Really enjoyed it. Maybe some of the main character's motivations are too convoluted (who am I to argue this?!) but they do come together.
Neat magic system (too neat?)
Will read on! ( )

This book was kind of similar to the Poison Study and Glass Study books written by Maria V. Snyder. But instead of people having different magics, these people only had Takers or Healers as some are called. They are able to take pain out of people and put it into a thing called pynvium. Nya though is special, she can take pain away just like her younger sister Talia, but she can't put the pain into the pynvium, she can transfer pain from one person to another. Neat little weapon if you piss her off right? Right! Well the pynvium slab at where Nya lives is full and who knows when the next shipment is supposed to be, this is where Nya meets a boy who I'm gonna call Don, he asks her to save his da, and to do that he asked her to "Shift" the pain to him and his younger twin brothers. She is reluctant cause this pain is not their pain and won't go away. But she does it, then she gets into the hands of a dealer of sorts someone who takes pain and sells pain amulets and stuff. Well he gets a hold of Nya and has her do a "shifting" again she is reluctant to do it because it's part of the people who had taken over her land. She does it of course, then her sister goes missing, so then she has to go find her and when she does she finds that all the apprentices of the League which is where Nya's sister Talia is going to become a healer and stuff, but the apprentices are all sick with pain because they have been filled up to much with it. She then sneaks back out and makes another deal with the dealer then Don's sister tells her the boys are dying, troubled now with saving her sister and Don and his brothers she goes back to the dealer and makes a deal with him. She saves Don and his brothers, and goes back to save her sister.... Meanwhile people are rioting because of being told all the apprentices are dead, and Nya, Don, and her friend Aly I'm gonna call her all make their way in with a help of one of the guards who is Aly's friend and, what not but before they wen too the league to rescue the apprentices mainly Nya's sister she finds out she can flash the pynvium, which is basically use them as weapons shifting the pain out of the stone or metal whatever it is. but not only that she can refill them.... so they go get into the league and back into the room where the apprentices are being held and starts healing them all while Nya attacks the door with the filled up pynvium. So that Talia can heal the rest of the apprentices... well after a attempted escape Nya is captured and once again meeting the dealer plus the Big man in charge of the league in their region, and she finds out they are thieving the pynvium, so she does something drastic and ends up killing them, thus saving the day, the apprentices, and the people she had shifted too.... then at the end had claimed war against the Duke, who is the man responsible for all their troubles in their region.

I liked this book, it was pretty creative and kept me interested, I'm going to continue on with this series and see how it turns out, cause so far I'm highly intrigued for sure. ( )

If Nya is immune to flashed pain, why does she get hurt when she kicks the guard in the shin outside the Luminary´s office_
( )

If Nya is immune to flashed pain, why does she get hurt when she kicks the guard in the shin outside the Luminary´s office_
( )

Young Reader Reaction: The Shifter has all the elements an enchanting fantasy, with a touch of adventure, mystery, and humor. The intriguing plot is continually being built upon and it keeps readers on their toes. Nya’s tenacious and spunky, yet altruistic personality is really what makes the story so enjoyable to read. She narrates the story so we get deeper into her personality, as well as occasional glimpses into her past life. The diverse group of supporting characters have stories intertwined with the main plot, so they are introduced logically.

Even though the plot is complex and lengthy, I would still recommend The Shifter to middle school students. Because they are handled so well, even the weightier topics will not confuse or frustrate younger readers.

Adult Reader Reaction: I loved Nya and the whole story. The plot and characters are unique, refreshing, and still "comfortable." The story grabbed me on page 1 and will likely draw in the most dormant reader. I found myself thinking what would I do a number of times ... particularly when Nya had a no-win choice to make. I can't wait to see what's next.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.