Review: This series is getting better and better.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2012
3.5 starsThe GoodWhen Paranormal Seems Normal...I realized this time around what I like about Murray's writing. He has a way of making the paranormal seem normal. Sometimes I forget that I am even reading about shape-shifters because the concept is so expertly interwoven into the story. In that, I have to applaud Murray on a job well done.My Summary...Adri and Alec's relationship is still at a stand still. Even with Alec's rival shifter pack effectively taken care of, no longer in the way to ruin their relationship, Alec can't help but fear his shape-shifter touch will addict Adri. An addiction that has been proven through other human-shifter relationships. But their shaky relationship has to be put further on hold when an even bigger threat rolls into town. One that tests and weakens the bond between Alec and his pack. And this new threat might just be the last straw for Adri's willingness to wait for Alec to become what he was meant to be: a true leader and protector.It has Teeth, Maybe Alec Can Borrow Them...I was really into the viciousness in Splintered. The fighting between the shifters was awe-inspiring. It really amped up my adrenaline, and I simply couldn't look away (or stop reading as it were) at the ferociousness that took place in the world Murray created.I feel like Adri is finally finding out who she is and what she wants in life. She takes a more active role in maintaining friendships instead of pining for Alec. It made me respect her a whole lot more in this book. Alec was a different story. This was the first time I didn't like him. He just didn't handle any situation very well, and I wanted to yell at him to grow a pair. But I liked that Murray had Alec become a little more human. Alec made mistakes and let fear control his actions. While I disliked him more, I also liked that he wasn't perfect and that he could mess up his life as easy as the rest of us.A World With No Limits...The bad guys were simply perfect. I literally got chills every time they walked into the scene. In this world, shape-shifters have many rules but all the rules tend to make life harder to live and cause way more bloodshed than needed. And the people in charge, who happen to also be the bad guys, are the worst kind of people. They use their power for their own good and to spread fear amongst their brethren. I'd like to see a lot more of their kind in future books because they add that needed dread that makes this series so entertaining. You just never know what is going to happen when they are around because they have no limits.Second Verse, Luckily Not the Same as the First...All my complaints about the two previous books were wiped clean in Splintered. There was less writing focused on school and mundane things and more on action and relationships. We also got to learn a little more about the other pack members which was nice. They have interesting stories all on their own.The BadSince this series does lean a little more toward paranormal romance rather than urban fantasy (though this book was way more in the urban fantasy area), I was sorely disappointed by the lack of romance and the ending, which was left very much open. I understand why Murray thought it was best to end it the way he did, but it does not negate the fact that I was left dissatisfied.The SnugglyI am getting hugely annoyed with Alec's reluctance with Adri. I understand why he wants to protect Adri from his addictive touch, but this cannot go on. He either needs to get over it or end the relationship. That being said, there was very little romance in this book and I wish there was more. When it comes to sex, this is the cleanest young adult book out there.OverallI thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It kept my interest the whole time and the character development was superb. Though I didn't like the ending, I like the direction this whole series is going. I for one can't wait for the next installment. A recommended read.QuoteMarco leaned down and whispered into my ear. "How about you and I get a little more friendly? I can show you things Graves hasn't even thought of yet."My voice came out even and strong. "If you touch me I'll do my absolute best to kill you. I'll probably fail, but you're going to have to kill me to stop me. Trust me, you don't want to be the guy who kills me. Alec will tear you apart regardless of what else it might cost him."