The Shapeshifter's Secret by Heather Ostler

The Shapeshifter's Secret by Heather Ostler
Publisher:  Cedar Fort   (Facebook, Twitter)
Publication Date:  June 12th 2012
ISBN: 1462110339
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Book Synopsis:  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.

My Thoughts:  Isn't that a beautiful cover?  I find it quite attractive!  As good as I feel about the cover, I feel even more so about the book itself!!


I first jumped on board this tour, because it is a Cedar Fort Tour, and I have absolutely loved every book and tour that I have taken part in from Cedar Fort.  I just knew that this one was not going to disappoint.  


This was such a fun book to read.  I really find shape-shifter books fascinating.  I have read several - most being werewolf stories, but this one goes a step beyond.  Julia finds herself losing control, letting her anger getting the best of her.  Her father, Lancer is an overprotective father, who we find has had good reason to be.  Sierra is Julia's best friend.  She sticks by Julia through thick and thin - even through the changes that she must learn to deal with.  Then there is Liam and his son, Caleb.  Liam is Lancer's friend, Caleb is Julia's age.  Julia thought that Caleb was simply a new boy, but he ended up being someone to assist her through  her transition to her new life.  And last but not least, there is Terrance - her love interest.  So many great characters - so important to the story.   


I love the coming of age story-line.  I could not imagine learning something so drastic about my life, during high school no less.  To know that emotions are a trigger to shape-shifting, at a time in her life when her emotions are on overload!!  Her father has never wanted to talk to her about her mother, but now she has to learn about her the hard way - hearing some very traumatic information about her too.  In addition to learning about her heritage, Julia is trying to be a typical teenager, learning about romance and her heart.


In some ways The Shapeshifter's Secret puts me in mind of Harry Potter  - the setting at Lockham Castle, where Julia learns about herself and her new life.  Her friends and teachers are such an important part of the story. The villain - or villainess in this case, who has a special connection to Julia, and also want to get rid of  her, adds another similar intrigue.  I really think that it has the potential to be another great series.  


The writing style draws you immediately into the book.  There was an ease about it.  I could have read on and on - not caring about the time.  If it were not for work, I probably would have continued reading from page one to the end in one setting.  


Honestly though, I think that there are a few things that were left unfinished.  I am hoping that this means that this will indeed be further developed into a series.  I have so many questions bout some of the characters.  But it was definitely worth the read.  It was actually a very relaxing book that provided me a nice day on the couch doing what I most love to do - escape into a great book!!!  Another one to share with my students!!!

About the Author:  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.


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