Shift

September 1, 2011

Gr 9 Up-In this sequel to Shade (S & S, 2010) Aura's life is still complicated, especially by the paranormal. The Maryland teen was the First born after the Shift that enabled post-Shifters to see ghosts, and she has a growing attraction to Zachary (who happens to be the Last), a plethora of personal secrets, and a ghost-turned-shade-turned-ghost-turned-living (well, for 17 minutes)-turned-ghost ex-boyfriend Logan, who is making a comeback. Throw in junior prom and a catty school rival and there's more than enough drama. The supernatural plot has several loose threads and offers plenty of speculation, hopefully resolved by series end. Reading Shade first is recommended. Aura's romantic entanglements, the ongoing mystery of the Shift, Aura's father's identity, and Aura's and Zachary's unique powers and the circumstances of their births take precedence over prom and Logan's swan-song concert. While the Shift premise is interesting, the pacing is sometimes uneven. Smith-Ready's strengths are well-developed core characters, dialogue, and the clever narrative tone. Mature language and content make this better suited for older teens. Give it to fans of the first novel, fans of Kiersten White's Paranormalcy (HarperTeen, 2010), and those craving more supernatural reads.-Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2011
Grades 9-12 When Auras ghost boyfriend, Logan, briefly regains his solid form on the equinox, problems arise as Zachary discovers that his competition for Auras affections has returned. As Logan and Aura try to give each other up, she and Zachary encounter other obstacles. Aura learns of her complicated origins, and readers are left wondering whether spotlight-loving Logan is really ready to pass to the other side. This sequel to Shade (2010) will not disappoint fans of paranormal romance with its blend of action, star-crossed lovers, and entanglements, both dangerous and sexy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)