ist eine großformatige Klappenbroschur und super flexibel, was das Lesen sehr angenehm macht und es entstehen keine Leserillen.
*Meinung:*
Ich empfehle jedem die Inhaltsangabe auf dem Rücken des Buches und in der Klappe nicht zu lesen. Sie nimmt viel zu viel voraus und ich hätte mich lieber überraschen lassen. So habe ich die ganze Zeit nur auf ein bestimmtes Ereignis gewartet und sträubte mich gegen den Sog, den der Schreibstil dieser Autorin vom ersten Moment auf mich hatte.
Der Inhalt ist natürlich schwer zu beschreiben ohne zu spoilern, aber ich werde es trotzdem versuchen. Ich erkläre euch daher hauptsächlich die Welt in der Aura, die junge Hauptprotagonistin, lebt. Kurz vor Auras Geburt fand etwas statt das 'Shift' genannt wird. Alle die vor dem 'Shift' geboren wurden, sind Menschen wie du und ich, alle die danach geboren sind, können Geister sehen so wie Aura. Wie diese Geister aussehen und welche verschiedenen Arten oder Stadien es gibt, verrate ich nicht. Das solltet ihr selbst lesen. Aber für alle Weicheier wie mich, verrate ich, dass es nicht sehr gruselig ist. Die Geister sind mehr oder weniger in die Gesellschaft integriert, wenn sie im Idealfall auch nur noch kurz nach ihrem Tod in dieser Welt verweilen. Die Jugendlichen bilden das Sprachrohr für die Geister, da die Erwachsenen ja alle vor dem 'Shift' geboren wurden und die Geister dementsprechend nicht sehen können. Diese Verbindung bietet natürlich viele Vorteile für die Gesellschaft an sich, aber für die Jugendlichen und Kinder kann es sehr belastend sein, so viel Leid, Druck und Verwirrung mitzuerleben. Allerdings können dadurch Morde und andere Straftaten geklärt werden und manche Geister brauchen Hilfe, um ihren Frieden zu finden. Darum und wie die Jugendlichen, und vor allem Aura, mit dieser Aufgabe umgehen, dreht sich die Grundhandlung. Themen wie Tod, aber vor allem Umgang mit Trauer und dem Loslassen geliebter verstorbener Menschen wird hier toll im Fantasysetting eingebaut. Aura verliert eine sehr, sehr wichtige Person in ihrem Leben und durch sie erlebt man mit, wie schwer es ist jemanden zu verlieren, aber um wieviel schwerer es sein kann diesen Menschen dann als Geist um sich zu haben. Man kann zwar noch mit ihm reden, aber ihn nicht mehr berühren und der Geist kann nicht mehr mit materieller Umgebung agieren. Die Frage des Loslassens und Weiterlebens wird hier sehr emotional thematisiert, aber bleibt natürlich immer im Rahmen eines Jugendbuches. Ich fand es auf jeden Fall sehr berührend.
Der Schreibstil war locker leicht und vermittelte sehr schön Emotionen. Ich wurde gleich in die Geschichte gesogen und habe mich unglaublich wohl gefühlt. Es wird aus der Ich-Perspektive von Aura und in der Vergangenheit erzählt.
Spannung wurde durch Auras unbekannte Herkunft gehalten. Sie versucht mehr über ihre verstorbene Mutter und ihren unbekannten Vater zu erfahren. Außerdem scheint sie etwas direkt mit dem 'Shift' zu tun zu haben oder eventuell eine besondere Fähigkeit zu haben. Auch durch Zachary, ein neuer Schulfreund, von Aura, scheint besondere Fähigkeiten und ebenfalls etwas mit dem 'Shift' zu tun zu haben. Außerdem kommen noch ein paar Geheimorganisationen, die mit Geistern zu tun haben mit ins Spiel und man möchte wissen, was die genau im Schilde führen und von welchen Interesse Aura und Zachary für sie sind. Hier findet alles erst seinen Anfang und ich denke in den Folgebänden wird es noch viel spannender in der Hinsicht. Zu guter Letzt hält natürlich auch die tote Person, die Aura sehr wichtig ist, die Spannung in dem nicht klar ist wann die Person überwechseln und somit komplett aus Auras Leben verschwinden wird. Es ist kein super spannendes Buch, dass zum Nägelkauen animiert, aber es ist ein sehr unterhaltend spannendes Buch, dass einen das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen lässt.
