Review: The Pace by Shelena Shorts

 

The Pace is the debut novel by young adult author, Shelena Shorts.  This title has been on my list of books that I wanted to read for awhile now, and I am so glad that I finally read it!  How refreshing to read a story about immortality that was completely different than anything I have read before.  Her take on this popular YA trend is so original and clever!

 Summary from Goodreads:
"Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.
Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more."

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book!  Unfortunately, I have been in one of those dreaded reading funks of late.  You know, the ones that cause your tbr pile to grow far too high!!  I am happy to say that The Pace was just what I needed to get me back on track.  I really love stories featuring immortals.  However, the reason for the character immortality is usually not very original.  Shelena Shorts was able to breath new life into this common YA theme with a clever, original, and interesting take on immortality!  I enjoyed her characters (especially Weston!) and felt that she did a good job developing them.  Sophie did get on my nerves from time to time, but I think her character was a pretty accurate portrayal of a 17/18 year old teenage girl in love.  Her relationship with Weston was the central theme of the book and the development of this relationship was interesting and romantic.  Weston definitely had an air of maturity that Sophie lacked, but as you read the book you do see that this is a necessary dynamic to the story.  Weston, Weston, Weston.... My new fictional boyfriend (sorry Travis of The Forest of Hands and Teeth- you have been replaced)!!!  Weston was so very swoon-worthy!  His confidence radiated from the page, and he always said the perfect things to Sophie.  Gorgeous, wealthy, confident, and romantic- that is a serious total package!  I do feel that there is more to Weston's character and past that wasn't covered and I hope that the next book in the series will further explore this.  The ending was a nail biter and completely unexpected!  It was a cliff hanger that leaves you turning the remaining white pages at the back of the book in hopes of a sneak peak at the sequel (no luck unfortunately!).

Overall, this was a fun book with an original storyline.  It was fast paced for the most part and left me wanting more!  I would recommend The Pace to any reader that enjoys a good romance with a twist!  The next book in The Pace Series is titled The Broken Lake and is due for release on August 19, 2010.  If you haven't checked out my 'MEGA Swag and More' giveaway, you need to do it now!  Shelena was very generous and donated some awesome goodies.  I have a SIGNED copy of The Pace, a cute koala stuffed animal (relevant to the book), signed bookplate, 2 'Weston' pins, and signed The Pace bookmarks!! Just go up to the picture under my nav bar and click and it will take you to the giveaway post!!  Now take a look at The Pace book trailer: