Title: Shift
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
First published April 28, 2011
367 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781416994084 (ISBN10: 1416994084)
Rating: 4.12
Overview
Quin’s life has been turned upside down. Her best friend has disappeared and her mother has been keeping secrets from her for years.
Quin is left to navigate the truth with the help of two very different boys: the charming and enigmatic Artie, and the loyal and dependable Aaron. As Quin uncovers the mystery of her past and her connection to a supernatural world, she must decide which boy to trust with her heart and her life.
But with danger lurking around every corner, Quin may need both boys more than she ever imagined.
About the Author
Jeri Smith-Ready started writing fiction after experiencing the magic of her first double espresso. With the help of caffeine, she has written twelve novels for both teenagers and adults since 2001.
Currently residing in Maryland, Jeri shares her home with her spouse and two feline companions who have a habit of taking turns sitting on her lap, making it difficult for her to write. (Just to clarify, it’s the cats who do the lap-sitting, not the husband.
Although, it’s worth mentioning…)
Editoral Review
Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready is a young adult paranormal novel that was first published on April 28, 2011. Jeri Smith-Ready is an American author who has written several books in the YA paranormal genre.
Shift is the second book in the Shade trilogy, which follows the story of a girl named Aura who can see ghosts.
The Shade trilogy is set in a world where ghosts are a common occurrence, and some people have the ability to see and communicate with them. In Shift, the story picks up where the first book left off, with Aura and her friends dealing with the aftermath of a tragic event.
Aura is struggling to come to terms with her new reality, and she must navigate her relationships with her friends and family as she tries to solve a mystery that has haunted her for years.
The plot of Shift is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. The main characters are well-developed, and the setting of the story is vividly described.
The conflicts that arise throughout the book are both internal and external, and they keep the reader engaged and invested in the story.
One of the strengths of Shift is its exploration of grief and loss. Aura is dealing with the loss of someone she loved, and her journey through the grieving process is both realistic and relatable.
The book also explores the idea of letting go and moving on, which is an important theme for the target audience of young adults.
Another strength of the book is its use of music as a central theme. Jeri Smith-Ready weaves music into the story in a way that is both meaningful and enjoyable.
The music serves as a way for the characters to connect with each other and with the ghosts they encounter.
However, one weakness of the book is its reliance on cliches and stereotypes. The love triangle between Aura and her two love interests feels forced and predictable, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped.
Overall, Shift is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of the paranormal genre. It is well-written and engaging, with strong themes and well-developed characters.
While it may not be perfect, it is a solid addition to the Shade trilogy and a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a fast-paced, emotionally resonant story.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
