13 To Life by Shannon Delany

13 To Life By Shannon Delany
Release Date: June 22, 2010
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 320
Buy The Book:  Amazon

Summary: Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

My Thoughts: Wow, what a fantastic debut novel! We meet Jess who is called to Guidance; she wanders down the hall not knowing if she's getting called in to talk about her mom again or for an article she wrote and she might be in trouble for it! We than meet Pietr who is new to town and also waiting in Guidance. Jess gets the job to be his guide and show him around school. Yes, he's cute but he's also very annoying, she thinks. He gets under her skin and I really liked how much she butchered his name! How funny!

Of course Jess has no romantic interest in Pietr she leds herself to believe. She's interested in Derek who she's been swooning over for 2 years now. We are also introduced to Amy and Sarah. I believed Amy was a real friend from the get go, but Sarah not so much. And once her story comes out, we realize just why that is. I never really liked Derek but Pietr was so much fun to interact with.

Sarah starts dating Pietr and Jess starts to realize how much she enjoys Pietr's company, he understands her a bit more than she thinks. Isn't that always what it's like? We want something we can't have?

13 To Life was a bit slow in parts but its the first book in a series so sometimes the setting up takes a while and I expect the next book will be even better. I did really love this one but I'm hoping the next one warrants the same as a 5 star book. I am a huge fan of romance/love triangles/ and thats basically just what this book is. Of course, there is also the element of what exactly Pietr "is."

Overall: Loved it! Very nice debut. Can't wait to read more from Delaney!

Cover: Really like the cover. It has a bit of a mystery feel to it and its blue!

What I'd Give It: