Shine

by Jeri Smith-Ready

[Kelsenator]

Originally posted on my blog Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf.

I never mentioned this in my other reviews, but one thing I do love about this series is the Scottish and Irish feel and mentions about it from certain characters. I’m part Irish and my fiance is part Scottish so that just made me smile. I really want to visit both places some day as well. I also liked the music vibe, it grew on me more as I read, and now I need to go and listen to all the songs they mentioned. Props to that author for both of these!

With Logan finally gone and resting from the end of the second book, the characters can start to fully mourn for him. They try to get past that he’s gone and try to heal, but they are all a bit broken in some way. There are still relationship issues with Megan and Mickey that just get worse for instance, and memories that come when listening to music brings tears.

Now, the book starts out kind of crazy, a plane explodes and lots of people die. Yes, this is the same plane Zachary was taking. At first I was like “Oh no you didn’t! Another guy can’t die!” But Zachary actually missed his flight, but then was taken into custody. DMP eventually gets him, and then all Aura can think about is breaking him out of there. It’s quite intense and I really wanted him to get out safely and finally be with her.

Eventually Aura starts discovering more about her mom’s journals with some help. We finally find out more about the Shift, who or what might have actually caused it, and something that might have gone wrong years before. Possibly even a way to make the Shift end. There’s so much awesome-ness happening with this! I want to actually study Newgrange myself on my own time now, I think it would make me, or you the reader, appreciate it even more. The author does mention in her books some places you can find out more about it. Here’s a link for some basic information on it: Newgrange

Now, the DMP reaches new levels of evil in this, not only with what they do to Zach when he’s in their possession, but also with their urge to control the ghosts and make more money and force kids to work for them. The company that makes the BlackBoxes is even worse, and not to mention the possible assassin’s they may have hired to help things along the way. When Aura finally makes it to Ireland, she has to be careful to make sure no one has followed her and keep watching her back as well as Zach’s. The ending was totally awesome too, I’m glad it was done the way it was. And it ends on a happy note for those two as well.

Aura and Zach are perfect for each other, and even though he has some issues from when he was held by the DMP, they still love each other very much, and Aura is willing to do anything to help him. Probably one of my new favourite couples right now! You can’t beat an accent and Gaelic!

Highly recommended for YA fans of the paranormal, ghosts and romance genres!