Die Emotionen sind für mich immer das wuchtigste in einem Buch und hier war alles perfekt für mich. Das Thema Tod und Loslassen war wirklich unglaublich gut in das Fantasysetting integriert. Ich fühlte mit Aura mit und hoffte die ganze Zeit, dass sie die Stärke finden wird, die richtige Entscheidung zu treffen. Aber ich konnte auch voll und ganz mit ihr mitfühlen wie hin und hergerissen sie war. Auch die Emotionen der Personen um Aura herum waren für mich sehr stimmig. Trotz des eher bedrückenden Themas, schaffte es die Autorin, dass ganze unglaublich locker und unterhaltsam zu gestalten. Ich fühlte zwar mit Aura mit, aber es wurde nie deprimierend. Mit dem Thema Geister wurde typisch jugendlich umgegangen und alles wirkte richtig realistisch soweit man in diesem Setting davon sprechen kann. Für mich war es ein absolutes Wohlfühlbuch.
Die Charaktere haben mir alles sehr gut gefallen. Die Nebencharaktere waren nicht allzu tief ausgearbeitet, aber das störte hier gar nicht. Die Handlung konzentrierte sich auf drei wichtige Personen und die hatte ich sehr deutlich vor mir. Die Nebencharaktere waren trotzdem interessant und ich hatte nicht das Gefühl hier irgendetwas zu vermissen. Die ganze Agentengeschichte, um die zwei Organisationen, die mit Geistern zu tun haben, war noch sehr kurz, aber trotzdem hat es mich schon in den Bann gezogen und ich hoffe, dass es damit im nächsten Band weitergeht. Die zwei Familiengeschichten, um die es hier hauptsächlich geht, haben mir ebenfalls gut gefallen, wenn auch bei Auras Familie noch einiges im Dunklen liegt.
Die Liebesgeschichte hat mich hier absolut umgehauen. Für mich stimmten Auras Gefühle – alles passte für einen Teenager ihres Alters. Logan ist ein wilder Kerl und wird super als Rocker beschrieben und ist trotzdem sehr süß zu Aura – den Kerl muss man einfach ins Herz schließen. Auch sein Umgang mit der Geisterwelt ist sehr locker und das passte zu ihm. Zachary wirkt dagegen sehr erwachsen und verständnisvoll. Ich liebe ja solche Charaktere, aber ich denke die Zielgruppe wird Logan lieben. Hier ist einfach für jeden etwas dabei und alle Charaktere sind sehr individuell. Das ganze ist eine ganz, ganz besondere Dreiecksgeschichte, die selbst Leser ansprechen wird, die sonst die Augen verdrehen, wenn es um Dreiecksgeschichten geht.
Das Ende hat einen kleine Cliffhanger, aber nicht so, dass man es gar nicht aushält bis der nächste Band kommt. Trotzdem kann ich es kaum erwarten. Man lernt so einiges über Aura und ihre Welt, aber man merkt dem Band eindeutig an, dass er nur die Grundlagen gelegt hat für eine vielversprechende Reihe. Ich will mehr davon!
Warnungen: Geister, Tod, Trauer (Warnungen sind bei mir nicht negativ wertend gemeint, sondern nur ein Hinweis für die Leser, die aus persönlichen Gründen ganz gezielt bestimmte Inhalte vermeiden möchten.)
Grundidee 5/5
Schreibstil 5/5
Spannung 4/5
Emotionen 5+/5
Charaktere 5/5
Liebesgeschichte 5+/5
*Fazit:*
5+ von 5 Sternen
Die Idee diese Welt finde ich sehr originell und gut durchdacht. Die ganze Geistergeschichte hat mich gepackt und überzeugt. Im Vordergrund steht aber eindeutig die Liebesgeschichte und die wurde sehr romantisch und tiefgründig herüber gebracht. Die Dreiecksgeschichte in diesem Buch ist keinen 08/15 Liebesgeschichte wie in so vielen Jugendbüchern, sondern etwas ganz besonderes. Das Buch war unterhaltend spannend, sehr emotional und doch jugendlich locker. Es ist ein MUST-READ für romantisch veranlagte Jugendbuchleser. Für mich war es eines der Highlights in diesem Jahr!
Reihe:
Aura – Verliebt in einen Geist
Aura – Geküsst von einem Geist (erscheint am 8. September 2014)
*Aufmachung/Qualität*
Das Cover hat mich gleich angesprochen. Im Nachhinein muss ich sagen, dass es wenig mit dem Inhalt zu tun hat. Lediglich die Farbe Rot spielt eine sehr wichtige Rolle im Buch, aber die Protagonistin ist eher eine ganz normale Highschool Schülerin und das ganze ist Urban-Fantasy. Das Cover deutet aus meiner Sicht aber eher in Richtung Highfantasy.
Das ganze ist eine großformatige Klappenbroschur und super flexibel, was das Lesen sehr angenehm macht und es entstehen keine Leserillen.
