13 to Life by Shannon Delany

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

Review: I absolutely loved this book. It had almost everything I looked for in a book; a satisfying heroine, mystery, and action. The pacing was as natural as it could get, and Jessie's voice was very distinct. Her relationship with Pietr is very sweet, not like most relationships in YA today. Even the secondary characters were molded in very well. I have a soft spot for her friend Amy.

Delany's retelling of werewolves is very refreshing. I happen to really like Russian history so that just made the book more appealing! Of course, the whole revelation thing with the wolves drags out til the end, but it works. This is one of the best werewolf stories I've ever read!

There's only several things I disliked like the characters, Jenny and Macie. They just seemed a bit superficial. And it was also frustrating when Jessie kept lusting after her crush, and her constant acts of self-sacrifice. However, I could see why she always lives for others and not herself.

Other than that, the writing itself was brilliant! I don't think I've ever read a book where the voice of the character stood out so much. It's like you're RIGHT inside her head. I can't wait for the sequel!

The book officially releases today so...happy birthday book!

What I thought of...

The Beginning: I was hooked very early on. I found myself already understanding the backstory and everything at pg. 18!

The Middle: So, so good! I flipped through this one.

The End: Ends on a mini cliffhanger, but it was satisfying. :)

Favorite Quotes/Lines From Book:

"Oh. Your name's not Peter," I said, wondering if I'd been pronouncing it all that correctly. Huh. P-i-e-t-r. "It's Pie-eater--" ..."No, Pee-yoh--ter."..."Pay-oder?"

"I have never heard so many--creative--pronounciations of my name."

FTC: Bought at store