Title: 13 to Life
Series: 13 to Life
Author: Shannon Delany
Publisher: Saint Martin's Press Inc
Publication Date: 4 Aug 2010
Source: UK Book Tours
Synopsis: From Amazon
Jessica's life was difficult enough since the sudden loss of her mother, but meeting Pietr Rusakova turns her world completely upside down. The newest member of Junction High, Pietr is a first generation Russian-American, a fact that by itself gets him lots of attention in the small town. But Pietr has far more going for him than good looks and an interesting accent. Pietr has secrets to hide - like the fact that he's a werewolf! These secrets lead Jessica into an exciting and dangerous world where her understanding of reality and what makes someone a man or a monster are challenged.
Review:
I have to start by saying what a completely fabulous and fascinating slant on werewolf mythology.
Written in first person narrative from Jessica (Jessie's) perspective, she has been struggling emotionally since her mothers death. Completely obsessed with the wolf story/attacks in her local area. Feisty, self assured and inquisitive; it is easy to understand here position on the school paper.
Introduce Pietr, an enticing enigma from the start. Their attraction is immediate and you can completely understand why. I loved Pietr from the moment he was mentioned, his looks, character and quirky quips/one liners had me swooning; add in the tortured soul and the deep dark family secret - wow LOVE with a capital L.
Wonderfully descriptive writing style blending the realistic with the fantasy seamlessly. The plot is full of puzzles, intrigue and suspense, add in high school cliques and rampaging hormones and you get a tumultuous mix. The reference to vampire/paranormal romance within the narrative made me giggle along with Pietr's vampire digs. The comedy and the drama were exceptionally well balanced and provided a nice contrast.
The ingenious use of Macbeth and Hell added to the imagery giving it depth and dimension. While the Russian history and Cold War elements added to the realism.
A cliffhanger ending left me chomping for the next book.
If you love Werewolves then this book is a must have - if you love paranormal romance this book is a must have. Let me put it another way - this book is A MUST HAVE [ : D ]
Awesome Blog, it is so cool!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I loved your review, I really really want to pick this one up sometime soon.
The covers pretty too! ;)
Please, if you have time, would you mind checking out my blog?
Thanks!!
http://lovelylilbookworm.blogspot.com/
Sounds like I should have read this one rather than Claire De Lune!
ReplyDeleteIt's great isn't it, and definitely original! I haven't seen many reviews of it so it's nice to read yours!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I loved this book too! And Pietr ;p Can't wait for Secrets and Shadows to come out :D
ReplyDeleteLiddy - thank you I will be on your blog later :D
ReplyDeleteViv - you really need to read it - I think the tour is still up go add yourself to it :D
Sya - thank you I love reading your reviews - you put my rampblings to shame :D
Cicely - I know I really cant wait for the 2nd book *sigh*
SOOOO glad you love this book as much as I do! Having read the next book I can say that it is JUST AS GOOD! I'm trying to get a copy for the tour site ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much--I'm glad you enjoyed 13 to Life and are looking forward to Secrets and Shadows.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated seeing this. :)
~Shannon
Ok, am I the only sod that hasn't read this book yet? Apparently so. *sulks* I shall have to rectify this instantly - I have heard some awesome things about this book and seeing your review only makes me want to read it more now! Lovely review Emma :D
ReplyDeleteLynsey - I really hope we get a copy for the tour site.
ReplyDeleteShannon - you made my day - thank you for commenting
Tammy - I think you would love it :D
I don't know how I haven't heard of this one before = adding to my wish list, thanks for a great review :D
ReplyDelete