*Meinung:*
Ich empfehle jedem die Inhaltsangabe auf dem Rücken des Buches und in der Klappe nicht zu lesen. Sie nimmt viel zu viel voraus und ich hätte mich lieber überraschen lassen. So habe ich die ganze Zeit nur auf ein bestimmtes Ereignis gewartet und sträubte mich gegen den Sog, den der Schreibstil dieser Autorin vom ersten Moment auf mich hatte.
Der Inhalt ist natürlich schwer zu beschreiben ohne zu spoilern, aber ich werde es trotzdem versuchen. Ich erkläre euch daher hauptsächlich die Welt in der Aura, die junge Hauptprotagonistin, lebt. Kurz vor Auras Geburt fand etwas statt das 'Shift' genannt wird. Alle die vor dem 'Shift' geboren wurden, sind Menschen wie du und ich, alle die danach geboren sind, können Geister sehen so wie Aura. Wie diese Geister aussehen und welche verschiedenen Arten oder Stadien es gibt, verrate ich nicht. Das solltet ihr selbst lesen. Aber für alle Weicheier wie mich, verrate ich, dass es nicht sehr gruselig ist. Die Geister sind mehr oder weniger in die Gesellschaft integriert, wenn sie im Idealfall auch nur noch kurz nach ihrem Tod in dieser Welt verweilen. Die Jugendlichen bilden das Sprachrohr für die Geister, da die Erwachsenen ja alle vor dem 'Shift' geboren wurden und die Geister dementsprechend nicht sehen können. Diese Verbindung bietet natürlich viele Vorteile für die Gesellschaft an sich, aber für die Jugendlichen und Kinder kann es sehr belastend sein, so viel Leid, Druck und Verwirrung mitzuerleben. Allerdings können dadurch Morde und andere Straftaten geklärt werden und manche Geister brauchen Hilfe, um ihren Frieden zu finden. Darum und wie die Jugendlichen, und vor allem Aura, mit dieser Aufgabe umgehen, dreht sich die Grundhandlung. Themen wie Tod, aber vor allem Umgang mit Trauer und dem Loslassen geliebter verstorbener Menschen wird hier toll im Fantasysetting eingebaut. Aura verliert eine sehr, sehr wichtige Person in ihrem Leben und durch sie erlebt man mit, wie schwer es ist jemanden zu verlieren, aber um wieviel schwerer es sein kann diesen Menschen dann als Geist um sich zu haben. Man kann zwar noch mit ihm reden, aber ihn nicht mehr berühren und der Geist kann nicht mehr mit materieller Umgebung agieren. Die Frage des Loslassens und Weiterlebens wird hier sehr emotional thematisiert, aber bleibt natürlich immer im Rahmen eines Jugendbuches. Ich fand es auf jeden Fall sehr berührend.
Der Schreibstil war locker leicht und vermittelte sehr schön Emotionen. Ich wurde gleich in die Geschichte gesogen und habe mich unglaublich wohl gefühlt. Es wird aus der Ich-Perspektive von Aura und in der Vergangenheit erzählt.
Spannung wurde durch Auras unbekannte Herkunft gehalten. Sie versucht mehr über ihre verstorbene Mutter und ihren unbekannten Vater zu erfahren. Außerdem scheint sie etwas direkt mit dem 'Shift' zu tun zu haben oder eventuell eine besondere Fähigkeit zu haben. Auch durch Zachary, ein neuer Schulfreund, von Aura, scheint besondere Fähigkeiten und ebenfalls etwas mit dem 'Shift' zu tun zu haben. Außerdem kommen noch ein paar Geheimorganisationen, die mit Geistern zu tun haben mit ins Spiel und man möchte wissen, was die genau im Schilde führen und von welchen Interesse Aura und Zachary für sie sind. Hier findet alles erst seinen Anfang und ich denke in den Folgebänden wird es noch viel spannender in der Hinsicht. Zu guter Letzt hält natürlich auch die tote Person, die Aura sehr wichtig ist, die Spannung in dem nicht klar ist wann die Person überwechseln und somit komplett aus Auras Leben verschwinden wird. Es ist kein super spannendes Buch, dass zum Nägelkauen animiert, aber es ist ein sehr unterhaltend spannendes Buch, dass einen das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen lässt.
Die Emotionen sind für mich immer das wuchtigste in einem Buch und hier war alles perfekt für mich. Das Thema Tod und Loslassen war wirklich unglaublich gut in das Fantasysetting integriert. Ich fühlte mit Aura mit und hoffte die ganze Zeit, dass sie die Stärke finden wird, die richtige Entscheidung zu treffen. Aber ich konnte auch voll und ganz mit ihr mitfühlen wie hin und hergerissen sie war. Auch die Emotionen der Personen um Aura herum waren für mich sehr stimmig. Trotz des eher bedrückenden Themas, schaffte es die Autorin, dass ganze unglaublich locker und unterhaltsam zu gestalten. Ich fühlte zwar mit Aura mit, aber es wurde nie deprimierend. Mit dem Thema Geister wurde typisch jugendlich umgegangen und alles wirkte richtig realistisch soweit man in diesem Setting davon sprechen kann. Für mich war es ein absolutes Wohlfühlbuch.
