Shimmer - Book Review

Title ~ Shimmer
Series ~ Riley Bloom #2
Author ~ Alyson Noel
Release Date ~ March 15, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Square Fish
Source ~ Zeitghost Media

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi’s advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is lashing out by keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca forgive and forget without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories?

REVIEW

Riley has a way of finding trouble. She ignores Bodhi’s wishes, meddles in other spirits’ business, chases after a random spirit dog, and fights accepting that she really is dead. I like that even though she is a magnet for drama, Riley has good intentions.

Did someone mention drama? Chasing that dog leads to Bodhi and Buttercup being trapped in a bubble of hate. This bubble is created by Rebecca, a slave owner’s daughter who is killed in a fiery slave revolt. Riley sets out to save Bodhi, Buttercup, and everyone else who is trapped by Rebecca’s anger. I don’t think this is the vacation Riley had planned.

Shimmer is about choosing forgiveness over revenge. Alyson Noel does such a great job of teaching a lesson while telling a story. This makes the story twice as powerful. Rebecca must learn that holding onto her hate and seeking revenge is not the answer. Yes, it is difficult to remember the dark times of slavery, but we can all learn from it.

There is so much packed into this quick middle grade novel. Haunting and unique, Shimmer will stay on your mind long after you finish.

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

It’s shimmery goodness. Look at that bubble around Rebecca with Buttercup trapped inside. I like that that focus is more on Rebecca than Riley since this is really her story. Oh my gosh, purple grass!