Paperback, 1st Edition, 328 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!
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| 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
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Candace Hawkins
Thanks for the review! I do love my strong heroines so I’m excited to meet Julia.
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 🙂
Dynie
I love the sound of this book. 😉
Doodle
I love when I can’t predict the MC is going to end up with. Great review! I can’t wait to read it,
Sarah
I love reading series, and this one sounds so good! I can’t wait to read it!
Heather Ostler
Michelle, thank you so much for the review! I am thrilled that you enjoyed The Shapeshifter’s Secret!
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings
Hooray! I am starting this tonight. I can’t wait to meet Caleb. A little worried about the ending, though. I will come back and compare notes next week when this goes on my blog!
Becky Johnson
I love all things paranormal and fantasy. This book sounds superb, plus a fab review thanks. Interested to find out more about Caleb! 🙂
Kelly
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!!
Carrie at In the Hammock Blog
what an awesome review!! this was already on my to read list, but now i really want to read it asap!
desitheblonde
i love the color of the front of the cover and was wondering if you have any book mark of the book it looks great
Denise Z
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 🙂
Brenda Demko
I Love this book! I can not wait to read the next book!!!
laura thomas
I really would like to win this book. Your review is awesome and now I feel that I have to have it. Thanks so much for the giveaway Michelle:)
Anonymous
This sounds like a great book!!! Would love to win it!!!
kathyross906@gmail.com
Çråz¥ K¥
Thanks for the giveaway! Sounds like a really good book. Love the cover!!!
Darling Nikki
Fab review! I need to put this on my TBR List if I don’t win! Fingers crossed!!
PuttPutt1198Eve
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!
Lmbrunken
The title had me from hello…. I am glad Julia is strong willed.
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
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!