{ARC Review+G!veaway} The Shapeshifter’s Secret by Heather Ostler

Posted May 10, 2012 by Michelle @ Book Briefs in Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews / 21 Comments

Paperback1st Edition328 pages
Expected publication: June 12th 2012 by Cedar Fort
Age Group: YA
Source: Publisher
Challenge(s): Ebook challenge, Young adult reading challenge, 150+ reading challenge, Debut Author Challenge, ABC challenge, YA/MG fantasy challenge
Buy this Book: Pre- Order on Amazon

Summary(from Goodreads):

Julia is finally discovering what–not who–she is.
Like any sixteen-year-old, Julia’s used to dealing with problems. From her overprotective father to her absent mother to a teacher who definitely has it in for her. But everything changes when Julia’s reactions become oddly vicious and angry—more animal than human. This action-packed adventure has it all: humor, romance, and a plot that will keep you guessing to the very last page.

This is such a good book! The kind of book where you would do anything, ANYTHING to get your hands on the next one right then, because you can’t even wait another minute to find out what happens next. I could keep gushing, but I think I will get to the actual review. 
The Shapeshifter’s Secret is like a mix between a paranormal and a fantasy, which is such a cool combination. I love the touches of magic too. So I don’t give any spoilers, i’m going to go very general and say that Heather Ostler has some really awesome ideas and her attention detail make the story. History is also incorporated in a very nice way. (but then again, I am a history nerd so I may be biased. But this is cool history, trust me!) 
Julia is strong, smart, inquisitive, and powerful. I would not want to face her in a fight, that’s for sure. I loved seeing her progress throughout the story and I love seeing how much she cares for her friends and family. She is just so genuine that you can’t help but love her. So naturally, the guys can’t help but love her too. I am totally on team Caleb! He is everything I love my book crushes to be. Nice, loyal, a touch jealous, smart, and noble. Terrence is Julia’s actual love interest in the book and he is nice and seems genuine enough but he is just not Caleb. Plain and simple, I am loyal to him. 
One of the things that I both love and hate about The Shapeshifter’s Secret is that I have no idea who she is going to end up with! I have no idea about a lot of the plot twists and turns until they were revealed. Normally, I am pretty good at predicting books- I mean, I read a lot. But I wasn’t able to do that here and I love that so much. But, I really have no idea who she will end up with, and it’s driving me a little crazy. 
The book is long but the story trots along at a really good pace the whole time. There was always something happening but at time I really feel like I got to really get to know each and every one of the characters, the histories and the secrets. There is always another layer to peel back, always something still unknown in the Shapeshifter’s Secret, and that is what’s so awesome about it. I really hope that this turns out to be a nice long series because it is one of my favorite reads of 2012 for sure! The way the book ended KILLED me! I want, no NEED, to read the second book right now! The only thing that will tide me over till the next book would be some more Caleb. How amazing would seeing all this from his POV?? Beyond amazing- that’s how much! My final advice to you, is read The Shapeshifter’s Secret now. What are you waiting for? You should have started it already!
5/5 Gavels

Meet the Author:
Heather Ostler grew up near the mountains with a rambunctiously entertaining family. She majored in English at Utah Valley University, and soon began composing stories about masquerades, water nymphs, and shapeshifters. She and her husband, Kellen, reside in Highland, Utah with two remarkably pleasant pugs.

Author Website: http://www.heatherostler.com/

Author blog: http://heatherostler.blogspot.com/

Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/

Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks

Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks



Today I have one copy of The Shapeshifter’s Secret to give away. If you live in the US/CAN you can choose between a hardcopy or an ecopy. If you are international you can win an ecopy. This is a publisher sponsored giveaway. 


-my contest policy applies
good luck!


You can follow the rest of the tour stops HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


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21 responses to “{ARC Review+G!veaway} The Shapeshifter’s Secret by Heather Ostler

  1. Danielle D

    The synopsis for this book sounds great, I love the cover too. The review has got my curiostiy going as to what is going on, thanks for the review 🙂

  2. I Hate books like that! I just go crazy until the next one comes out!!! I have a few like that! And when you really like the other guy, that also makes me wanna see where it really goes in the end!! Thanks for the giveaway!!

  3. I love it when I find a book that makes me want to go all fangirl and it sounds like this is just that type of read. Thank you for sharing your great review today, I enjoyed it so much more than the synopsis. Definitely one for the wishlist 🙂

  4. I love the idea that you can’t tell which way the plot is going to to or which male character Julia will end up with (Caleb, I hope!). Thanks for a chance to with a copy of this book. It sounds like the series will be great!

  5. Alyssa Susanna

    OMG! I have been waiting for this book forever! Yay! Not a huge fan of the cover though. The makeup isn’t really that great. But the story itself looks great. I am thrilled to follow this blog tour! Thanks!
    Alyssa Susanna

  6. Suz Reads

    Great review! I have been wondering about this book and after reading your review I definitely want to read it! I like that you didn’t know the twists and turns that were coming in the story. Sounds perfect for me!

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