Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

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Shade
by Jeri Smith-Ready
(Audio)

When I put this book on my Overdrive wishlist, I had a specific reason for doing so: the main male character was in a competition against Jace from Clare's "City of..." series to see who was hotter. Anyone who could seriously compete with Jace had to be awesome in my book.

It wasn't until he was introduced a chapter or two in the book that I remembered the most important fact: he's Scottish. *swoon* What a nice (re?)surprise!

It took me a few minutes to understand the general concept of the Shift and the world post-shift. All people born after a certain date can see ghosts. These people are now in their teens. Ghosts appear as violet/purple and the color red is a natural repellent. Ghosts can only go placed they went when they were alive, unless they're summoned to a place such as a courtroom by special law enforcement divisions who, despite the fact that they're adults and can't actually see ghosts, manage to develop a lot of technology to work with or against ghosts. And if a ghost gets especially angry, he/she can go shade (like an evil spirit) and then can go anywhere, but can't ever pass on to Heaven. Once you buy into all that (which isn't just thrown at you all at one time, thankfully) you're left in a world that's otherwise recognizable and understandable. By that point, ghosts just seem like they're part of the world.

Our main character, Aura (good name), can see ghosts. Problem is, in the beginning of her book, her older boyfriend accidentally ODs and becomes a ghost. So what we get is a fascinating look at what it's like living with the ghost of someone you love. She can still talk to him and spend time with him; but they can never touch or make love or kiss or do any of those things. It's a much different grieving process when you're mourning the death of someone who comes to see you every day. And, no, it's not necessarily healthy... it's just how life is for them. Very interesting!

But then, in walks Zachary, a new student from Scotland. He starts working on a project with her for school--a project that seems like it might hold some answers about Aura's mother and her past and maybe even about the Shift itself. Aura slowly begins to fall for Zachary, and they might have something together... but dead boyfriend Logan is still around. Awkward!

The paranormal complications bring a fascinating twist to the story. And while the main plot revolves around dealing with Logan's death, there are a few little mysteries thrown in there as well, especially when we find out about exactly when Zachary was born and how ghosts are repelled by his presence. Even without the sexy Scottish main character boy, I loved all the different levels to the story (and watching all the mystery puzzle pieces start to fit) and possibilities presented in this book. I can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel! I've already got it on hold.