Last year was a full one for Jessica. Her mom was killed by a car driven by Sarah, a girl from Jessie's high school. The trauma changed Sarah from nasty wench on heels to one of Jessie's best friends, but she has no memory of the accident.

Jessie Gilmansen runs with the Ruskova werewolves. Especially Pietr. But Pietr too is changed ever since the ceremony on his birthday that released all the wolfiness within. The Ruskova's mother was taken from them by government agents and all of them, Jessie included, are being watched and followed by the CIA and the Russian Mafia. One of the CIA agents is dating Jessica's dad. Yeah. Complicated. But that is only part of the messed up dynamic that is Jessie's daily life.

Complicating matters further is the crush Sarah has on Pietr. Sarah is far from stable, and to try and keep her that way Jessie reluctantly has asked Pietr to continue his relationship with Sarah and only gradually break free to date Jessie. This not working out as planned. In fact, Jessie's former crush, Derek is starting to make his desire for Jessie known, and Pietr is not hiding his jealousy well at all.

Shannon Delany packs more teen angst and drama per page in her 13 to life novels than most young adult authors, but she keeps all of it grounded with solid plotting and well-timed events. SECRETS AND SHADOWS is the second book in the series, and it really is best to read book one, 13 to Life first. The issues facing the main characters are just as complex and immediate as those facing any teenager, but ramped up by the paranormal elements as well as the involvement of the mafia and CIA. If the Twilight books left you with the feeling of something missing, Shannon Delany's creations will show you how rich and fulfilling Young Adult Paranormal writing can be.