Review: A Great Paranormal YA About Witchcraft
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 18, 2012
'Spectral' is an interesting paranormal young adult book that centers on Jewel, whose family has been on the run her entire life. Her parents led her to believe they were in the Witness Protection Program, but it seems that all they've told her is lies. She overhears her family talking about strange prophecies that have to do with powerful witches - and her. Jewel has to face the frightening new world of being the Spectral, trying to survive to her 17th birthday, and figure out what are lies and what - and who - is telling her the truth.Jewel is a great heroine in this book. She is very likeable and the reader easily identifies with her struggles and triumphs. I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. Among the normal teen issues of trying to survive high school, first loves and friendship, Jewel also has to deal with assassin witches trying to kill her, new found magical powers, and discovering her entire life has been lies. The narrative of the story was fast paced and I flew through the book.  It flowed really well and it was interesting to watch Jewel's character develop from a timid teenager who always followed the rules to a powerful young woman who could stand strong by herself. There were some parts of the story, namely the romance parts, that I thought were a bit too syrupy. Jewel kept gushing about the hotness of Chase and Roman and how awesome and perfect they were. I found myself rolling my eyes at these moments, but they didn't inhibit my reading experience that much. I think that 'Spectral' is a great paranormal YA book and I'm definitely going to be reading more of Shannon's work in the future.Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.