Die Charaktere haben mir alles sehr gut gefallen. Die Nebencharaktere waren nicht allzu tief ausgearbeitet, aber das störte hier gar nicht. Die Handlung konzentrierte sich auf drei wichtige Personen und die hatte ich sehr deutlich vor mir. Die Nebencharaktere waren trotzdem interessant und ich hatte nicht das Gefühl hier irgendetwas zu vermissen. Die ganze Agentengeschichte, um die zwei Organisationen, die mit Geistern zu tun haben, war noch sehr kurz, aber trotzdem hat es mich schon in den Bann gezogen und ich hoffe, dass es damit im nächsten Band weitergeht. Die zwei Familiengeschichten, um die es hier hauptsächlich geht, haben mir ebenfalls gut gefallen, wenn auch bei Auras Familie noch einiges im Dunklen liegt.
Die Liebesgeschichte hat mich hier absolut umgehauen. Für mich stimmten Auras Gefühle – alles passte für einen Teenager ihres Alters. Logan ist ein wilder Kerl und wird super als Rocker beschrieben und ist trotzdem sehr süß zu Aura – den Kerl muss man einfach ins Herz schließen. Auch sein Umgang mit der Geisterwelt ist sehr locker und das passte zu ihm. Zachary wirkt dagegen sehr erwachsen und verständnisvoll. Ich liebe ja solche Charaktere, aber ich denke die Zielgruppe wird Logan lieben. Hier ist einfach für jeden etwas dabei und alle Charaktere sind sehr individuell. Das ganze ist eine ganz, ganz besondere Dreiecksgeschichte, die selbst Leser ansprechen wird, die sonst die Augen verdrehen, wenn es um Dreiecksgeschichten geht.
Das Ende hat einen kleine Cliffhanger, aber nicht so, dass man es gar nicht aushält bis der nächste Band kommt. Trotzdem kann ich es kaum erwarten. Man lernt so einiges über Aura und ihre Welt, aber man merkt dem Band eindeutig an, dass er nur die Grundlagen gelegt hat für eine vielversprechende Reihe. Ich will mehr davon!
Warnungen: Geister, Tod, Trauer (Warnungen sind bei mir nicht negativ wertend gemeint, sondern nur ein Hinweis für die Leser, die aus persönlichen Gründen ganz gezielt bestimmte Inhalte vermeiden möchten.)
Grundidee 5/5
Schreibstil 5/5
Spannung 4/5
Emotionen 5+/5
Charaktere 5/5
Liebesgeschichte 5+/5
*Fazit:*
5+ von 5 Sternen
Die Idee diese Welt finde ich sehr originell und gut durchdacht. Die ganze Geistergeschichte hat mich gepackt und überzeugt. Im Vordergrund steht aber eindeutig die Liebesgeschichte und die wurde sehr romantisch und tiefgründig herüber gebracht. Die Dreiecksgeschichte in diesem Buch ist keinen 08/15 Liebesgeschichte wie in so vielen Jugendbüchern, sondern etwas ganz besonderes. Das Buch war unterhaltend spannend, sehr emotional und doch jugendlich locker. Es ist ein MUST-READ für romantisch veranlagte Jugendbuchleser. Für mich war es eines der Highlights in diesem Jahr!
Reihe:
Aura – Verliebt in einen Geist
Aura – Geküsst von einem Geist (erscheint am 8. September 2014)
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Received for Review
Overall Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00
Teen Angst: It was kept to a minimum but did exist...
Note: I am beginning to read a little more YA and like the trend I am seeing of less "typical" teenage angst. Shade had a good balance of story, character and low angst level. It was also a fantastically unique story that really pulled me in almost immediately.
What I Loved: I loved that Shade was never predictable! Once I was sure that the story was headed in one direction, it would take off in another one completely. Aura was a strong leading character, who for being 16/17, was mature enough for her age to handle things thrown at her. She still had her very teenage moments but her ability/responsibility was well-balanced with her angst. Zachery was another favorite character of mine who also had his own responsibilities to handle. I felt he was very mature for his age and displayed amazing ranges of emotions. The underlying mystery to what caused the Shift and all that includes was interesting and well-paced. You don't get many answers but you do stay interested the whole book.
What I Liked: I did not like Logan until the very end of the book. He was an interesting character who was stuck between wanting what he shouldn't and not being able to let go. Most of the book, I felt that he was selfish but looking back he wasn't that bad. I really did like how he grew on through out the book and the fact that it was up to the reader to decide what they felt about him.
