Title: Third Degree
Author: Julie Cross
First published March 25, 2014
240 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780553390346 (ISBN10: 0553390341)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
In Third Degree by Julie Cross, meet Isabel Jenkins, a former child prodigy struggling to find her place in the world. After failing a crucial exam, she’s forced to re-evaluate her life and start anew as a college freshman.
But being a “normal” student isn’t as easy as it seems. Her roommate despises her, and she’s not interested in the party scene.
The only bright spot is her RA, Marshall Collins, who makes her feel things she’s never experienced before. As they spend more time together, Isabel realizes she wants more than a casual relationship.
But can she learn the most important lesson of all, love, before it’s too late? Find out in Third Degree.
About the Author
Meet Julie Cross, a talented author who has achieved impressive success with her New Adult and Young Adult fiction. Her notable works include the Tempest series, an exciting trilogy featuring Tempest, Vortex, and Timestorm, all published by St. Martin’s Press.
Julie is also the creative mind behind the Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You, Third Degree, Halfway Perfect, and a host of other captivating stories. With her undeniable gift for storytelling, Julie has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.
Editoral Review
Third Degree is a thrilling young adult novel written by Julie Cross, first published on March 25, 2014. In this novel, Cross explores the complex themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice in a suspenseful, fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Set in the present day, Third Degree follows the main character, Iona “Skye” Hamilton, and her journey to uncover the truth behind her best friend’s mysterious disappearance. Skye is a competitive gymnast who is forced to take a break from training after an injury.
During her hiatus, her best friend, Paige, vanishes without a trace, and Skye becomes obsessed with finding her. In her quest, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving the police, the FBI, and a powerful drug lord.
Cross’s writing style is compelling and fast-paced, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into Skye’s world. Her characters are well-developed, and their relationships with one another are complex and nuanced.
Skye’s relationship with her friend’s brother, Ash, is particularly engaging, as the two struggle to navigate their attraction to each other while still being loyal to Paige. Perhaps one of the strongest aspects of Third Degree is its commentary on contemporary social issues.
Cross shines a light on the pernicious influence of drugs in society and the difficulties faced by young people growing up in a world full of temptation and danger. Though Third Degree is a well-crafted novel, there are a few areas in which it falls short.
At times, the pacing can be uneven, with long stretches of exposition followed by sudden bursts of action. Additionally, some of the plot twists and turns can feel contrived or predictable.
Despite these flaws, Third Degree is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Fans of suspense and mystery novels will find plenty to enjoy in Cross’s intricate plotting and complex characters, while those interested in contemporary social issues will appreciate the novel’s commentary on drug culture and societal pressures.
In conclusion, Third Degree is a worthwhile read that offers both entertainment and insight into contemporary issues. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fast-paced, suspenseful storytelling with complex characters and thought-provoking themes.
On a scale of one to five, I would give Third Degree a solid four stars.