Review: 13 to Life by. Shannon Delany

Title: 13 to Life                                                      Author: Shannon Delany
Age Range: 12+
Publication Date: June 22, 2010
Pages: 320
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 8/10

Synopsis from Goodreads: 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. 


Initial Thought:  "Yes. I am definitely in need of a good werewolf book!"
End Thought: "Awww, that was so sweet. I wasn't expecting that much romance, but it sure delivered! I can't wait for the next books!!!"

Review: 13 to Life is a romantic, dramatic, and fantastic paranormal novel that sets up a great premise for what I suspect to be an amazing paranormal romance series in the future.This paranormal romance book was focused very much on the drama and romance between the characters with a few werewolf hints thrown amiss the pages. Which was unexpected, but worked just as well for me since it allowed the romance and the characters to develop greatly.

Throughout most of the book, I wasn't really sure where the paranormal aspects came in or how that would play in. Shannon Delany gives little hints of Pietr's werewolfism throughout the book, but I wasn't sure of how that was going to play into the story since the real focus to me seemed to be the love triangle. Oh yes, I wasn't expecting it either, but there is a bit of a love triangle. Even though one point on said triangle was so freaking annoying and oblivious... Anyways, the romance played a huge role in the book which I thought was great. It really gave the romance time to grow instead of feeling rushed. As the two main characters get closer, Pietr's secret becomes more of an issue, and the paranormal aspects of the book really begin to show.

The ending or specifically the last few chapters are another one of my favorite parts of this book. Everything kind of begins to make sense, and is pulled together into one awesome mystery kick butt action scene. A lot is revealed and something different about this ending that distinguishes it from a lot of other books with such a mysterious and paranormal basis is that I did not see the ending coming at all. It was completely unexpected and it explained many of the characters more thoroughly, intensified the romance, and finally gave me the action packed werewolf scene I was looking for throughout the book.

In conclusion, I thought this book was great. It was refreshing to read a paranormal romance where I could actually see the romance developing and have a plot ending that I did not see a mile away. It really sets the pace for what to expect in the rest of the series . A well developed romantic plot, the drama of high school life, and the mystery of the Rusakova family and how Jessica fits into it is summarizes what 13 to Life, and hopefully the next books in the series, are all about.

Recommendations:  All werewolf fanatics must read this book. Everyone who loves a good romance along with a lot of drama on the side will love to sink their teeth into this one. Werewolves rule!!!


Characters: 9/10 
Plot: 8/10
Originality: 8/10 
Entertainment: 10/10 
Ending: 10/10 
Writing Style: 10/10 
Cover: 10/10
  

Posted in: paranormal romance,werewolves