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lynseyisreading's review
5.0
Another fantastic read. I'm really loving this series!
Despite real world time constraints weighing me down at the moment, the second I spotted the familiar cover art design for this series and realised review copies for SHIFTING SELVES were out, I picked up my copy without a single hesitation, in the sure and safe knowledge that I would be in for another great, magic-filled read. And I'm so glad I did, because I was right!
That level of certainty I felt—despite having only read one other book from this author—all comes down to the strength of book one, BROKEN ELEMENTS, and how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading it last year. It was one of the standouts of 2012 for me, and I recommend it highly for all Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Mystery fans.
We learned an awful lot in book one about Aidan and her magic, and also about how Mia Marshall's Urban Fantasy world works. We also met the rather extensive cast of colourful characters who make up what I like to think of as "The Gang". Because although the series is written in first person and clearly follows a lead character, it really feels more like an ensemble cast, and each member is as vital and essential as the next.
Aidan's character is much changed from the person we met at the start of BROKEN ELEMENTS. The development has been immense and is progressed even more in SHIFTING SELVES as we see the overarching plot concerning Aidan's powers further explored. Also, the tentative romance between Aidan and bear shifter Mac that began (albeit very slowly) in book one, is also cranked up a few heat levels. And you will not hear me complaining about that. No, ma'am. Not me.
What I love most about Mia's writing is how everything feels so wonderfully balanced; there's humour and drama, tension and playfulness, romance and friendships. All worked brilliantly around a great mystery centre. And the teensy, tiny little scraps (Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration) of romance we get are just enough to satisfy (for now), but don't overwhelm the story in any way.
That's not to say I would actually mind being overwhelmed by Mac. As you may have gathered, I'd rather like some more Mac and Aidan romance scenes. I realise I asked for more Mac in my last review, and to be fair, Mia definitely delivered lots more Mac in SHIFTING SELVES. So on the one hand I'm happy. But on the other hand, I'm also a disgustingly greedy and unrepentant sort, and so I say to you once again, Ms Marshall: More Mac! There is no such thing as too much, just in case you were wondering *wink*
5 Stars ★★★★★
Despite real world time constraints weighing me down at the moment, the second I spotted the familiar cover art design for this series and realised review copies for SHIFTING SELVES were out, I picked up my copy without a single hesitation, in the sure and safe knowledge that I would be in for another great, magic-filled read. And I'm so glad I did, because I was right!
That level of certainty I felt—despite having only read one other book from this author—all comes down to the strength of book one, BROKEN ELEMENTS, and how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading it last year. It was one of the standouts of 2012 for me, and I recommend it highly for all Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Mystery fans.
We learned an awful lot in book one about Aidan and her magic, and also about how Mia Marshall's Urban Fantasy world works. We also met the rather extensive cast of colourful characters who make up what I like to think of as "The Gang". Because although the series is written in first person and clearly follows a lead character, it really feels more like an ensemble cast, and each member is as vital and essential as the next.
Aidan's character is much changed from the person we met at the start of BROKEN ELEMENTS. The development has been immense and is progressed even more in SHIFTING SELVES as we see the overarching plot concerning Aidan's powers further explored. Also, the tentative romance between Aidan and bear shifter Mac that began (albeit very slowly) in book one, is also cranked up a few heat levels. And you will not hear me complaining about that. No, ma'am. Not me.
What I love most about Mia's writing is how everything feels so wonderfully balanced; there's humour and drama, tension and playfulness, romance and friendships. All worked brilliantly around a great mystery centre. And the teensy, tiny little scraps (Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration) of romance we get are just enough to satisfy (for now), but don't overwhelm the story in any way.
That's not to say I would actually mind being overwhelmed by Mac. As you may have gathered, I'd rather like some more Mac and Aidan romance scenes. I realise I asked for more Mac in my last review, and to be fair, Mia definitely delivered lots more Mac in SHIFTING SELVES. So on the one hand I'm happy. But on the other hand, I'm also a disgustingly greedy and unrepentant sort, and so I say to you once again, Ms Marshall: More Mac! There is no such thing as too much, just in case you were wondering *wink*
5 Stars ★★★★★
rachelini's review
5.0
This was awesome - wisecracking, clever, high stakes without being violent or gory and a nice slow burn romance. Also, the author pulled off the trick of focussing on the main character without excluding the rest of the group, or having them there only in service of the main character. Simon is still and forever my favourite. Can't wait for more.
(I highly recommend starting with the first in the series, Broken Elements, before reading this one, if you haven't already. I don't think it would be nearly as excellent without knowledge of the relationships in the first book.)
(I highly recommend starting with the first in the series, Broken Elements, before reading this one, if you haven't already. I don't think it would be nearly as excellent without knowledge of the relationships in the first book.)
caitsidhe's review
4.0
full review at BookDrug
These books are not great literature, but I’m still a fan of the series.
I read and reviewed the first book in the series, Broken Elements, a little while ago and I believe my review was along the lines of it being an enjoyable piece of fiction for its genre.
My feelings on it haven’t changed. It’s not anything groundbreaking, and Marshall hasn’t taken it into that territory with book two. Instead, she’s built on what she created in book one and expanded it, adding more depth and complexity to a fully realised world.
The prose is still fairly basic, but it’s never bad writing, which is better than a lot of works in this genre. Being written in first person means it can be engaging and appealing without being difficult or pretentious, and I appreciate that.
These books are not great literature, but I’m still a fan of the series.
I read and reviewed the first book in the series, Broken Elements, a little while ago and I believe my review was along the lines of it being an enjoyable piece of fiction for its genre.
My feelings on it haven’t changed. It’s not anything groundbreaking, and Marshall hasn’t taken it into that territory with book two. Instead, she’s built on what she created in book one and expanded it, adding more depth and complexity to a fully realised world.
The prose is still fairly basic, but it’s never bad writing, which is better than a lot of works in this genre. Being written in first person means it can be engaging and appealing without being difficult or pretentious, and I appreciate that.
stephybara's review against another edition
4.0
Love this series. It's so smart and entertaining. Recommended!!
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