Review: 13 To Life

Title: 13 To Life
Series: 13 To Life # 1
Genre: Young Adult-Paranormal
Author: Shannon Delany
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: June 22, 2010
Book: Bought

"Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early."

 

Now this book had me intrigued from the very beginning. This werewolves story was not at all what I was expecting. Jessica our heroine is dealing with a lot of grief. Her mother recently passing away and the repercussions of that night have Jessica always in a whirlwind. A new boy Pietr, comes into town and Jessica is assigned to show him around. At first Pietr shows no interest in her, until she pulled out a worry stone she pulled out from his pockets. From there he shows major interest following her around relentlessly, never letting her out of his sight. Jessica is dumbfounded by his interest and get seem to figure out why that this type of boy, pretty and popular would even look at her.

 

Jessica has a major crush on Derek for a while now. She holds on to the crush even hard, now that Pietr is around. But things don't go the way she wants them too. Her best friend Sarah is crushing on Pietr the same time she is. But Pietr likes her not Sarah. After all that Sarah and Jessica been through together, Jessica convinces Pietr to date Sarah sacrificing everything between. All the while things are getting stranger in Junction.

 

I absolutely loved Jessica. Her character was real to me. I love how she was so unselfish doing things for others, helping others before herself. That is true character. Even when her heart was at stake, she wanted the best for her friend no matter what. Pietr was such a mysterious boy. A great character that left me wondering what was he was hiding.

Shannon did a great job writing this book. I was hooked from the very beginning with the drama, realizations of the characters and their past. I loved how mysterious she played with in the story building it up just at the right time to reveal all the secrets. I like how she connected everything in the past that came to be in the future. It was like a prophecy being revealed. So perfect! This book had me laughing, gasping, and hurrying to read as fast as I can just so I can get to the juicy parts. I felt so involved in the story too. Even though I knew the secret, if felt good knowing that Jessica did not know. I just kept on reading waiting for it to come out.

And the love! Who can forget the great love connection that is going on between Jessica and Pietr. I like how she build up their relationship with the trust of their secrets. Holding onto each other for comfort. I am so very interested in what will happen in the next book between these two, seeing that Pietr is still with Jessica's best friend! Dun. Dun. Dunnnnn!

Shannon wrote a great book, great plot and just so many twist it was awesome. 13 To Life is an awesome summer read. It will you leave gasping for more. I know I did.

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Claire De Lune

Title: Claire De Lune
Series: Claire De Lune # 1
Genre: Young Adult-Paranormal
Author: Christine Johnson
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 18, 2010
Book: Bought

This is another werewolf story, which I picked up after reading the back. I was a little hesitant at first, but then I thought, why not?

“Every part of her felt right—her silky fur that caught the wind, the pads of her feet against the soft dirt—it was perfect. The feeling of release was so great that Claire couldn’t hold back the cry that rose through her. She threw back her head and howled. Around her, she could hear the others join in, calling out to the moon above them, the ground below, and the forest that circled them tight.”

After Claire sixteenth birthday her mother reveals a secret that has been passed down from mother to daughter. Claire is a werewolf. In just 3 full moons, Claire will be able to fully transform to a werewolf and join the pack. Claire is faced with the struggle of a new boy in her life, changes in her body, and her mind. Soon, Claire’s life takes an unexpected change when people start to come up dead. Now not only does she have to deal with changing into a werewolf for the first time, dealing with a first boyfriend, now the pack is in danger of humans trying to kill them.

This book was intense. I love how Claire’s character emerged and grew on the spot. It was a dark, romantic, exciting novel. It kept me begging for more. It was well written and the plot was good. Claire accepted that she was a werewolf, and dealt with all the chaos nicely. I love how Claire’s point of view was different from the pack. While the pack wanted the keep the old ways, Claire knew that the time and place that they are in would do no good to be kept out of the loop. It was time for a change. Claire’s bravery I especially love. The fierceness and loyalty to her mother was astounding. When the pack did not want to help, Claire went out on her own and saved her mother.

Now Matthew, the love interest in the book, I feel I could have seen more of him. While Matthew’s character is a great guy with good morals (So gentlemanly!) but I would like to know what he looks like! The book did not describe him as much, so it was hard to paint a picture of a guy who is so nice.

Overall, this book I would recommend to read. It was well written, had a number of 4 curse words, but way cleaner than past books I have read. Christine Johnson’s book was a great read. I enjoyed every moment of it. It was suspenseful, and loving.

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!