Review – Shift

Title: Shift

Author: M. R. Merrick

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Publisher: M. R. Merrick

Publish date: February 1, 2012

ISBN-10: 0987726242

Available at: Amazon – Barnes and Noble 

Summary:

Chase is trying to reconcile himself with the death of his mother while Rayna tries to shift to her beast before it kills her. Meanwhile, Chase discovers secrets Marcus has pertaining to his mother and her death as well as the events leading to Rayna’s abduction to the other realm. Riley is still alive and gathering an army. Will Chase work with the Circle to battle his father and the army he’s massing? Or will Chase find an army of his own?

Review:

I thought this book got rolling right away. It begins with a meeting with the Circle and the action got going right away. The thrills just continue on from there, but it wasn’t without rhyme or reason. The plot was well developed and well thought out.

I loved the way the characters continued to evolve. Chase continued to mature as a person and as a leader. Rayna continued to grow as well as Willy. Whereas Marcus peeled back his layers like an onion. While Tiki showed off his many and varied facets.

The addition of the pack of werecats was something I adored as they’re my favorite paranormal creature. Between the werecat pride and the werewolf pack, the new characters continued to pour in and add even more sparkle to the book.

Chase and Rayna’s relationship revved up in this book. It wasn’t hot and steamy but there was definitely some chemistry. It was just the right amount of romance to the mix. It wasn’t over-powering. There was enough to know that it existed and to keep it interesting.

The relationship between Marcus and Chase changed too. I can’t give too much away, but it was enough to tug at my heartstrings. With Chase being left alone in the world with no one to care about him, it’s heat-warming to know that there’s an adult there that does look out for him and have his best interests at heart.

I love how Willy evolved in this book. I’ve always had a soft spot for him. I’ve always rooted for him and it’s good to know that he gave me something to root for. His growth in this book was particularly significant to me, because it was the most radical.

Although the end was somewhat predictable, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of it.  Needless to say, I cannot wait for the third book of this series!