Complaints: The decision that Aura made at the end was exactly why I don't like a lot of YA, it was a little wishy-washy for me. I am going to play it by ear though and read the rest of the series. I need to explain why the book got a 4 if I wasn't happy about the end; it is because I cared so much about the ending that it screamed great book. Sometimes getting super mad at a character means you care.
Audio Specific Review: Khristine Hvam did a fantastic job on pacing, voices, and emotions. The only voice I was disappointed in was Logans but I got used to it by the end.
Why I gave it a 4: I really did enjoy this book! It was unique, interesting, and very well done.
Who I would recommend this too: YA Paranormal Readers who like the paranormal area of Ghosts
Overall Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00
Teen Angst: It was kept to a minimum but did exist...
Note: I am beginning to read a little more YA and like the trend I am seeing of less "typical" teenage angst. Shade had a good balance of story, character and low angst level. It was also a fantastically unique story that really pulled me in almost immediately.
What I Loved: I loved that Shade was never predictable! Once I was sure that the story was headed in one direction, it would take off in another one completely. Aura was a strong leading character, who for being 16/17, was mature enough for her age to handle things thrown at her. She still had her very teenage moments but her ability/responsibility was well-balanced with her angst. Zachery was another favorite character of mine who also had his own responsibilities to handle. I felt he was very mature for his age and displayed amazing ranges of emotions. The underlying mystery to what caused the Shift and all that includes was interesting and well-paced. You don't get many answers but you do stay interested the whole book.
What I Liked: I did not like Logan until the very end of the book. He was an interesting character who was stuck between wanting what he shouldn't and not being able to let go. Most of the book, I felt that he was selfish but looking back he wasn't that bad. I really did like how he grew on through out the book and the fact that it was up to the reader to decide what they felt about him.
Complaints: The decision that Aura made at the end was exactly why I don't like a lot of YA, it was a little wishy-washy for me. I am going to play it by ear though and read the rest of the series. I need to explain why the book got a 4 if I wasn't happy about the end; it is because I cared so much about the ending that it screamed great book. Sometimes getting super mad at a character means you care.
Audio Specific Review: Khristine Hvam did a fantastic job on pacing, voices, and emotions. The only voice I was disappointed in was Logans but I got used to it by the end.
Why I gave it a 4: I really did enjoy this book! It was unique, interesting, and very well done.
Who I would recommend this too: YA Paranormal Readers who like the paranormal area of Ghosts
thecozyreaderwbo's review against another edition
5.0
Procurement
I received an ARC of this from Simon Pulse for review.
My Grade
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 5
Overall: 30/30 = 100% = A+!
Cover/Title Bonus: 3
First Line(s)
“You can hear me, can’t you?”
I punched the green print button on the copier to drown out the disembodied voice. Sometimes if I ignored them long enough, they went away—confused, discouraged, and lonelier than ever. Sometimes.
Okay, almost never. Usually they got louder. – page 1, Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
Plot
The plot to this is actually pretty crazy now that I’m trying to summarized it a bit.
Aura lives among ghosts. She and everyone younger than her can see ghosts but everyone older than her cannot. And ghosts can go bad by turning “shade”.
Her boyfriend dies, which is said in the summary and it’s truly unfortunate the way he goes. I think I might have died in Aura’s shoes. OMG, is it a terrible time to die. And really very sad.
She goes on a quest to figure out what she can do now that Logan has become a ghost.
Setting
It’s not clear on what year it is but it’s pretty close to our current time. The only difference is there are ghosts walking around.
Most of the story takes place in Aura’s bedroom, house, bars, and school.
There’s nothing really awesome about the setting except maybe a few scenes under the stars, and the battleship, which is in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, M.D. and that was really cool because it’s probably the first book that I was able to envision because I’ve been to the Inner Harbor. :)
Writing
The story just flowed like it was an action movie, without the explosions and fight scenes. It was engrossing and I was unable to put the book down until I finally passed out with only like, seriously, 9 pages left. But it was nice to wake up and have that to finish. :)
The encounters Aura goes through during this tragic year for her is full of things to overcome, learn to cope with, and of course move on with acceptance (which all are kinda the same thing but she really does do different things to get to where she ends up). Jeri’s writing gives us a clear picture of what she’s going through.
I like that it was written in first person because Aura is expressive.
Originality
I’ve read a few books recently about ghosts and death. However, this book was truly original because it had the aspect of what was to come.
The whole thing with the pre-shift and post-shift ghost seeing issue is what makes this book unique. The characters make it even better.
Characters
Aura loves her boyfriend and is worried she’ll be put on the back burner for music. Then he suddenly dies. She is devastated. But he comes back, immediately, as a ghost. I really liked Aura. She deals pretty well with having lost her first love. She’s brave.
