Review: "Shine" by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shine (Shade, book 3) by Jeri Smith-Ready
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: 1 May 2012
Source: Publisher
Buy the book: Amazon

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.

As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves…even if that means betraying her own heart. (Goodreads)

Check out the trailer Jeri made!

Perfect. Shine is absolutely perfect. Jeri Smith-Ready is a freakin' genius with an uncanny ability to tap into the teen voice and experience so realistically. I have been sucked into the series completely. If you have yet to read Shade or Shift, I suggest you go out and pick them up now. You can thank me later. Also, if you've yet to read the first two books, stop reading this review right now. I mean it. You DO NOT want anything ruining your experience of the series in it's entirety, trust me. Now that I've warned you to read the first two books before checking out this review, I think I may continue. So yeah... moving on.

Aura really comes into her own in this novel. I've always been a fan, and she makes me love her even more throughout Shine. She has such a giving heart and an insatiable appetite for truth and justice that you can't help but feel like she is the best friend you could possibly have in your corner. I think it's safe to say that she has not had it easy - not by any stretch of the imagination - but she continually perseveres and seeks out answers to her questions. She doesn't just take what she's given or sit back and wait for things to work out. She fights for her loved ones and NEVER GIVES UP. I really admire this aspect of her character. Even when she's at her most vulnerable, she's still strong, selfless and incredibly brilliant. Aura has always been (and continues to be) a character you can and will want to get behind and root for.

I have - with the exception of the prom... ahem - always been a fan of Zachary. If I thought I loved him before, I love him so much more now. I can't even begin to explain why without spouting some serious spoilers. This poor guy goes through some unimaginable things in this book, but he's still... Zachary. But seriously, he goes through some horrible stuff. Like you can't believe anybody could still have a shred of sanity, kind of unimaginable. I wish I cold say more, but I am trying desperately to stay away from spoilers. What I can say is that you'll probably cry, scream, laugh, swoon, freak out and basically experience every emotion possible in any scene he's in or even mentioned. He grows and evolves so much in this book! I absolutely loved getting to see more of Zach and I can't wait until his novella, Shattered, comes out on July 31st!

I have to mention that Zachary's friend, Martin, is a wonderful new addition. He was so entertaining that I kept hoping to see more him. I was also hoping that the Keeley's, Megan and Conner would still be a big part. I am so glad that they are! And can I just say that Dylan is incredibly adorable?! If Jeri ever decided to do a story focused on him, I would definitely not mind. You simply can't help but like him in Shift and that doesn't change in Shine. It's truly a pleasure to see Dylan grow up and become an even more wonderful character. Though some of the relationships change and/or evolve in their little group, I really think they make sense. Aura is very lucky to have such a wonderful, supportive group of friends. I also can't talk about characters without mentioning Logan. Oh Logan. Though he most definitely passes on at the end of Shift, his presence is still very much felt. I was completely blown away by how well Jeri was able to bring up Logan and still make him such a part of the book, without detracting from the story. He'll always be loved and missed, but he'll also never be truly gone.

I thought I was going to have a freakin' heart attack within the first few chapters because Shine is non-stop action from the get go. I was glued to the pages hoping and praying that what was happening was just a horrible, terrible dream. I mean, how could this be happening?! After everything that's happened already? Why, Jeri? Why?! I'm definitely not the crying type, but I will admit that I shed a few tears at different parts during my reading. I also thought I might die of swooning in some parts, too. Then there were moments that were so funny, I could barely see straight. Basically, this is one emotional, jaw-dropping, exhilarating ride. The bad guys are really bad. The good guys, excellent. The romance is off the charts and very touching, believable and tasteful. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it!

All in all, Shine is an incredible novel by an immensely talented, generous, and wonderful author. It's truly one of the best conclusions to a series I have ever read. I started out reading the book too fast and then I slowed down because I didn't want it to be done just yet. Though I'm sad the series is over, I couldn't be happier or more satisfied with how it ended. I feel very lucky to have had the pleasure of falling in love with and living within the pages of the Shade trilogy. Thank you Jeri Smith-Ready! And as always... Go Team Kilt! :)

A favorite quote: "His soul's fabric was weaving itself with mine. I loved the frayed ends where it came unraveled, and I loved the strength at its firm, solid center.
I loved every thread."

Be sure to follow Jeri, Zachary, Aura and Logan on Twitter and check out Jeri's website! Also, be sure to check out my giveaway for Shine to celebrate its book birthday!