Review: Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

May 4, 2010

Simon & Schuster

Synopsis:
Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.
Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.
Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.
Well, sort of.
Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.
As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

My Review:
Shade is a powerful and absorbing read that fans of the paranormal genre are sure to enjoy! I really wasn't sure what to expect going in. I thought this would just be about ghosts and how Aura is able to cope with the death of her boyfriend, but it is so much more. The world building is just as complex as the love triangle between Zachary, Logan, and Aura. I can't believe it took me this wrong to read Shade! If you haven't read this one yet, you are sure missing out on a fantastic novel!

After the Shift, 16 and 3/4 years ago, babies who are born are able to see ghosts. Those who were born before the Shift cannot see them, but after numerous accounts of ghostly sightings from children, people knew that something was wrong. In Aura's world, ghosts are a violet color and they can only be seen in the dark. When ghosts go to the dark side, they turn into Shade's, which are nasty little things who are mean, can go wherever they wish, and can hide in the dark.

Aura is a confident and determined girl who is just one of millions who are able to see ghosts. She is dealt with a huge blow when her boyfriend Logan dies on his birthday after he makes a huge mistake. She has to deal with so many complications with him being a ghost. Especially because of Zach. When Logan dies, Zach and Aura are able to spend more time together and Aura finds herself falling for him. Aura doesn't know what to do. Logan is still important to her, and even though he is a ghost she still loves him. She is so torn about what to do. On top of her boy problem, she has to uncover the mystery surrounding her birth and the Shift.

The boys in Aura's life are soo swoon-worthy! I don't know how Aura will be able to choose between them, even if Logan is a ghost. Logan is a sweetheart who loves Aura so much. He loves Aura so much, and hates that he had to die at 17. I absolutely adore Zach. I can see why Aura would fall for him, even with Logan in the picture. He is from Scotland and I LOVE that he has a brogue. He has a huge heart, and sticks by Aura whenever she needs him.

Shade is a brilliant and captivating paranormal novel. I will definitely be picking up the sequel, Shift, ASAP!

My Rating: