by Jeri Smith-Ready
Published by Simon Pulse
May 1, 2012
Source: bought from independent bookstore
Series report: Can you read it without reviewing books one and two? Yes.
NO SPOILERS AHEAD!
Quick series recap: In the beginning of book one, Aura is devastated by the sudden death of her musician boyfriend, Logan. But Aura, like every child born after the Shift, can see ghosts. She's comforted by Logan's ghostly presence, but worried that Logan, who blames himself for his death, will turn into an angry shade. Aura meets Zachary and they discover they have a mysterious connection: she was born one minute after the Shift, and he one minute before.
In book two, Zachary and Aura are still researching the Shift and their part in it. Aura's also trying to help Logan find peace -- and drawing closer and closer to Zach. But all the time she's spending with Logan makes Zach jealous.
My take: I've always been a huge fan of this series. Jeri Smith-Ready blends Celtic folklore and mythology with ghosts in a way that's fresh and original. Aura is a fantastic character -- strong and realistic. The series also incorporates music -- Logan was part of a band, the Keeley Brothers.
Shine begins very dramatically. Very! Then Aura is alone -- meaning without either Zach or Logan -- for about two-thirds of the book, which encapsulates a period of many months. I had mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, this made Shine more about Aura and less about the guys, which I liked. On the other hand, I kept wondering what would have happened if Jeri Smith-Ready had started the story a bit later in time, and shortened this limbo period a bit. There is a LOT of plot and emotional resolution that has to play out in those last 150 pages.
That said, the emotional stuff was great. I admire the way this series addresses death and mourning in a very moving and realistic way. YA authors often blithely kill characters off (parents, especially) without really exploring the repercussions. Aura spends all three books coming to terms with Logan's death, and I found this process both realistic and poignant.
Ah, Logan. I'll have to admit, Zachary isn't 100% my cup of tea -- or shot of Glenfiddich. But I really like Aura as a character, and I want her to be (fictionally) happy.
Again, without spoilers, I'll just say that I thought Jeri Smith-Ready did a wonderful job resolving this trilogy. Shine features some beautifully written, very touching scenes that I think fans of this series will love.
If you haven't read this series, try the first book out!
If you have read it, you'll want to get your hands on Shine.
Enter my Spring Fling Blog Hop and try to win my copy!
This sounds good. I hadn't heard of this series until everyone started talking about book 3, but it definitely sounds like something I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteTry the first book!! If I see a copy, I'll hang onto it for you :)
DeleteI can't wait to read this! My copy should be arriving soon and I will happily dive in to it. I am especially excited to read about Zach because I am a HUGE fan of him-so yummy :)
ReplyDeleteThen you're going to LOVE it!!!!
DeleteThe first 2 books in this series have been on my tbr list forever!! I really want to read this series. I will find time eventually.
ReplyDeleteYes, you definitely should!
DeleteYou know, I had the same thought--what if she started it after Zach was released and in Glasglow? I don't think it would have had the same impact on readers had she not included the first 150-ish pages. Shine has a lot of story in it, but it's one helluva a story and ending to this amazing trilogy.
ReplyDeletegreat review! :)
It was a very attention-getting opening, so I agree, it would be a shame to lose it. And then the momentum got right back up at the end.
DeleteGlad you loved the book too!
I seriously cannot wait for this book to come to me in the mail! Luckily I have other books to get me through the wait! LOL! This is one of my favorite YA series. All the reviews I've read have been very positive so I can't wait to dive in! Great review!
ReplyDeleteHope you love it too!
Deleteseriously, I wonder how u find time to read and that fast :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not in school like you are. That helps a LOT!!
Deletehahaha true :)
DeleteOh YAY! So glad to hear Aura is alone for months!!! Gives me an evil happy as I hate Zach. Muahaha I did read the first chapter on line and I loved the way it ended. I'm going to pretend that is the final ending. I'll still skip it because I was thinking when I started the series it would end like the Meg Cabot Mediator series, with a miracle HEA. No HEA Me no read!!!! Plus I love Logan with all my little bitter heart!
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up.
DeleteSome people will consider this book a HEA, you know!!!
I think the best thing for you is to pretend the whole thing is a dream and Aura wakes up and it's her birthday and Logan stays alive and they both live happily ever after.
OMG That is even better than what I was thinking!!! YES!!!
DeleteI have not even heard of this trilogy. I don't think it's one for me.
ReplyDeleteDid you mean NONSPOILERY to have an S or is NONPOILERY your new word for the day?
Oops. No, it needs an "s"
DeleteThanks for telling me -- I will fix it. That's what happens when you invent words.