BOOK REVIEW: SECRETS & SHADOWS by SHANNON DELANY

Title:   SECRETS & SHADOWS
Author:  SHANNON DELANY
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages:  304 paperback
Acquired: Loaned from Ellenbrook Community Library


RATING:   4 out of 5 OBOROT STARS!!


Description from Goodreads:

Nothing's simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she's seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she's suspected. With Jess' realization that the Rusakovas' mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group's choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite to free their mother - and those who Jess thought to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more...

REVIEW:

Secrets and Shadows is the second book in the 13 to Life series by Shannon Delany.  In the first book, I was left a little lost at the end - not too sure how or why the book ended how it did....it just stopped - no cliff hanger.  I had many a question for Shannon but of course I had to wait it out for Secrets and Shadows to be released. Like a good little girl I waited....and finally got my hands on it!!!  Though the book has a primary storyline of the relationship between Jess and Pietr.....it opens up to so much more every page you turn!!!  

Average characters turn out to be oh so much more and when I sit back now and go through what each character has become....I realise I feel that I was "duped" just as much as Jessie and Rusakova's are feeling....one character in particular feels like you've just been slapped in the face with it's identity (sorry....not giving it away!!!).

There is quite a focus on the relationship of Jessie and Peitr .... at times it felt more like the only focal point...but there is a lot playing out in the background that you have to pay attention to.  There is violent action, passion, betrayal and a bond between characters that strengthens as time goes.

Max just gets better and better.  Cheeky, gorgeous and ...Cheeky!! 

Cat becomes the protective friend and older sisters that Jessie has needed.

Derek.....grrrrr....I don't like him...he's just too sleazy. Something doesn't add up with him.

Sarah - she is starting to unravel...can Jess keep the lid on this little fire cracker???

Amy's not as tough a little cookie as she makes out to be. She has a crap background and her involvement with Marvin is not what it seems.

My one query I did have...the only thing that just didn't sit well with me.........Jessie's dad is involved with Wanda (CIA)......but it's only been 6 months since her mothers' death????  Do people move on that quickly??? Jessie's Dad was also allowing Wanda to influence his decisions with Jessie.....hmmm maybe it's just me?!

And at the end?????  I'M LEFT HANGING!!!  Till August it is when Bargains and Betrayals is released.

ENJOY!

MARISSA