As if being a high school student isn't enough, Shiloh is also a witch and it's her responsibility to protect her hometown from the paranormal. (This is the third book in the series and it's a continuation of the second one. The main character, Shiloh Trudell, is a witch and it's her *secret* duty to protect her town.)
Click here to see the rest of this review...
The story opens with Shiloh eating at the local pizza parlor with her best friend, Ariana. They're discussing that summer is almost over and another school year is about to begin. In walks a group of guys, including Shiloh's ex-boyfriend, Trent. Trent isn't a believer of the paranormal, even though he lives in Craven Manor where a lot of crazy stuff happens. This is why Shiloh decided to take a break from their relationship. She didn't know if she could handle him not believing.
Despite Shiloh's wishes, Trent is relentless. He wants Shiloh back and he makes it obvious every chance he gets. He's charming, arrogant and not afraid to let his feelings show.
After Trent and his buddies leave, a boy staggers into the restaurant with a bloody arm. Shiloh recognizes him as one of her school's football players, James McMillian. While everyone else is standing around clueless of what to do, Shiloh jumps into action. She applies pressure to his wound, creates a tourniquet and tries to sooth the injured boy. She notices his wound looks much like a bite mark and when asked about it, James utters ‘huge…wolf.' The EMT soon shows up and rushes James to the hospital.
Later, we find out that they speculate James was the victim of a wild dog attack. Come to find out, this isn't the first attack and it's not the last. These ‘wild dog' attacks occur several more times, always attacking the football players. And each time the victim falls into a coma for three days, then wakes up better than before.
No one wants to admit that something strange is going on. But Shiloh knows there's something paranormal about the attacks. She speaks to the man that's been training her with her powers, the same man that happens to be Trent's uncle—Evans. He agrees that there is something more to these dog attacks and they must get to the bottom of it. They suspect that it is a lycan (similar to a werewolf).
Arriving home one evening, Shiloh finds her often absent mother at home. She has disturbing news of Shiloh's father. He was the victim of one of the animal attacks, only he didn't survive.
The news of her father's death is almost unbearable. She's thankful to have her friends, like Ariana and even Trent. They are both there for her during her painful time.
Now, Shiloh's purpose has become much more personal. She will have revenge on the lycan that killed her father.
One evening, Shiloh decides to confront her mother—Darrah—about the weirdness between the two of them. She and Darrah haven't had the best relationship. In fact, they are total opposites in their witchcraft. Where Shiloh tries to do good and follow white magic, her mother studies the dark arts.
After confronting Darrah, Shiloh discovers the family secret. The person she had always thought was her mother is NOT her mother. Long ago, Shiloh's father and her Aunt Lauren were an item. Darrah used her magic to make Shiloh's father fall for her. But, before then, Lauren was with child. Therefore, Shiloh is the daughter of Lauren.
Because of the situation and what would've been said, Shiloh's birth mother remained a secret. They felt that were easier. Shiloh was more than shocked to hear this news. She was upset for being lied to, but she was also relieved to know her real mother was her beloved aunt. This truth only brought Shiloh and her real mother closer.
Despite the shocking confession, the hunt for the lycan continues. But there are more questions than answers. There is the connection with the football players, but there is no definite evidence of who the leader is, the one that started it all.
Because she has witnessed an attack, Shiloh is now the prey of the lycan. This is how the story actually ends. She is being stalked by a lycan and the only end in sight is to discover who the leader is. But until the discovery is made, Shiloh has to protect herself and her hometown.
Best part of story, including ending:
I enjoyed the story very much. The characters are dynamic and the storyline is captivating. It's suspenseful and even humorous at times.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene is when Shiloh first visits Lauren after finding out she's her real mother. It's a sweet moment between mother and daughter, for the first time really knowing one another.
Opinion about the main character:
Shiloh is a good, strong character. She's determined, loyal and always ready to fight for those she loves.
