Shimmer (Rephaim, #3)

by Paula Weston

[Kelly]

http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/08/double-shot-of-paula-weston-haze-and.html
Shimmer continues only moments where Haze ended, with Rafa and Taya being imprisoned and Gaby desperate to save them both. Where previous book in the series were fast paced and energetic, Shimmer seems to delve more into it's characters of both the Sanctuary, Outcasts and the hierarchy of Angelic lore. It's the first time the Outcasts have returned to the Sanctuary since the group walked out over ten years ago, leaving their fellow Rephaim and Gaby behind. We finally learn why Jude walked away from his sister and Gaby's history with Rafa, which will no doubt provide readers with much needed answers of why the two always seem to navigate towards one another.

But for all their ideals, the Sanctuary isn't the safe haven it claims to be with forces working against the group to drive a wedge between the factions. The twist is deliciously surprising and allows for the loose ends from previous installments to come together before what is forming to be battle between Heaven and Hell on Earth. I love how Shimmer explored character relationships and the difference between Gaby now and her former ego in Gabe, the abrasive and often reckless fighter. Gaby is barely holding it together, only now coming to terms with how she feels about Rafa while she may be on the verge of losing him. Her fragility was so lovely and really endeared me to her character even more so, especially when it's revealed why she chose not to follow Jude when he walked away.

Nathanial was painted as the villain, not wanting to commit to the fight to retrieve Rafa and Taya. His indecisiveness brought together the Sanctuary and Outcasts, all now fighting for a common goal. But the secrets within the walls of the Sanctuary were not only surprising, but added further intensity to a storyline already on the verge of detonating.

The Rephaim is by far the most engaging, enthralling and intense urban fantasy series in young adult today. Paula Weston is phenomenal and one of the authors setting the new standard in not only Australian young adult fiction, but young adult worldwide.