Thursday, May 3, 2012

Review & Giveaway: The Shapeshifter's Secret


She tried telling herself to stop, but it was useless. Something had fully claimed her mind and body. A sound began to erupt from inside her chest, a deep sort of growl that seized her entire being. She felt as if there was a grizzly bear inside her, trying to escape. And then a deafening roar echoed from her mouth, only inches away from Lancer’s face. It took everything inside of her not to attack him.
In Julia’s life, timing is everything. Like the time her paranoid father put bars on her window so she wouldn’t sneak out at night—even though she’s never given him a reason not to trust her. Or the time this weird new kid showed up at her school and pretty much every girl in sight instantly and inexplicably fell in love with him. What was up with that?
But as time moves on, things in Julia’s life go from strange to seriously impossible. Now it’s all she can do to keep herself and the life she’s always known from falling apart.
This fast-paced action-adventure story is packed with humor, romance, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing to the very last page. Get lost in a world of hidden royalty, shifting alliances, and dangerous vendettas, but don’t ever forget: nothing is what it seems.


I am always happy to be a part of Cedar Fort blog tours.  They put out some fantastic books and they are always so generous to provide for a giveaway.  Thank you Cedar Fort!


The concept behind this book is good.  I really like the whole shape shifting idea.  As you can see from the cover, Julia has a bit of tiger going on!  I was interested in the book from start to finish.


I have to say though, that I was left a bit frustrated.  I felt like we had all sorts of "things" that were left open ended or not really explained.  As a reader, a bit of mystery is good, but I felt like I was left in the dark about a lot of things.  


Caleb, Caleb.  Who is Caleb?  I feel like he is a major player in this, but I'm still wondering in the end what his exact role is.  There were some vague suggestions of some things, but nothing concrete and if I was explaining Caleb I would have a big question mark.  ??  He seems strong and capable.  He seems smart.  But I never really formed a solid character in my mind of who he is.  I am not attached.


Terrence.  Don't like him.  I'm not sure if that's the feeling I was supposed to get from him or not, but I don't like him.  I don't think he's all that.  


And we hear about a truth ring.  But, it never comes into play.  At all.  Why did you tell me about that ring?  If it comes into play in the next book, I don't know, but I just felt like it was one more thing I didn't know about.


What about Julia's mother?  And Julia's friends?  Why were they always fighting?  What were they fighting about there at the end?  I'm not sure I really knew what was going on there.  Oh, and what about the teacher that didn't like Julia?  It seems like such an emphasis was placed on that but I didn't see how it really related to the book.


Having said all that, I would probably pick up the next book.  I'd really be hoping for some answers.  I really want to know how the history, the different people (sirens, for example) and the places all fit together.  I liked the bits of action and I think the story is a good one.


I'd love to hear what you thought of this book.  If you haven't read it yet, enter to win a copy of this book.  This giveaway will be an e-book for an INT winner and a US winner will have the choice of a print copy or an e-book.  If you do win, I'd really like to hear your feelings on this book.


You can check out other reviews on this book by clicking here.  See what other people are saying.  This book won't be released until June 12th but you can purchase it at Amazon by clicking here.


You find out more about this book and it's author at the following places:
Author Website: http://www.heatherostler.com/
Author blog: http://heatherostler.blogspot.com/





a Rafflecopter giveaway

9 comments:

  1. I've recently read this book because this tour stops at my blog later! :)
    and I can say that I agree! I was curious after reading this book. Whole idea was really good only I missed some parts! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm rally interested to read this book. Especially with all the questions you have after reading it. Hopefully a lot of these questions do get answered in the next book. Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  3. book looks good ... to cover and the story :)
    Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like a good one! I'll have to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great review! I have never heard of this book but after reading your comments, I can't wait to read it!

    Suz Reads in Rafflecopter

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great review! Never heard of this one but sounds good!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for the chance to win, sounds like a great read

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hmm, this does sound like it has a good premise, but I appreciate that you point out that there are lots of unanswered questions.

    Thanks for sharing your review!

    ReplyDelete

We bloggers live for comments! So, feel free to comment away! Thanks for dropping by.