Logan is a nice guy, a singer, a drinker, and a sweetheart too. His death doesn’t change him but it makes everything so much more complicated, especially a romantic relationship with Aura.
Zachary Moore is a transfer student from Scotland. He befriends Aura because he’s assigned to help her with her school project. He helps her with the death of Logan and so much more. I loved Zachary. He’s a true knight in shining armor without being intrusive at all.
There were a few minor characters which were nice.
I cannot wait to read more about these characters. I loved them all.
Passion
Wow. The passion in is book is bursting, in a totally PG-13 way. A large portion of the beginning is about Aura and Logan wanting to consummate their relationship, because they’ve tried before but stopped because she got scared.
Then she meets Zachary and the sparks fly. I loved the passion with both characters but it was important for Aura to get over Logan because he is dead. Of course that’s much easier said than done.
Overall
A compelling read full of action, passion, loss, gain, and love. Oh, and ghosts. ;) I cannot wait to read more about Aura.
Cover/Title Bonus
The title is great. But the cover is, eh, pretty but not that symbolic. The ribbon means nothing, her dress means nothing. The color red, however, means everything. And the swirls are cool.
I received an ARC of this from Simon Pulse for review.
My Grade
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 5
Overall: 30/30 = 100% = A+!
Cover/Title Bonus: 3
First Line(s)
“You can hear me, can’t you?”
I punched the green print button on the copier to drown out the disembodied voice. Sometimes if I ignored them long enough, they went away—confused, discouraged, and lonelier than ever. Sometimes.
Okay, almost never. Usually they got louder. – page 1, Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
Plot
The plot to this is actually pretty crazy now that I’m trying to summarized it a bit.
Aura lives among ghosts. She and everyone younger than her can see ghosts but everyone older than her cannot. And ghosts can go bad by turning “shade”.
Her boyfriend dies, which is said in the summary and it’s truly unfortunate the way he goes. I think I might have died in Aura’s shoes. OMG, is it a terrible time to die. And really very sad.
She goes on a quest to figure out what she can do now that Logan has become a ghost.
Setting
It’s not clear on what year it is but it’s pretty close to our current time. The only difference is there are ghosts walking around.
Most of the story takes place in Aura’s bedroom, house, bars, and school.
There’s nothing really awesome about the setting except maybe a few scenes under the stars, and the battleship, which is in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, M.D. and that was really cool because it’s probably the first book that I was able to envision because I’ve been to the Inner Harbor. :)
Writing
The story just flowed like it was an action movie, without the explosions and fight scenes. It was engrossing and I was unable to put the book down until I finally passed out with only like, seriously, 9 pages left. But it was nice to wake up and have that to finish. :)
The encounters Aura goes through during this tragic year for her is full of things to overcome, learn to cope with, and of course move on with acceptance (which all are kinda the same thing but she really does do different things to get to where she ends up). Jeri’s writing gives us a clear picture of what she’s going through.
I like that it was written in first person because Aura is expressive.
Originality
I’ve read a few books recently about ghosts and death. However, this book was truly original because it had the aspect of what was to come.
The whole thing with the pre-shift and post-shift ghost seeing issue is what makes this book unique. The characters make it even better.
Characters
Aura loves her boyfriend and is worried she’ll be put on the back burner for music. Then he suddenly dies. She is devastated. But he comes back, immediately, as a ghost. I really liked Aura. She deals pretty well with having lost her first love. She’s brave.
Logan is a nice guy, a singer, a drinker, and a sweetheart too. His death doesn’t change him but it makes everything so much more complicated, especially a romantic relationship with Aura.
Zachary Moore is a transfer student from Scotland. He befriends Aura because he’s assigned to help her with her school project. He helps her with the death of Logan and so much more. I loved Zachary. He’s a true knight in shining armor without being intrusive at all.
There were a few minor characters which were nice.
I cannot wait to read more about these characters. I loved them all.
Passion
Wow. The passion in is book is bursting, in a totally PG-13 way. A large portion of the beginning is about Aura and Logan wanting to consummate their relationship, because they’ve tried before but stopped because she got scared.
Then she meets Zachary and the sparks fly. I loved the passion with both characters but it was important for Aura to get over Logan because he is dead. Of course that’s much easier said than done.
Overall
A compelling read full of action, passion, loss, gain, and love. Oh, and ghosts. ;) I cannot wait to read more about Aura.
Cover/Title Bonus
The title is great. But the cover is, eh, pretty but not that symbolic. The ribbon means nothing, her dress means nothing. The color red, however, means everything. And the swirls are cool.
lizzy_22's review against another edition
3.0
It felt like there was a lot of filler before we got to the interesting parts. I wanted to know much more about this First and Last business as well as what happened to Aura's mother. Hopefully book 2 delves more into that and the reasons behind the Shift. I also wouldn't mind seeing much more of Zachary, I always have a soft spot for a handsome Scotsman!!
foreverbeautifulbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I bought a copy of this book at a library book sale. I read the inside flap and was intrigued that this was about ghosts.
