Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 399
Series: Shade #3
Review Source: Bought copy

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
In this dramatic conclusion to the Shade trilogy, Aura and Zachary’s relationship sizzles as the secrets of the Shift are revealed.

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.

My Thoughts:
Don’t ask me why it took so long for me to post this review because really I have no idea. Because do you know how much I was anticipating this book? I pre-ordered it months and months in advance, and then when I realized the release date was upon us and I wouldn’t get my book for another week or so? I totally bought the eBook as well, and devoured it that afternoon and evening. I really don’t think I left my spot the entire time I was reading it. I was absolutely riveted. To be that enthralled with a book you’ve anticipated so much and built up in your mind? That takes talent, and Jeri Smith-Ready has it in spades.

I LOVED this book, absolutely ADORED it. It was the most perfect ending to a trilogy I’ve read in a very long time, or perhaps ever. The series was such a journey for these characters, full of twists and turns, and ‘Shine’ is no exception. In this book the mythology of the shift is examined and explained, and emotional character arcs also take place.

There are so many perfect Aura and Zachary moments in this book, and believe me when I say that they are very hard earned but so worth the journey. I also adored how ‘Shine’ is so filled with Logan’s spirit and memory, while also allowing Aura to move on. There was such a perfect mixture of this, and Jeri did it so beautifully and sensitively.

I almost can’t think of another series where I’ve fallen so in love with the characters, and this book was the perfect goodbye. It really has so much of anything you might want in a book: crazy action, mythology, friendship, and an amazing romantic connection as well. This is absolutely one of my favourite trilogies ever, and I can picture myself re-reading it over and over again.

The Cover:
Honestly I never really loved the old covers, and I don't really care that much for the new covers either. However I do love the colour symbolism, and how very Aura-like the cover model is.

Rating:
[5/5]

Find Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.