The Shattering by Karen Healey

Description:
Seventeen-year-old Keri likes to plan for every possibility. She knows what to do if you break an arm, or get caught in an earthquake or fire. But she wasn't prepared for her brother's suicide, and his death has left her shattered with grief. When her childhood friend Janna tells her it was murder, not suicide, Keri wants to believe her. After all, Janna's brother died under similar circumstances years ago, and Janna insists a visiting tourist, Sione, who also lost a brother to apparent suicide that year, has helped her find some answers.

As the three dig deeper, disturbing facts begin to pile up: one boy killed every year; all older brothers; all had spent New Year's Eve in the idyllic town of Summerton. But when their search for the serial killer takes an unexpected turn, suspicion is cast on those they trust the most.
As secrets shatter around them, can they save the next victim? Or will they become victims themselves?


Epic Wins:

• The book was written in several point-of-views giving the book a more complete picture. You get to read as each character grows and overcomes challenges. 
• Keri- She always has a plan , when the world is ending you'll want this girl as your guide. She's brave, independent, and athletic.  
• Janna- The words funky rock star come to mind. She has such passion for music and I loved her relationship with Takeshi. 
• Sione- He is quiet, smart, and sweet. He has some major insecurities he has to work through but once he does he is brave and loyal.
• You never quite know who the murderer is and it quite shocked me when everything unraveled. 
• The setting- I like it when books are set in other countries and continents. It's fun to read about the different cultures and lingo. New Zeland was no exception.  
• Many, many twists and unexpected turns lie within these pages. Beware.
• A unique breed of magic is brought forward, one I've never read of before. It felt very real and you could almost see it actually working. 

Epic Fails:

• I thought the ending was sad in a it-sucks-but-life-goes-on sort of way. 

Overall:
Murder, magic, suspense, and clever characters compel you, the reader, to then end of this tragic and thrilling read.


just sayin, 
-Kare