Eve's Fan Garden

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.

Description from goodreads.

I was able to read the ARC of 13 to Life by Shannon Delany book thanks to my sweet friend Katie on Mundie Moms (Thanks Katie!!!).  She had told me how much she enjoyed reading 13 to Life, and I completely agree with her.  It was a very fun read, I read it in less than one day and it really kept my attention the whole time.

Jess is a wonderful and at the same time maddening character.  I loved her, a lot.  And I wanted to scream at her through the pages of the book sometimes because she is– in my opinion– overly self sacrificing…  However, that is part of what makes her interesting.  She swallows her feelings about the circumstances surrounding her Mother’s death, which makes me both admire her strength and what a good person she really is, and also makes me want her to just stand up and lay it all out on the table.  She is obviously a true and loyal friend, sometimes to a fault.  Jess’s relationship with Pietr had just the right amount of mystery and romance.  I like that it doesn’t happen instantly, they do have an immediate connection, but their relationship evolves through the story pretty naturally.

Pietr is another character I really enjoy (truth be told I pretty much enjoyed all the characters in this book).  He is smart, handsome, and he has a tragic past which leads he and Jess closer to each other.  As his history is revealed, and you learn more about who he is, you begin to understand why he does some of the things he does.

I really couldn’t read fast enough, I wanted to know what was happening next throughout the entire book, and once the end came I was left feeling the need to read the sequel right away…  which sadly I will have to wait for.  13 to Life is very character driven, with each of the main characters feeling very real and fleshed out.  The world that Shannon has built is completely new to me, and unique within its own genre, which is a very good thing.  In 13 to Life you will find the perfect mix of mystery, suspense, fantastic storytelling, and of course there is some very yummy romance as well.  If I were you I would run out and purchase a copy today!

Be sure to stop by Shannon Delany’s website and learn more about her, I think her story about how 13 to Life came to be is particularly interesting, did you know it was a cell phone novel?  Check out her site HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

~Georgia