13 to Life [Paperback]

Shannon Delany (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 22, 2010 | Series: 13 to Life

Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.  It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up–Jessica knows what it is like to lead a false life. Wrestling with the emotions surrounding the death of her mother, she is also keeping her best friend, Sarah, from learning the truth about her role in this tragic accident. Complicating matters, Jessica is drawn to the mysterious and good-looking new boy at school. Pietr Rusakova is unlike anyone she has ever met and seems to possess the ability to see right through her. But he is also troubled by a family secret that has major ramifications for his life. As the teens' relationship intensifies, they are forced to face certain truths and come to grips with events that will change their futures. Delany spins an original story with great characters and a powerful plot that is full of twists and turns. It ends with a bang but there are times that the story seems to drag. Still, it's an enjoyable read that will leave fans waiting for the next installment.Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY
© Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

Jessica Gillmansen's junior year is already difficult because she recently lost her mother in a tragic car accident, and now she has to deal with the hot new guy at school, Pietr Rusakova, who just won't leave her alone. Things get more complicated as she deals with the aftermath of the crash, discovers she and Pietr share an odd connection, and continues her investigation of local news stories about werewolves and the Russian Mafia. Delany's first novel has a lot going on—too much, perhaps. Instead of focusing on a few plot points, Delany spreads herself thin and doesn't do justice to the many strands. For example, Jessica's supposed grief over her mother is minimized by its near absence in the text, and the Mob plotline feels contrived. Still, the kitchen-sink approach may pay off for Delany as she moves further into the planned series, and teen girls will eat up the Twilight flavor. Grades 7-10. --Cindy Welch

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1 edition (June 22, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312609140
• ISBN-13: 978-0312609146
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (81 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #646,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Shannon Delany believes there is no one right path to following your dreams. Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock in upstate New York, Shannon Delany has always been fascinated by history, myths, legends and paranormal research.

Shannon's debut series of YA paranormal novels, The 13 to Life series, (including: 13 to Life, Secrets and Shadows, Bargains and Betrayals, Destiny and Deception, and the upcoming Rivals and Retribution) began by winning the first-ever cellphone novel contest in the western world. Her books were so well received by readers (and nominated for a YALSA Teen Top Ten) that her trilogy was expanded to five books.

Shannon has also debuted in science fiction in the Leap Books charity anthology Spirited: 13 Haunting Tales (with "To Hel and Back" featuring augmented reality work done by Karl Gee) and her high fantasy debut will occur in October 2012 with Month 9 Books' charity anthology Two and Twenty Dark Tales (with "Pieces of Eight" co-written with musician Max Scialdone).

Shannon was also recently signed for a brand new trilogy which will begin to release in 2013. Learn more about her at www.ShannonDelany.com. Explore 13 to Life's world of Junction at www.13toLifeSeries.com.