The Shapeshifter's Secret
Author: Heather Olster
Paperback, 1st Edition, 328 pages
Expected publication: June 12th 2012 by Cedar Fort
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
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
Review -
The Shapeshifter's Secret started off well for me. A young girl who has a difficult time controlling her anger, finds out everything about her life is not what it seems, sounds great so far.
Julia the young girl, is your typical teenager, but finds her father is acting stranger than norm. He puts bars on her windows to keep from sneaky out. Really, Dad that's a little much! But, there are reasons behind his actions and all finally is come to light and Julia finds out all about a different world that parallels her own. She is thrust into this world and is slowly revealed bits and pieces about her past.
Sounds awesome so far, and I didn't even tell you about the shapeshifting creatures, yet.
But, after this part of the book, things started to go at a little slower paced as Julia finds out she must learn everything she can about her Shapeshifting abilities and all there is to know about life in her new school, and all the dangers that surround her.
I found the part of the school to be very reminiscent of the Harry Potter books. I'm sure the author drew her inspiration from JK Rowling's books.
Julia makes new friends, learns secrets about the school and the teachers and has to learn all she can about the people of Ossai and the government. She's also in danger and being hunted down, by her own estranged mother!
She must find out what role she plays in this new world. She also has a love interest two guys she likes. One, she secretly likes the other is someone she enjoys being with, and is slowly building a relationship with.
Caleb is someone I can totally see with Julie, but after the first half of the book we hardly hear about him. I mean what we find out about him is not the best news, for Julia. She finds out so many secrets all at once, once she is thrust into Ossai. She starts to lean on Caleb and trusts him, but feels betrayed when she finds out he has a girlfriend..Aww, so sad for her!
Terrence, the second love interest seems mysterious, though he likes Julia, something never actually sat right in my mind about him. He comes on strong, and like Caleb, he is a Solider trying to protect her and keeping up his duties.
As, Julia learns more about her past, she uncovers more about her mother. The woman who basically turned her back on Julia, and is now hunting her! Julia uncovers more secrets and by the end we are left with questions which hopefully will be answered in the next book.
This book had me wondering what would happen next, it had mystery, and it built my curiosity to see whom Julia would end up with. I would also be interested to see the history of her family and the Ossai people. I would also like to see more shapeshifting abilities, between the shapeshifters.
This book would be best suited for pre-teens / teens.
