Review 13 TO LIFE by Shannon Delaney

13 to Life
by Shannon Delaney


Details:
June 22nd 2010 by St. Martin's Griffin

308 pages

Placement in Pile:
Reaching New Heights

Summary:
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:
13 to Life. That's catchy, right? As soon as I glimpsed the title on Goodreads, I knew I wanted to read this one…despite that it's a werewolf book. Before I read 13 to Life, I was so over the werewolf thing. (You know I love you Jacob) But baby, now the love for werewolves has been rekindled in me like I've been caught their doggy disease.


Shannon Delaney's, 13 to Life has all the makings of a strong, angsty teen novel. From friend drama to hottie high school boys, Delaney created a balance of drama and character development that'll hook any YA lit lover. And that's before the rumored rabid-massive-mauling dog attacks. Um, werewolves? Maybe. Possibly. Probably.
To be honest, it was a quick read that hooked me line and sinker. But, I zipped through the developing plot and mystery, to find myself unsatisfied with the end. Why? Well, once I figured out the great mystery, I kept wondering why the character didn't. She's supposedly a smarty-pants student. Um…obviously not. So that's flaw number one.
Flaw number two is the fact that the novel could probably shed 100 pages. I felt a lot of the scenes were unnecessary rehash of what had just happened. I understand nailing in a point, but hammering it to death? Come on now, Delaney.

Overall, it's a good read. I probably wouldn't ever re-read it, but that's because I've only ever re-read a handful of books in my life. But, you better believe that I'll be reading the sequel.