Thursday, April 26, 2012

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shine by Jeri-Smith Ready
Releases: May 1st
Simon Pulse
Thank you to Jeri & Fictitious Delicious for the ARC
Reviewed by: AmyG (big sis)
Sister's Say:  A Shiney, Shocking, Shattering Conclusion

Shine (Shade, #3)
In this dramatic conclusion to the Shade trilogy, Aura and Zachary’s relationship sizzles as the secrets of the Shift are revealed.
Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.
As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.

First off, this is the 3rd book in a trilogy.  While my review is spoiler free for Shine it is not spoiler free for the first two book, Shade and Shift.

Hmmm, how to begin!  Ever since the Crush Tourney last summer, I feel like Zach, Logan and Aura have been such a huge part of our lives!  Zach tore through the tournament like the amazing Scotsman that he is and nearly upset the wildly popular Jace.  Gosh, seriously, it's hard to find the words to say about his book.  First off, there has been so many times when a final book in the series has been such a disappointment.  THIS IS NOT THE CASE HERE!!!  Shine is a breath-taking and beautiful conclusion to this wonderful series.

My heart broke so many times in this book!  Seriously, the 1st half the book and many times through the last half, I was basically just in constant tears!  Not to worry though, Jeri will heal that broken heart a million times over, but be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.  It's hard watching characters you love and feel like you know so well go through struggles, but as most of us know from life, adversity strengthens us and turns us into who we are.  Instead of falling apart in the midst of tragedy, loss and pain, Aura steps outside of that emotion and becomes the heroine of her story.  She doesn't let the pain take her, but goes out a fights it head on, becoming all the stronger.  Then, when she's on the other side of it all, it makes the reward so much sweeter.  This last book is definitely Aura's coming into her own or coming of age story.  She finally knows what and who she wants and is ready to fight and sacrifice everything for that goal.  These are always my favorite type of stories!  

So, Zach in this novel.  Oh wow, I am seriously speechless.  I cried for Zach, like seriously ugly cried.  Jeri put him through it in this novel, but the mark of true hero is being brave and heroic even when you are cut down to nothing.  And, Zach is nothing if not heroic.  No matter the circumstances, no matter the pain or weakness, his first thought is to always protect those that he loves!  He is amazing, that's all I can say is amazing!  I also need to insert here a little something about Logan.  I've always been Team Zach (except in SHIFT when I was completely head over heels for Dylan), but I learned things about Logan in this book that made me really love him!  He, dealing with some of the most heartbreaking circumstances a teen can face, has grown and matured because of it.  And, I think we really get to see that in this novel.  He has become so much more than he was!

I loved this book!  It was a great 3rd book.  I loved that it made me ugly cry, scream in frustration, cheer my heart out, and feel completely satisfied when it was all over.  Shine made me feel, and I LOVE books that make me feel!  It was the perfect conclusion!

For those wanting to know the content of this book, I would say that it is definitely for older YA.  If you're a parent, definitely read it first (you'll enjoy it, trust me) to determine if you think it's okay for your YA.  There is cursing, violence, sexual content and allusions to drug use.  If you have more questions over content, you can email me or ask in the comments.