Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany

Nothing’s simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she’s seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she’s suspected. With Jess’s realization that the Rusakovas’ mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group’s choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite long enough to free their mother and people who Jess always just took to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more. (courtesy of Amazon)


Book 2 in the 13 to Life series


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


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


Jess is getting walked on, over and stomped...but she keeps rolling on.  Her character grows a bit stronger throughout the book, maybe not stronger pursa, but more with it and able to react quicker.  There were a few spots in the book that I felt a little over done, but overall - since I read it in 1 day - I'd say it's a praiseworthy read!


Teen drama with grown up twists, as this bunch tries to free their mother.  There's secrets (and people hanging in the shadows, hence the name) but there is also loyalty.  I enjoy when authors take the 'teen' realm and show that not all lives are rosy - there's parent substance abuse, tragedy, physical abuse - that is battled every day.  It gives the story a realistic edge.  As Jess finds her friends and they all make choices the story is not lost.  How can it be when the Russian Mafia and CIA are involved?


Delany snaps that ending into place and leaves you burning for the next.   


5 slices

Shorts on Shorts

The Faeriewalker Series by Jenna Black, 13 to Life by Shannon Delany, Demon Trapper Novels are three great YA masterpieces.
Reviewed here on our site before, find the Glimmerglass & Shadowspell reviews, as well as 13 to Life.  Coming very soon - The Demon Trappers Daughter and Secrets and Shadows.

So when I happened upon 3 short stories available for free on Kindle I was thrilled.  I thought I'd do a very quick (short) review on the 3 "short" stories...

Remedial Magic by Jenna Black (Faeriewalker series, backstory)
Having a prodigy for an older brother is not so fun…especially one who is magic wiz-kid. But Kimber has a plan to finally step out of his shadow.(courtesy of Amazon)


A cute short to go with the Faeriewalker series, most of the story isn’t key for the series, but I was glad to get a glimpse into this particular character’s world.  As a semi-outcast, she spends time trying so hard to fit in and giving attitude when necessary! It's got to be hard in the world of Faerie when you don't have the skills you need...If you haven’t tried the series, give it a go and slip this in later.


Beasts and BFF's by Shannon Delany (13 to Life Series, short)
Meet Jessie Gillmansen as she realizes that things might not be what they seem in the town of Junction.(Courtesy of Amazon)


Part of the 13 to Life series by Delaney, which I have to say was a great first book and I am waiting for the arrival on my door step of the 2nd Secrets and Shadows, this short was just a little window and again, not pivotal to the story or needed.  I can't say I thought much about it.  Give the series a real go before you dive into this one, it could be a little confusing. 





2 slices for them both


Retro Demonology by Jana Oliver (Demon Trapper Novels bonus)
Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off...(Courtesy of Amazon)
Reading this alone, would have me reaching for Book 1 in the Demon Trappers series.  I love Riley's character and the world Oliver has created for us.  Demons are second favorite for me, next to weres and I was not disappointed.  Look next for the review of The Demon Trapper's Daughter...

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.  It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…(courtesy of Amazon)

Shannon Delany brings us Book 1 in the 13 to Life series.  I'm a fan of werewolf/shifter series, so when I heard this book recommended from a fellow book lover on another site (book reader addicts) I figured I would give it a try.  I didn't have to try hard, I was completely enthralled in this book.  The storyline is there from the moment you open the book.  Our lead character is a high school junior, she has been through amazing tragedy and is overcoming it as she moves to finish high school.  Enters her headache - steamy new Russian student - Pietr - he's her shadow as he's learning the new school.

But funny – Pietr is Russian and there is a lot of Russia controversy in the news…and guess what he’s from a town where there was some interesting happenings. Could he be what he claims to be? The interaction between the two starts out as aggravated with each other and ends up aggravated that they can’t be with each other enough.  The sweet onset of romance promises good things to come.  There definitely was a lot going on in this book, I felt that there are quite a few possibilities for this series to just continue and be over the top.  A few storylines were opened and not yet completely explained, ending with a slight wrap up, I can't wait for Book 2 in Feb 2011.

5 slices