I was very surprised by this story. At times I kind of hated Aura, but then I have to remember she's only sixteen and we were all sort of narcissistic at that age. We take things for granted when we are young and we forget that things CAN hurt and touch us in life altering ways.
The story was very well written and unique. How often do you get a paranormal sort of dystopian story were everyone born after a winter solstice can see ghosts.
My one issue with the book seemed to be the 'kids' that can see ghosts that are about to come of age. Now, you have what appears to be a group of extreme government agents that seem to feel the seeing of ghosts is bad and--well evil. Apparently if you are a really angry ghost you can do what is called, Shade. You black out and become just crazy roaming around all black and screaming. I am going to assume this is a form of being a Poltergist, this is how was understanding this.
However, all these kids have ghosts coming to them for 'closure' they need help passing on. Seems logical right. Yet all these selfish teenagers are unwilling to help them. That was the lone thing that really put me off about the story. I was like JUST GO SEE HER DAUGHTER AND TELL HER! But instead they plug their ears and "la-la-la". It not only annoyed me but made me really lack sympathy for anything happening to the characters.
Then you have NO adult encouraging this aside from ONE ghost in the story, but that is only because the lead female wouldn't let go and it was 'holding her back.' That was the only really BIG thing that bothered me.
I found that Zach was my favorite character. I thought Aura as a lead was weak. She was slowly redeeming herself by the end, then at the end she does something selfish AGAIN, but I think the author is rolling with a whole love triangle thing here.
As much as I really want to know what caused 'the shift' which I am assuming it is something fae related since they hint at that and it being based in Ireland, I don't know how soon I will jump into book two. I have like atleast ONE female in a book to really want to move forward, but Aura and Megan sort of just give female leads something to be desired.
I was very surprised by this story. At times I kind of hated Aura, but then I have to remember she's only sixteen and we were all sort of narcissistic at that age. We take things for granted when we are young and we forget that things CAN hurt and touch us in life altering ways.
The story was very well written and unique. How often do you get a paranormal sort of dystopian story were everyone born after a winter solstice can see ghosts.
My one issue with the book seemed to be the 'kids' that can see ghosts that are about to come of age. Now, you have what appears to be a group of extreme government agents that seem to feel the seeing of ghosts is bad and--well evil. Apparently if you are a really angry ghost you can do what is called, Shade. You black out and become just crazy roaming around all black and screaming. I am going to assume this is a form of being a Poltergist, this is how was understanding this.
However, all these kids have ghosts coming to them for 'closure' they need help passing on. Seems logical right. Yet all these selfish teenagers are unwilling to help them. That was the lone thing that really put me off about the story. I was like JUST GO SEE HER DAUGHTER AND TELL HER! But instead they plug their ears and "la-la-la". It not only annoyed me but made me really lack sympathy for anything happening to the characters.
Then you have NO adult encouraging this aside from ONE ghost in the story, but that is only because the lead female wouldn't let go and it was 'holding her back.' That was the only really BIG thing that bothered me.
I found that Zach was my favorite character. I thought Aura as a lead was weak. She was slowly redeeming herself by the end, then at the end she does something selfish AGAIN, but I think the author is rolling with a whole love triangle thing here.
As much as I really want to know what caused 'the shift' which I am assuming it is something fae related since they hint at that and it being based in Ireland, I don't know how soon I will jump into book two. I have like atleast ONE female in a book to really want to move forward, but Aura and Megan sort of just give female leads something to be desired.
elusivity's review against another edition
2.0
Juvenile.
Unlike most YA fiction these days, this one seemed more specifically aimed at a younger audience than typical. I found the Shift to be inexplicable as a phenomenon, though it's an unusual take on the usual haunted-by-ghost scenario, particularly when the protagonist has peers who also could see and interact with the dead. I found the teenage conversation and mentality stereotypical and forced - the thin skin, the rebellion, the self-centered angst. All very paint-by-numbers, all very PG and CW.
Tbh, reading this tried my patience. Feh.
Unlike most YA fiction these days, this one seemed more specifically aimed at a younger audience than typical. I found the Shift to be inexplicable as a phenomenon, though it's an unusual take on the usual haunted-by-ghost scenario, particularly when the protagonist has peers who also could see and interact with the dead. I found the teenage conversation and mentality stereotypical and forced - the thin skin, the rebellion, the self-centered angst. All very paint-by-numbers, all very PG and CW.
