Start Your Day with Serial Tour - Presenting Shannon Delany

Welcome to Shannon Delany's Start Your Day with Serial Tour! Shannon's debut novel (and first in her YA paranormal series) 13 to Life started as a winning cell phone novel written in serial segments. During the tour you can read bits of the book in order. Miss a day? Hop to Shannon's blog and check the link to the blog tour calendar in her sidebar. There will also be a contest that will close at the end of the tour. Winners get a bunch of stuff.

I myself, have been in contact with Shannon for a while now, and I love how much time she has for her readers.  Whether it be by email, or Twitter, I always know that if I need her advice or just want someone to get excited with, she'll be there to jump around with me.  I just want to say, that I hope this book gets the praise that it deserves, not only because she's an amazing friend, but because she's an amazing writer.  Without further ado, I give you my review of 13 to Life, A Werewolf Tale:-

I think if you know me, then you will know this; I love wolves.  I love them so much it borders on an obsession.  This means I have high standards when it comes to wolfish books.  Were my high standards met in this lovely blue book full of wolfish goodness? Why yes they was!!

Delany has managed to create a story that not only incorporates my favourite mythical creature, but a story that delves into some amazing mythology and rich Russian heritage and culture.  It is full of believable character development, secondary characters that are out to steal my heart and enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes until the last page.

Jess is easily relatable and witty in a way that is understated but hilarious nonetheless.  Her observations of those living in Junction, especially her views on the Rusakova's first arrive into town, are what made me like her so much.  She wasn't overbearing and she carries the story to the action packed end unbelievably well.

If I start to talking about how much I love Pietr, I suspect I will become the chairman of his fanclub.  But, I would like to add, hot boys who turn into werewolves and have Russian accents, may just be the kind of boys I like the best.  I loved Pietr, he was loyal and fierce and has a strong sense of right and wrong, and the importence of family.

13 to Life is a debut novel that you shouldn't miss.  If not for the wolves, then for the writing that turns this book into something more than a book about wolves.  I loved it.

Excerpt from 13 to Life, Chapter Three (used with the author's permission):

"We only have thirty minutes," he pointed out as I rubbed sensation back into my hand. He glanced at the clock. "Twenty-nine. Perhaps your normally full table will have an opening today."

I grimaced at the possibility and led Pietr and his mob towards the writhing mass of teenage bodies we referred to as the lunch line. 

Considering the lunch line's length, for once it moved at a tolerable pace. I was able to separate myself from Pietr, buffering my location with some of the surrounding girls. I spent my time in line wondering about Derek — the same way I wondered about him nearly every minute of every day for the last two years.

Find out about the previous sections of 13 to Life here

Shannon's hosting several contests during the Start Your Day with Serial Tour. The big contest will award one lucky winner with a royal amber pendant, pietersite jeweled bookmark, stuffed wolf, 13 to Life mousepad, pen, tote, signed poster, personalized copy of 13 to Life and both of the 13 to Life pins. All you need to do is comment at 13 of the blogs hosting Shannon during her 30 day tour. Everyone who does so will be entered into a random drawing. Winner may be international.