Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Shapeshifter's Secret Review and Giveaway


Book Blurb:
She tried telling herself to stop, but it was useless. Something had fully claimed her mind and body. A sound began to erupt from inside her chest, a deep sort of growl that seized her entire being. She felt as if there was a grizzly bear inside her, trying to escape. And then a deafening roar echoed from her mouth, only inches away from Lancer’s face. It took everything inside of her not to attack him.

In Julia’s life, timing is everything. Like the time her paranoid father put bars on her window so she wouldn’t sneak out at night—even though she’s never given him a reason not to trust her. Or the time this weird new kid showed up at her school and pretty much every girl in sight instantly and inexplicably fell in love with him. What was up with that?
But as time moves on, things in Julia’s life go from strange to seriously impossible. Now it’s all she can do to keep herself and the life she’s always known from falling apart.
This fast-paced action-adventure story is packed with humor, romance, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing to the very last page. Get lost in a world of hidden royalty, shifting alliances, and dangerous vendettas, but don’t ever forget: nothing is what it seems.
Author bio
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.

Quote from the book:

















As Julia burst through the school’s front doors she began
running with quickness and agility she’d never known before.
Normally it would have taken her at least an hour to get to Covington
Park. However, only minutes had passed when she arrived
out of breath and fatigued. Her chest heaved, but she continued
onward to the deserted woodland behind the park.
Julia entered into the hidden dark forest and collapsed on the
dirt floor. She tried to shake off the anger and heat that pulsed
inside her, but it only seemed to have gotten worse. Images of Ms.
Finnary and the students swirled in her head, and she screamed
with anguish. Why couldn’t she get rid of the horrible feelings? It
seemed her whole body was reacting more extreme this time, and
she knew she was dangerous.
A branch snapped near her, and she sprang up from the
ground baring her teeth again like a wild animal.
“Who’s there?”
She spun around menacingly, and to her shock, found Caleb
standing just a few feet away from her.
“Julia, are you okay?” he asked walking toward her with his
hands out.
“How did you find me here?”
“You need to calm down. I can help you,” he said, far too
composed for the situation.
“Leave.” Julia’s voice was mean, and she hoped it would be
enough to get him to disappear. “I don’t want to be responsible
for what I do to you.”
“I’m not going to leave you,” Caleb stated. “I want to help.”
         “No,” she growled. Soon her hands began shaking harder
than ever before. Her breathing seized her, and she felt her lungs
might explode before she had enough air. She shook her head as
her vision was obscured, and suddenly she was no longer Julia.


Review
I'm thrilled for this opportunity to review my friend Heather Ostler's debut novel, Shapeshifter's Secret, the first book in her YA fantasy series.  If you like Twilight-esk paranormal romance, Harry Potter-like magic, and Phantom of the Opera-ish ghost mysteries, then you'll love Shapeshifter's Secret. From shape shifting werecats to masquerade balls, the story is brimming with action, romance, and danger around every corner.


Julia is just an average teenage girl—or so she thinks—until she starts having odd fits and seeing strange things. Her world is flipped on it's head when she finds out the dark secrets her over-protective father has been keeping from her; such as the fact that she's not who she always thought she was, that there's a whole world she never knew existed, and that her life is on the line.



I enjoyed the premise of this book: a young woman trying to find herself and deal with the normal teenage infatuations, friendships, and school work, while also dealing with supernatural elements, betrayal, and attempts on her life.


I look forward to the next books revealing more of the world and characters and developing Julia's powers further to give her an even greater role in resolving not only her own problems, but also the problems that threaten to bring the downfall of her world. 

If you'd like to read other reviews of Shapeshifter's Secret check the blog tour calendar here:http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/blog-tour-the-shapeshifters-secret/.  
Here are some other links:  
Author Website: http://www.heatherostler.com/ 


Giveaway: 
Also, if you'd like the chance to win a copy of Shapeshifter's Secret, please  follow or like Cedar Fort or the author on Facebook or Twitter and comment on this post to let me know.


Launch Party:
The launch party will be at the King's English at 7pm on June 14th. Hope to see you there!
 

7 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great book!!! <3

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  2. I love the idea of being able to change form like that. Having the main character and a girl be the one with the power to do it is really fun.

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  3. I "liked" the publisher on facebook, and would like a chance to win a copy of Shapeshifter's Secret. Thanks :) It sounds really good :)

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  4. Thanks Alice for posting this review!

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  5. Great review! I have to read this now!
    I follow the author & publisher on twitter @erencich
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  6. I can't wait to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway.

    Twitter: @dg_molly
    Facebook: Molly Nudo Frenzel

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  7. I would love to be able to win this!
    The book looks so awesome!!! So very cool!!!

    GFC: red_tigergirl2
    Facebook: Sarah Kalaitzidis
    TWitter: red_tigergirl2

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