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thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Received for Review
Overall Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00
Teen Angst: It was kept to a minimum but did exist...
Note: I am beginning to read a little more YA and like the trend I am seeing of less "typical" teenage angst. Shade had a good balance of story, character and low angst level. It was also a fantastically unique story that really pulled me in almost immediately.
What I Loved: I loved that Shade was never predictable! Once I was sure that the story was headed in one direction, it would take off in another one completely. Aura was a strong leading character, who for being 16/17, was mature enough for her age to handle things thrown at her. She still had her very teenage moments but her ability/responsibility was well-balanced with her angst. Zachery was another favorite character of mine who also had his own responsibilities to handle. I felt he was very mature for his age and displayed amazing ranges of emotions. The underlying mystery to what caused the Shift and all that includes was interesting and well-paced. You don't get many answers but you do stay interested the whole book.
What I Liked: I did not like Logan until the very end of the book. He was an interesting character who was stuck between wanting what he shouldn't and not being able to let go. Most of the book, I felt that he was selfish but looking back he wasn't that bad. I really did like how he grew on through out the book and the fact that it was up to the reader to decide what they felt about him.
Complaints: The decision that Aura made at the end was exactly why I don't like a lot of YA, it was a little wishy-washy for me. I am going to play it by ear though and read the rest of the series. I need to explain why the book got a 4 if I wasn't happy about the end; it is because I cared so much about the ending that it screamed great book. Sometimes getting super mad at a character means you care.
Audio Specific Review: Khristine Hvam did a fantastic job on pacing, voices, and emotions. The only voice I was disappointed in was Logans but I got used to it by the end.
Why I gave it a 4: I really did enjoy this book! It was unique, interesting, and very well done.
Who I would recommend this too: YA Paranormal Readers who like the paranormal area of Ghosts
Overall Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00
Teen Angst: It was kept to a minimum but did exist...
Note: I am beginning to read a little more YA and like the trend I am seeing of less "typical" teenage angst. Shade had a good balance of story, character and low angst level. It was also a fantastically unique story that really pulled me in almost immediately.
What I Loved: I loved that Shade was never predictable! Once I was sure that the story was headed in one direction, it would take off in another one completely. Aura was a strong leading character, who for being 16/17, was mature enough for her age to handle things thrown at her. She still had her very teenage moments but her ability/responsibility was well-balanced with her angst. Zachery was another favorite character of mine who also had his own responsibilities to handle. I felt he was very mature for his age and displayed amazing ranges of emotions. The underlying mystery to what caused the Shift and all that includes was interesting and well-paced. You don't get many answers but you do stay interested the whole book.
What I Liked: I did not like Logan until the very end of the book. He was an interesting character who was stuck between wanting what he shouldn't and not being able to let go. Most of the book, I felt that he was selfish but looking back he wasn't that bad. I really did like how he grew on through out the book and the fact that it was up to the reader to decide what they felt about him.
Complaints: The decision that Aura made at the end was exactly why I don't like a lot of YA, it was a little wishy-washy for me. I am going to play it by ear though and read the rest of the series. I need to explain why the book got a 4 if I wasn't happy about the end; it is because I cared so much about the ending that it screamed great book. Sometimes getting super mad at a character means you care.
Audio Specific Review: Khristine Hvam did a fantastic job on pacing, voices, and emotions. The only voice I was disappointed in was Logans but I got used to it by the end.
Why I gave it a 4: I really did enjoy this book! It was unique, interesting, and very well done.
Who I would recommend this too: YA Paranormal Readers who like the paranormal area of Ghosts
thecozyreaderwbo's review against another edition
5.0
Procurement
I received an ARC of this from Simon Pulse for review.
My Grade
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 5
Overall: 30/30 = 100% = A+!
Cover/Title Bonus: 3
First Line(s)
“You can hear me, can’t you?”
I punched the green print button on the copier to drown out the disembodied voice. Sometimes if I ignored them long enough, they went away—confused, discouraged, and lonelier than ever. Sometimes.
Okay, almost never. Usually they got louder. – page 1, Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
Plot
The plot to this is actually pretty crazy now that I’m trying to summarized it a bit.
Aura lives among ghosts. She and everyone younger than her can see ghosts but everyone older than her cannot. And ghosts can go bad by turning “shade”.
