Shine (Shade, #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shine (Shade, #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready
Published: May 1, 2012 by Simon Pulse
Received: ARC for review (from an awesome blogger friend!)

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.

As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart. {goodreads.com}

This series holds everything I love about reading.  It has adventure, mystery, angst, emotion, romance, and yes.. even that musical element I adore so much in books, too.  Jeri Smith-Ready has created a story that will forever linger in my mind.  These books have become more than just something to read; they've become a part of my literary heart.  I had been anticipating the final conclusion in this most epic tale, but at the same time I was hesitant to finish because.. well.. I didn't want it all to end.  I wanted Aura, Zachary, & Logan to live forever in my mind.  I wanted to discover new adventures with them, laugh hysterically along side them, and yes.. even cry those retched tears which these three characters have a habit of making me do.  I love it all so incredibly much. 

Shine throws the punches right from the beginning.  My heart was racing, jaw on the ground, and there were many moments in those first few chapters where I thought -- this can't be happening!!  Oh but it was.  Aura is destined to figure out the secret of the Shift.  Why are her and Zachary so important to it's makeup and how can they alter that.  All of these answers did not come right away.  If anything, more and more questions sprung up as I tore through the pages.  Just when I thought I was understanding it all, a curve ball was thrown at me.  I loved the roller coaster ride Jeri took us on.  The imagination that's been so brilliantly placed inside these pages astounds me.  Jeri has the ability to intertwine a story with rich history and such a believable plot that I really started to think ghosts exist!

And then there were two boys.  Oh Zachary and Logan.  Never will I be able to choose between the two of you.  Aura has a past with Logan, that unfortunately has no future.  She's on the brink of something amazing with Zachary though.  I felt that Zachary's character really "shined" in this conclusion.  He is put through the ringer... not just physically, but emotionally too.  His ever so patient heart beats stronger than ever next to Aura.  I loved how much growth there was between Zachary and Aura in this final book.  Their relationship has evolved in to something so much more mature, something that is being tested greatly - but you know, YOU KNOW they will come out the other side - stronger than ever.

I cried.  Many times.  How could I not?! I know it's not goodbye, but it definitely felt like the close of something really special.  This is why I love reading so much because you can come back to it time and time again, whenever you need it.  Thank you Jeri for creating a world that I hold very close to my heart.

The band Frightened Rabbit is a favorite of mine (as is Jeri's) & it's been an inspiration for this series.  They are also mentioned in Shine - which I totally squealed about when I read it!  Listen to this song.. fall in love with the sound.. then prepare yourself for a truly amazing ending, to one of the best series ever.