In Case You Missed It - Eyes of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready

 

Published: November 1st, 2006

Publisher: Luna

Pages 480

Copy: My own

Summary: Goodreads

 

 

For Rhia was bound to the Spirit of Crow, gifted with the foresight of Death's approach and doomed to the isolation of one feared and set apart.

There must always be one whose magic can ease the passage of the people of Asermos to the Other Side. But to be the guide her people require, to truly know the depth of her gift--her curse--Rhia must surrender herself to the wisdom of the Great Forest…and drink deeply of Death itself. And though two powerful men stand ready to aid her, even to love her, the Aspect of Crow demands unthinkable sacrifices from one who walks its path.

I was browsing the 'for sale' truck at work the other day and found this one.  I am a huge fan of her Shade series (YA) and WVMP radio series  so I thought to myself 'Self, you can surely afford the $1.50 for these three books!'  Two days later, I have the first one read and I'm ready to start on #2.

The blurb above is a little dramatic for the actual story I think, which was really a coming of age story.  The main character, Rhia, has to come to terms with her 'gift' - which is a little macabre to say the least- and she keeps putting off her apprenticeship.  Rhia keeps trying to escape her future, but she knows she can't and acts like many teens by thinking about it later.  Add in two good looking guys - Arcas and Marek - who are more than willing to offer Rhia a shoulder to cry on and the steam starts rising.  I kept imagining Marek as a younger Gerard Butler because that was his name in the movie 'Timeline'.

A really interesting factor in this story is that all inhabitants of Asermos and Kalindon have magic that is in some way related to animals.  But there are phases, or aspects to this magic.  The first is the 'Bestowing' when each person fasts for three days and meets their animal.  The second more involved aspect arrives when that person becomes a parent, and the third when they become a grand parent.  Cool eh!  Complications can arise with the magic if the 2nd Aspect is  reached before the person is 'ready'  (a lovely nod to having safe sex) and we see that with Marek  The way he overcomes those complications is interesting.

Eyes of Crow is a fantasy with a well explored mythos, relatable characters and good sex.  Yep, this one is not for teens, but it falls squarely into what is now being called New Adult - or it would if NA had fantasy, which it might but I haven't seen anything yet- and in 2006 when this was published, an NA designation was still just a spark in some unknown persons mind.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to following Rhia as she finds out more about what she is capable of.  Great story.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Published: May 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 399

Copy: Library

Summary: 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.

What a brilliant ending to the Shade trilogy.  I have been enthralled by Ms Smith-Ready's writing since I first opened Shade.  She did not disappoint with Shift, and Shine has been the icing on the cake.

 I think the best way to describe this trilogy is supernatural romantic suspense.   I've already talked about her astounding characters in the previous 2 books - they just keep getting better and better. The ghosts are real, charming, confused and abundant.  The romance is sweet, yet powerful, and will surprise you a little, I think.  There is a fair bit of mystery and the suspense just keeps ratcheting up, notch after notch.   I have been reduced to tears at least once in each book, so keep a box of kleenex handy, and I want to meet Zachary, please. 

To sum up - a little bit of everything that makes a trilogy great.  If you haven't yet visited this trilogy, start now.  I'm envious that you won't have to wait between books as I had to, but oh, it was so worth the wait.

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Published: May 3, 2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 384

e-copy: Courtesy of Simon and Schuster

Summary: Goodreads

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.



Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.


As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

OMG, I just finished reading this and I'm still crying.  When I started reading Shift, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Shade.  I had forgotten how complex the story actually became, and this follow-up did not disappoint me at all.  When Christinabean and I met Ms Smith-Ready last year she mentioned how much she loves music and how it influences her writing.  That is so apparent in this book.  Her love for music shows in her writing and is definitely an integral part of the story.

We are re-introduced  to the characters from Shade, Aura (don't you just love that name?), Logan and Zachary. Logan, whom I wasn't very fond of in the first book, really grew on me this time around.  He seemed to really grow up and fill out as a character.  Zachary was, and still is, a really nice guy.  Although this time around he and Aura make some pretty strange decisions.  The two of them have a hard time avoiding trouble in their search to find out more about the circumstances of their births, and there are a couple of 'what the....' moments, with some interesting and exciting escapades.

What I loved about Shift was that I felt as if I was there, part of the action, hoping that things will work out for the three of them.  Does it? Were my tears happy or sad?  Well you'll have to read it yourself and find out, won't you? There's no cliffhanger ending, but I did like the possibilites for a follow-up. Unfortunately we have to wait until summer 2012 for # 3.  I personally can't wait.