Her boyfriend dies, which is said in the summary and it’s truly unfortunate the way he goes. I think I might have died in Aura’s shoes. OMG, is it a terrible time to die. And really very sad.
She goes on a quest to figure out what she can do now that Logan has become a ghost.
Setting
It’s not clear on what year it is but it’s pretty close to our current time. The only difference is there are ghosts walking around.
Most of the story takes place in Aura’s bedroom, house, bars, and school.
There’s nothing really awesome about the setting except maybe a few scenes under the stars, and the battleship, which is in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, M.D. and that was really cool because it’s probably the first book that I was able to envision because I’ve been to the Inner Harbor. :)
Writing
The story just flowed like it was an action movie, without the explosions and fight scenes. It was engrossing and I was unable to put the book down until I finally passed out with only like, seriously, 9 pages left. But it was nice to wake up and have that to finish. :)
The encounters Aura goes through during this tragic year for her is full of things to overcome, learn to cope with, and of course move on with acceptance (which all are kinda the same thing but she really does do different things to get to where she ends up). Jeri’s writing gives us a clear picture of what she’s going through.
I like that it was written in first person because Aura is expressive.
Originality
I’ve read a few books recently about ghosts and death. However, this book was truly original because it had the aspect of what was to come.
The whole thing with the pre-shift and post-shift ghost seeing issue is what makes this book unique. The characters make it even better.
Characters
Aura loves her boyfriend and is worried she’ll be put on the back burner for music. Then he suddenly dies. She is devastated. But he comes back, immediately, as a ghost. I really liked Aura. She deals pretty well with having lost her first love. She’s brave.
Logan is a nice guy, a singer, a drinker, and a sweetheart too. His death doesn’t change him but it makes everything so much more complicated, especially a romantic relationship with Aura.
Zachary Moore is a transfer student from Scotland. He befriends Aura because he’s assigned to help her with her school project. He helps her with the death of Logan and so much more. I loved Zachary. He’s a true knight in shining armor without being intrusive at all.
There were a few minor characters which were nice.
I cannot wait to read more about these characters. I loved them all.
Passion
Wow. The passion in is book is bursting, in a totally PG-13 way. A large portion of the beginning is about Aura and Logan wanting to consummate their relationship, because they’ve tried before but stopped because she got scared.
Then she meets Zachary and the sparks fly. I loved the passion with both characters but it was important for Aura to get over Logan because he is dead. Of course that’s much easier said than done.
Overall
A compelling read full of action, passion, loss, gain, and love. Oh, and ghosts. ;) I cannot wait to read more about Aura.
Cover/Title Bonus
The title is great. But the cover is, eh, pretty but not that symbolic. The ribbon means nothing, her dress means nothing. The color red, however, means everything. And the swirls are cool.
I received an ARC of this from Simon Pulse for review.
My Grade
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Passion: 5
Overall: 30/30 = 100% = A+!
Cover/Title Bonus: 3
First Line(s)
“You can hear me, can’t you?”
I punched the green print button on the copier to drown out the disembodied voice. Sometimes if I ignored them long enough, they went away—confused, discouraged, and lonelier than ever. Sometimes.
Okay, almost never. Usually they got louder. – page 1, Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
Plot
The plot to this is actually pretty crazy now that I’m trying to summarized it a bit.
Aura lives among ghosts. She and everyone younger than her can see ghosts but everyone older than her cannot. And ghosts can go bad by turning “shade”.
Her boyfriend dies, which is said in the summary and it’s truly unfortunate the way he goes. I think I might have died in Aura’s shoes. OMG, is it a terrible time to die. And really very sad.
She goes on a quest to figure out what she can do now that Logan has become a ghost.
Setting
It’s not clear on what year it is but it’s pretty close to our current time. The only difference is there are ghosts walking around.
Most of the story takes place in Aura’s bedroom, house, bars, and school.