Tbh, reading this tried my patience. Feh.
robinsversion's review
3.0
The book began really interesting and unique, with many engaging ideas that clearly had a lot of thought and care put into them from a world-building standpoint, but as it went on it became overrun with worn, overused tropes that the story did nothing with, and the main character was aggravating to read about thanks to how much she let people manipulate her and walk all over her. Plus there were at least half a dozen characters who deserved a strong punch in the face but didn’t get so much as a slap. Maybe they do in the sequels, but I can’t be bothered to endure even a page more of this series.
jlove731's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Just wow! Shade is a whirlwind of emotions in one book. Love. Is all I can say.
Shade starts off with Aura, who since the shift can see ghosts. Aura is special though, she was first. That doesn't stop her life though, or her love for her amazing, sexy, singer boyfriend Logan. So when Logan tragically dies she's thinks it's all over, until she realizes that Logan is still with her in ghost form. As more mysteries unravel, she becomes close to Zachary, a green eyed, Scottish cutie. Together they begin to figure out what the Shift is all about. What do you do when you're in love with your ghost boyfriend, but someone else is willing to be there for you?
I loved this book. The story was fantastic. And I really, really want to know more about the Shift and Aura's mother. Another aspect I loved about this book was the music. I adore music. It's one of my favorite things in the world. There always seems to be a lyric for every situation and every emotion. The fact that Logan sang, and played guitar killed me. I wanted to jump right on him haha! And Zachary's song was I Will Posses Your Heart? Hellloooo amazing.
I loved every character in this book. Well with the exception of Brian, Becca, and Nadine. I loved the Keeley brothers and Megan! Aura was something else. I really ached with her. I know what it's like to love someone and also have someone in the background saying 'hey! I'm here for you. I'll catch you when you fall.' It's the worst decision in the world. One to this day, I haven't made. And honestly my heart aches for Aura for having to chose between two amazing guys.
As of right now... I adore both boys. Zachary is such a sweety and he has green eyes, which is a killer for me. Green eyes are my favorite! He's so willing to do anything for Aura and be there for her when she needs him. But, I am a tiny bit more a Logan girl <3. I love that Logan sings, plays guitar, is so into music, is cute, sweet, and how he loves Aura more than anything in the world.
This book is so much more than romance. It dives into drugs, parties, music, school, how cruel people can really be, and how much people will do for love.
I'm really rooting that somehow Logan and Aura end up together. I just don't see how it will happen though. Here's hoping! :) If not, Zachary is still a keeper and I adore him too!
This book was amazing! Definetely worth a buy!! I cannot wait for the sequel i neeeeeeed more!!!
Most importantly... Always fight for what you want and don't give up. Believe in music. Believe in yourself. Believe in love. Always.
Shade starts off with Aura, who since the shift can see ghosts. Aura is special though, she was first. That doesn't stop her life though, or her love for her amazing, sexy, singer boyfriend Logan. So when Logan tragically dies she's thinks it's all over, until she realizes that Logan is still with her in ghost form. As more mysteries unravel, she becomes close to Zachary, a green eyed, Scottish cutie. Together they begin to figure out what the Shift is all about. What do you do when you're in love with your ghost boyfriend, but someone else is willing to be there for you?
I loved this book. The story was fantastic. And I really, really want to know more about the Shift and Aura's mother. Another aspect I loved about this book was the music. I adore music. It's one of my favorite things in the world. There always seems to be a lyric for every situation and every emotion. The fact that Logan sang, and played guitar killed me. I wanted to jump right on him haha! And Zachary's song was I Will Posses Your Heart? Hellloooo amazing.
I loved every character in this book. Well with the exception of Brian, Becca, and Nadine. I loved the Keeley brothers and Megan! Aura was something else. I really ached with her. I know what it's like to love someone and also have someone in the background saying 'hey! I'm here for you. I'll catch you when you fall.' It's the worst decision in the world. One to this day, I haven't made. And honestly my heart aches for Aura for having to chose between two amazing guys.
As of right now... I adore both boys. Zachary is such a sweety and he has green eyes, which is a killer for me. Green eyes are my favorite! He's so willing to do anything for Aura and be there for her when she needs him. But, I am a tiny bit more a Logan girl <3. I love that Logan sings, plays guitar, is so into music, is cute, sweet, and how he loves Aura more than anything in the world.
This book is so much more than romance. It dives into drugs, parties, music, school, how cruel people can really be, and how much people will do for love.
I'm really rooting that somehow Logan and Aura end up together. I just don't see how it will happen though. Here's hoping! :) If not, Zachary is still a keeper and I adore him too!
This book was amazing! Definetely worth a buy!! I cannot wait for the sequel i neeeeeeed more!!!
Most importantly... Always fight for what you want and don't give up. Believe in music. Believe in yourself. Believe in love. Always.