Review: Great read for young adults.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 23, 2013
I found Bear Naked to be an entertaining and informative read. There is a lot going on here, and it takes a while to get all the characters introduced and all the relationships established, but this book is intended to be the first in a series, and author Eliason does a skillful job here of laying down a solid foundation for future installments. We are given characters here whom we come to care about and root for - a diverse cast with varied "real world" issues.Sometimes rollicking, sometimes somber in tone, the story holds the reader's interest and maintains a high degree of suspense, building to a crashing climax.This is R.J. Eliason's first attempt at paranormal fiction for the Young Adult market, and she pulls it off admirably. She doesn't talk down to her intended audience, and she does not insult the intelligence of more mature reader who might pick this title up.R.J. (Rachel) Eliason is the other of two previous novels, both of which explored complex themes without lecturing or over explaining, a difficult path for a relatively new author to tread. This ability is abundantly evident in Bear Naked, as well.As noted, this is offered as the first volume in a projected series. Personally, I highly anticipate the next installment.