There’s nothing really awesome about the setting except maybe a few scenes under the stars, and the battleship, which is in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, M.D. and that was really cool because it’s probably the first book that I was able to envision because I’ve been to the Inner Harbor. :)
Writing
The story just flowed like it was an action movie, without the explosions and fight scenes. It was engrossing and I was unable to put the book down until I finally passed out with only like, seriously, 9 pages left. But it was nice to wake up and have that to finish. :)
The encounters Aura goes through during this tragic year for her is full of things to overcome, learn to cope with, and of course move on with acceptance (which all are kinda the same thing but she really does do different things to get to where she ends up). Jeri’s writing gives us a clear picture of what she’s going through.
I like that it was written in first person because Aura is expressive.
Originality
I’ve read a few books recently about ghosts and death. However, this book was truly original because it had the aspect of what was to come.
The whole thing with the pre-shift and post-shift ghost seeing issue is what makes this book unique. The characters make it even better.
Characters
Aura loves her boyfriend and is worried she’ll be put on the back burner for music. Then he suddenly dies. She is devastated. But he comes back, immediately, as a ghost. I really liked Aura. She deals pretty well with having lost her first love. She’s brave.
Logan is a nice guy, a singer, a drinker, and a sweetheart too. His death doesn’t change him but it makes everything so much more complicated, especially a romantic relationship with Aura.
Zachary Moore is a transfer student from Scotland. He befriends Aura because he’s assigned to help her with her school project. He helps her with the death of Logan and so much more. I loved Zachary. He’s a true knight in shining armor without being intrusive at all.
There were a few minor characters which were nice.
I cannot wait to read more about these characters. I loved them all.
Passion
Wow. The passion in is book is bursting, in a totally PG-13 way. A large portion of the beginning is about Aura and Logan wanting to consummate their relationship, because they’ve tried before but stopped because she got scared.
Then she meets Zachary and the sparks fly. I loved the passion with both characters but it was important for Aura to get over Logan because he is dead. Of course that’s much easier said than done.
Overall
A compelling read full of action, passion, loss, gain, and love. Oh, and ghosts. ;) I cannot wait to read more about Aura.
Cover/Title Bonus
The title is great. But the cover is, eh, pretty but not that symbolic. The ribbon means nothing, her dress means nothing. The color red, however, means everything. And the swirls are cool.
lizzy_22's review against another edition
3.0
It felt like there was a lot of filler before we got to the interesting parts. I wanted to know much more about this First and Last business as well as what happened to Aura's mother. Hopefully book 2 delves more into that and the reasons behind the Shift. I also wouldn't mind seeing much more of Zachary, I always have a soft spot for a handsome Scotsman!!
foreverbeautifulbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I bought a copy of this book at a library book sale. I read the inside flap and was intrigued that this was about ghosts.
I was very surprised by this story. At times I kind of hated Aura, but then I have to remember she's only sixteen and we were all sort of narcissistic at that age. We take things for granted when we are young and we forget that things CAN hurt and touch us in life altering ways.
The story was very well written and unique. How often do you get a paranormal sort of dystopian story were everyone born after a winter solstice can see ghosts.
My one issue with the book seemed to be the 'kids' that can see ghosts that are about to come of age. Now, you have what appears to be a group of extreme government agents that seem to feel the seeing of ghosts is bad and--well evil. Apparently if you are a really angry ghost you can do what is called, Shade. You black out and become just crazy roaming around all black and screaming. I am going to assume this is a form of being a Poltergist, this is how was understanding this.
However, all these kids have ghosts coming to them for 'closure' they need help passing on. Seems logical right. Yet all these selfish teenagers are unwilling to help them. That was the lone thing that really put me off about the story. I was like JUST GO SEE HER DAUGHTER AND TELL HER! But instead they plug their ears and "la-la-la". It not only annoyed me but made me really lack sympathy for anything happening to the characters.
Then you have NO adult encouraging this aside from ONE ghost in the story, but that is only because the lead female wouldn't let go and it was 'holding her back.' That was the only really BIG thing that bothered me.
I found that Zach was my favorite character. I thought Aura as a lead was weak. She was slowly redeeming herself by the end, then at the end she does something selfish AGAIN, but I think the author is rolling with a whole love triangle thing here.
As much as I really want to know what caused 'the shift' which I am assuming it is something fae related since they hint at that and it being based in Ireland, I don't know how soon I will jump into book two. I have like atleast ONE female in a book to really want to move forward, but Aura and Megan sort of just give female leads something to be desired.
