Review: Shade (Shade #1) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: Shade

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Series: 1st in Shade series

Pages: 336

Published: Available now from Simon Pulse

ISBN: 9781416994077

Source: Purchased

 

Description: 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.

I Give This ...

 

I've been meaning to read this for awhile now (along with her other series).  With the chance to review the sequel, I finally got to it!  I should have read it sooner.  

I instantly liked Aura.  She seems level headed.  She has a great boyfriend who you can tell adores her.  But, it's not a perfect relationship and we know this because they're fighting when the story opens.  I also liked the she has a life outside of her boyfriend and his music.  I was most intrigued by the idea of the Shift and Aura's ability to see ghosts.  I wasn't sure how this worked until after Logan died.

Aura seems to be different that must kids/teens who can see ghosts.  Most seem to try and drown them out.  Aura is actually known for helping them fulfill their purpose to move on.  With some many people being able to see ghosts, people like Aura actually help ghosts testify at trials and voice their wishes for funerals.  Very rarely, do the interact with Shades.  Aura has only seen 3 in her life.  Shades are ghosts that have left their anger take over them.  The government tries to capture ghosts before they turn Shade.  Aura attracts unwanted attention because of who she is and because Logan is displaying some very Shade like tenancies.

Enter in Zackary, the sexy guy with the Scottish accent.  He was born right before the Shift so he can't see ghosts.  But, he has an interesting effect on Aura.  The governments is interested in him as well.  The three of them together make for an interesting love triangle.  Plus, they may hold the key to why the Shift occurred.  

As things come to ahead, we learn some interesting thing about Zachary and Aura and their connection.  Logan also has ultimatum placed on him.  He has to move on or risk containment forever.  Aura struggles with her love for Logan and helping him move on and her feelings for Zachary who is very much alive.  It was wonderfully built story that had me in suspense.  The love interests were wonderfully done and I fully felt the difficulty Aura had in making a choice.  I can't wait to read the sequel!