Thursday, September 22, 2011

SHIFTING by Bethany Wiggins

Dude, it excites me greatly to be talking about SHIFTING today. See, I read an early version of this book. And by "early version," I mean Bethany let me read it before she even queried agents.

One word: Brilliant.

Here's a little bit more about SHIFTING: After bouncing from foster home to foster home, Magdalene Mae is transferred to what should be her last foster home in the tiny town of Silver City, New Mexico. Now that she's eighteen and has only a year left in high school, she's determined to stay out of trouble and just be normal. Agreeing to go to the prom with Bridger O'Connell is a good first step. Fitting in has never been her strong suit, but it's not for the reasons most people would expect--it all has to do with the deep secret that she is a shape shifter. But even in her new home danger lurks, waiting in the shadows to pounce. They are the Skinwalkers of Navajo legend, who have traded their souls to become the animal whose skin they wear--and Maggie is their next target.

First off, you'll fall in love with Maggie Mae. She's interesting, and in a whole new way. I'm always salivating for that one thing that makes a book special. In SHIFTING, that thing is Maggie Mae.

Unless, of course, we're going to talk about Bridger--which we are, because you know how I like secretive, mysterious guys. Bridger is all that, and more.

Second, Navajo legend! Something unique, something different from other novels. I loved the legends in SHIFTING, because it almost felt like magic. (And I think it's been well-established that I adore magic.)

The shifting scenes were done beautifully, the bad guys are oh-my-heck-bad-guys!, and the characters breathe life into the YA paranormal genre in a whole new way.

I loved this book. I hope you will too. SHIFTING comes out on September 27--that's Tuesday, people! TUESDAY.

Don't you just love Tuesdays? That's when all the new books come out, you know?


Check out what the other Bookanistas are up to this week at the Reading Room.

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25 comments:

  1. I'm really excited about this for all the reasons you mentioned. I really want to read it. Thanks.

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  2. So excited for Bethany - and I can't wait to read this one!! :)

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  3. love love love this book!!! And am so over-the-moon excited it's finally hitting the shelves I can barely contain my glee :D Congrats to Bethany!!!

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  4. I am salivating over this cover, and can't wait until the book hits shelves. Bethany rocks!

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  5. Wow. This sounds like a great book. I'm going to have to add it to my TBR pile. I love the idea of Navajo legends. Thanks for the review.

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  6. I'm so excited to get this one in my mailbox :) Patiently waiting...

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  7. I LOVED this book so much! Poor Bethany, I think I emailed her 8 times the day I read it!

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  8. awesome! I just recieved an email about this book this morning and am excited for it's release. Sounds like such a great read!

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  9. I give major props to any book that incorporates Native legend and spirituality instead of tired old Greek, Roman, or Norse mythology. Not that those things aren't cool. They are, but they've been done.

    Anyway, this sounds awesome. Thanks, Elana!

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  10. Love, love, love! I'm DYING to read this book. And I'm hosting Bethany soon! :-)

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  11. YAY for Silver City! That's where I grew up. Is it crazy that I want to read it just because of that?

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  12. As long as I can stay away from the end of her ponytail, I'm in for getting this on my TBR list.

    Really great review :-)

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  13. EEEK! This sounds wonderful. Such a cool idea for a book. This sounds like a definite must read. I'm so glad you shared.

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  14. You had me at Navajo legend. I'm SO checking this one out!

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  15. Hi Elana!

    I wanted to invite you to participate in the contest on my blog. Search for the most romantic couple in Literature. I love reading your blog and all your advice on blogs and would love it if you could check it out! Haven't made cookie dough brownies yet, but they've been on my mind ever since. haha
    Hope to see you in provo!

    Here's the link for the contest: http://melindawriter.blogspot.com/2011/09/post-nominations-for-king-and-queen-of.html

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  16. This book sounds like so much fun! I think I'm going to like Bridger. :)

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  17. Love the cover! Looks like a great book!

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  18. Shape shifting is such a cool concept. And, I love when other cultures are infused in writing. Thanks for the review.

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  19. Navajo legends? I'm intrigued! And the cover is interesting--it makes me wonder if it's a snake she's able to shape-shift into, which would be cool.

    Thanks for the review!

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  20. I'll pick this up for character names alone. Maggie Mae and Bridger. LOVE!

    Thanks for the recommendation.

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  21. I am so excited for Bethany. Because this book sounds like it totally rocks! Can't wait to read it!

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  22. Sounds really interesting. And what a gorgeous cover! Best of luck, Bethany!

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  23. So excited for this book! Can't wait to get my hands on it. Congratulations Bethany!

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