I was very surprised by this story. At times I kind of hated Aura, but then I have to remember she's only sixteen and we were all sort of narcissistic at that age. We take things for granted when we are young and we forget that things CAN hurt and touch us in life altering ways.
The story was very well written and unique. How often do you get a paranormal sort of dystopian story were everyone born after a winter solstice can see ghosts.
My one issue with the book seemed to be the 'kids' that can see ghosts that are about to come of age. Now, you have what appears to be a group of extreme government agents that seem to feel the seeing of ghosts is bad and--well evil. Apparently if you are a really angry ghost you can do what is called, Shade. You black out and become just crazy roaming around all black and screaming. I am going to assume this is a form of being a Poltergist, this is how was understanding this.
However, all these kids have ghosts coming to them for 'closure' they need help passing on. Seems logical right. Yet all these selfish teenagers are unwilling to help them. That was the lone thing that really put me off about the story. I was like JUST GO SEE HER DAUGHTER AND TELL HER! But instead they plug their ears and "la-la-la". It not only annoyed me but made me really lack sympathy for anything happening to the characters.
Then you have NO adult encouraging this aside from ONE ghost in the story, but that is only because the lead female wouldn't let go and it was 'holding her back.' That was the only really BIG thing that bothered me.
I found that Zach was my favorite character. I thought Aura as a lead was weak. She was slowly redeeming herself by the end, then at the end she does something selfish AGAIN, but I think the author is rolling with a whole love triangle thing here.
As much as I really want to know what caused 'the shift' which I am assuming it is something fae related since they hint at that and it being based in Ireland, I don't know how soon I will jump into book two. I have like atleast ONE female in a book to really want to move forward, but Aura and Megan sort of just give female leads something to be desired.
elusivity's review against another edition
2.0
Juvenile.
Unlike most YA fiction these days, this one seemed more specifically aimed at a younger audience than typical. I found the Shift to be inexplicable as a phenomenon, though it's an unusual take on the usual haunted-by-ghost scenario, particularly when the protagonist has peers who also could see and interact with the dead. I found the teenage conversation and mentality stereotypical and forced - the thin skin, the rebellion, the self-centered angst. All very paint-by-numbers, all very PG and CW.
Tbh, reading this tried my patience. Feh.
Unlike most YA fiction these days, this one seemed more specifically aimed at a younger audience than typical. I found the Shift to be inexplicable as a phenomenon, though it's an unusual take on the usual haunted-by-ghost scenario, particularly when the protagonist has peers who also could see and interact with the dead. I found the teenage conversation and mentality stereotypical and forced - the thin skin, the rebellion, the self-centered angst. All very paint-by-numbers, all very PG and CW.
Tbh, reading this tried my patience. Feh.
robinsversion's review against another edition
3.0
The book began really interesting and unique, with many engaging ideas that clearly had a lot of thought and care put into them from a world-building standpoint, but as it went on it became overrun with worn, overused tropes that the story did nothing with, and the main character was aggravating to read about thanks to how much she let people manipulate her and walk all over her. Plus there were at least half a dozen characters who deserved a strong punch in the face but didn’t get so much as a slap. Maybe they do in the sequels, but I can’t be bothered to endure even a page more of this series.
jlove731's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Just wow! Shade is a whirlwind of emotions in one book. Love. Is all I can say.
Shade starts off with Aura, who since the shift can see ghosts. Aura is special though, she was first. That doesn't stop her life though, or her love for her amazing, sexy, singer boyfriend Logan. So when Logan tragically dies she's thinks it's all over, until she realizes that Logan is still with her in ghost form. As more mysteries unravel, she becomes close to Zachary, a green eyed, Scottish cutie. Together they begin to figure out what the Shift is all about. What do you do when you're in love with your ghost boyfriend, but someone else is willing to be there for you?
I loved this book. The story was fantastic. And I really, really want to know more about the Shift and Aura's mother. Another aspect I loved about this book was the music. I adore music. It's one of my favorite things in the world. There always seems to be a lyric for every situation and every emotion. The fact that Logan sang, and played guitar killed me. I wanted to jump right on him haha! And Zachary's song was I Will Posses Your Heart? Hellloooo amazing.
