Release Date: 5th August, 2011
Publisher: Macmillan
Pages: 208pgs
The Story
Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a little time-off. But then Riley encounters 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, Rebecca is furious about being murdered during the slave revolt of 1733. Her uncontrollable anger is keeping other ghosts, who also died in the revolt, trapped in a shimmering bubble. And when Bodhi and Buttercup inadvertently fall into Rebecca's trap, Riley is the only one who can save them.
The Review
A big thanks to Lauren from Macmillan for sending me a review copy of this book!
If you haven't read my review on the first Riley Bloom's book, Radiance, you can read it here. For the second installment of Alyson Noel's spin-off series, SHIMMER, after a well deserved 'vacation', Riley runs into a vicious black dog and now she wants to help that dog cross over. But when she crosses over into a place controlled by the whims of another ghost . . . things are bound to get into more trouble than it's worth. This other ghost, Rebecca, seems sweet and trusting, but she lives off fear, hatred, and any other negative emotion. And now it's up to Riley to figure out how to help Rebecca cross over - at the bridge - as well as stopping other ghosts being trapped by Rebecca herself along the way.
I admit, I was a 'little' disappointed by the first book in the spin-off series, however SHIMMER manages to pull off another great Riley adventure. Plus there were many underlying messages throughout the book - including forgiveness - that a lot of younger readers will take away and really think about. The only reason why I'm giving this book three stars is mainly because of it being a middle grade novel. I rarely read middle grade novels as they tend to be too young in 'feeling' if you get what I mean. Other than that, this book was enjoyable. Riley especially was a fun character to read about and it's great to see that she's coming into her own . . . which is why readers love her a lot.
So if you're a fan of Noel's previous Immortals series or have read the first book Radiance, then be sure to check out this book. However, it might not be for everyone. Unless of course you enjoy a quick and fun-paced light adventure!
The Rating
3/5 stars
I didn't enjoy Radiance much but I think Shimmer was a much better storyline, I really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteComaCalm's Corner
Radiance was alright and Shimmer was a bit more entertaining . . . but nonetheless I don't usually read middle grade which made my star rating go down.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Erin! I'm glad you enjoyed it enough, despite not being your usual YA/adult read. Must get to the Immortals series soon! I say this as they stare menancingly at me from my bookshelf...
ReplyDeleteThanks Brodie. Definitely read the immortals series. It might not be the best series ever, but definitely something everyone should read.
ReplyDelete