Review: Shimmer

Mar •  15 •  2011

Title: Shimmer
Series: Riley Bloom # 2
Genre: Middle Grade- Supernatural/Fantasy
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Square Fish
Release Date: March 15, 2011
Book: ARC sent by publisher

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi’s advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the d…more“Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi’s advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is lashing out by keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca forgive and forget without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories?”

Riley Bloom is at it again! I  can’t help but love this girl. She is so much like her sister. She ignores the rules and gets in a lot of trouble. But of course there is always a guy just waiting to bail her out. 

What I like most about this book is the forgiveness sought out. Riley knew Rebecca was caught up in her own anger. You can’t move on if you can’t forgive. I love how Riley uses her own experiences to help Rebecca move on. She spoke to her carefully and lovingly. 

Bodhi, I felt, did not give Riley enough credit. Even though she proved herself in the first book, he still treated her like a child. Riley grew up fast. She knew what she had to do and Bodhi held her back. Still Riley proved him wrong once again, but of course not without the consequences.

I like Rebecca. Her character had so much anger that you felt it. Rebecca just wanted the world to stop. She wanted everyone to  feel her pain, to see what she been through. I could relate to her because I felt that type of anger before. It’s unfair and its just hurts.

Once again, Ms. Noel wrote a fab book. It was a quick, fun read with great characters and real emotions. The book was easy to relate to and easy to feel. Her characters, her writing, and the plot were all good.

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

 

Posted by on Mar 15, 2011 in 2011, Alyson Noel, Review, Riley Bloom, Young Adult | 8 comments

8 Comments

  1. Missie
    Mar 15, 2011

    I’ve really been wanting to try this series out. It is nice reading a book you can relate to. I think it helps you get lost in the story.

  2. Jenny
    Mar 15, 2011

    I have yet to read anything by Alyson Noel but she’s one I’ve really been wanting to try. I love a quick, fun read that doesn’t skimp on emotions or character depth:)

  3. Melissa (i swim for oceans)
    Mar 15, 2011

    I wasn’t the biggest fan of book one in this series because it was a little too MG for me, but I loved your review, and it seems like Riley has a little depth this time. Fab review!

  4. Carrie at In the Hammock Blog
    Mar 15, 2011

    i love a good middle grade book every once in awhile and these covers are Gorgeous!!

  5. Brandileigh2003 (Blkosiner's Book Blog)
    Mar 15, 2011

    I read the first one and the Immortals but I haven’t gotten to this one yet.
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

  6. Melissa (Books and Things)
    Mar 15, 2011

    I read the first one and thought it was a sweet MG read. So glad that the series seems to continue in that way. I like Riley in these books. Thanks for the review!

  7. Melina
    Mar 15, 2011

    I cannot wait to read this! Nice review.

  8. Larissa {Larissa's Bookish Life}
    Mar 16, 2011

    I stopped with the Immortals series in Darkflame and the jury is still out if I’ll ever pick it up again…

    this spin-off doesnt look like something I’d enjoy =/ I was never a fan of Riley =/

    Im happy you’re enjoying this though =D Great review!