I loved every character in this book. Well with the exception of Brian, Becca, and Nadine. I loved the Keeley brothers and Megan! Aura was something else. I really ached with her. I know what it's like to love someone and also have someone in the background saying 'hey! I'm here for you. I'll catch you when you fall.' It's the worst decision in the world. One to this day, I haven't made. And honestly my heart aches for Aura for having to chose between two amazing guys.
As of right now... I adore both boys. Zachary is such a sweety and he has green eyes, which is a killer for me. Green eyes are my favorite! He's so willing to do anything for Aura and be there for her when she needs him. But, I am a tiny bit more a Logan girl <3. I love that Logan sings, plays guitar, is so into music, is cute, sweet, and how he loves Aura more than anything in the world.
This book is so much more than romance. It dives into drugs, parties, music, school, how cruel people can really be, and how much people will do for love.
I'm really rooting that somehow Logan and Aura end up together. I just don't see how it will happen though. Here's hoping! :) If not, Zachary is still a keeper and I adore him too!
This book was amazing! Definetely worth a buy!! I cannot wait for the sequel i neeeeeeed more!!!
Most importantly... Always fight for what you want and don't give up. Believe in music. Believe in yourself. Believe in love. Always.
Shade starts off with Aura, who since the shift can see ghosts. Aura is special though, she was first. That doesn't stop her life though, or her love for her amazing, sexy, singer boyfriend Logan. So when Logan tragically dies she's thinks it's all over, until she realizes that Logan is still with her in ghost form. As more mysteries unravel, she becomes close to Zachary, a green eyed, Scottish cutie. Together they begin to figure out what the Shift is all about. What do you do when you're in love with your ghost boyfriend, but someone else is willing to be there for you?
I loved this book. The story was fantastic. And I really, really want to know more about the Shift and Aura's mother. Another aspect I loved about this book was the music. I adore music. It's one of my favorite things in the world. There always seems to be a lyric for every situation and every emotion. The fact that Logan sang, and played guitar killed me. I wanted to jump right on him haha! And Zachary's song was I Will Posses Your Heart? Hellloooo amazing.
I loved every character in this book. Well with the exception of Brian, Becca, and Nadine. I loved the Keeley brothers and Megan! Aura was something else. I really ached with her. I know what it's like to love someone and also have someone in the background saying 'hey! I'm here for you. I'll catch you when you fall.' It's the worst decision in the world. One to this day, I haven't made. And honestly my heart aches for Aura for having to chose between two amazing guys.
As of right now... I adore both boys. Zachary is such a sweety and he has green eyes, which is a killer for me. Green eyes are my favorite! He's so willing to do anything for Aura and be there for her when she needs him. But, I am a tiny bit more a Logan girl <3. I love that Logan sings, plays guitar, is so into music, is cute, sweet, and how he loves Aura more than anything in the world.
This book is so much more than romance. It dives into drugs, parties, music, school, how cruel people can really be, and how much people will do for love.
I'm really rooting that somehow Logan and Aura end up together. I just don't see how it will happen though. Here's hoping! :) If not, Zachary is still a keeper and I adore him too!
This book was amazing! Definetely worth a buy!! I cannot wait for the sequel i neeeeeeed more!!!
Most importantly... Always fight for what you want and don't give up. Believe in music. Believe in yourself. Believe in love. Always.
paperlove's review against another edition
4.0
Überraschend erschütternder Einstieg, der mich auf den Rest der Geschichte neugierig gemacht hat. Und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht!
amarylissw's review against another edition
3.0
Surprisingly good.
I liked the characters and I got loads of different feelings for them, instead of just generic "like" and "dislike". The plot . . . was pretty unique, I tell you. Definitely not your usual ghost story and that ending was pretty good. . . .
I'll be reading the next book, for sure.
I liked the characters and I got loads of different feelings for them, instead of just generic "like" and "dislike". The plot . . . was pretty unique, I tell you. Definitely not your usual ghost story and that ending was pretty good. . . .
I'll be reading the next book, for sure.
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
5.0
Review to come but OHMYALLTHEFEELS!!! :) Full review is here --> http://jenuinecupcakes.blogspot.com/2012/06/shade-trilogy-by-jeri-smith-ready-5.html