The Shapeshifter's Secret by Heather Ostler (Blog Tour + Interview)

Title: The Shapeshifter's Secret
By: Heather Ostler
Publication: June 12, 2012 by Cedar Fort Books
Format: E-Book
Genre: YA Paranormal
Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars

From Goodreads: Julia is finally discovering what–not who–she is.
Like any sixteen-year-old, Julia's used to dealing with problems. From her overprotective father to her absent mother to a teacher who definitely has it in for her. But everything changes when Julia's reactions become oddly vicious and angry---more animal than human. This action-packed adventure has it all: humor, romance, and a plot that will keep you guessing to the very last page.

My Thoughts: First of all, I would like to say a huge thank you to Cedar Fort Books for giving me an advanced reader copy of this great story via Net Galley!

Julia seems to be your average teenage girl: over-protective father, awesome best friend, and top it all off by adding in a slight streak of rebellion to the mix. But alas, nothing is what it seems, and where Julia is concerned, everything is far from normal. In fact, Julia is a were-cat and she's about to learn that her whole life has been a ploy to keep her safe against the Guild, a corrupt group in her homeland, Oassi, lead by someone who wants to use Julia and throw her away. But staying in the US is no longer safe for Julia. Her and her father, along with family friend, Liam, and his son Caleb, quickly escape to Lockham Castle. There, Julia can be safe and learn all about her true nature with her peers, while her father leads the Soldier Union against the Guild. But staying safe isn't as easy as it sounds, especially when the one person who wants to destroy you the most is the one person who connects to your very being...

I loved it! Gripping from the first page to the last, Heather Ostler has created one magically awesome tale reminiscent of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, but with a twist! Enchanted never-ending castles, complex alternate worlds, and spell-binding magic, The Shapeshifter's Secret will leave you wanting more.

Julia is a wonderful heroine and easy to relate to. Even though she believes she's just normal, deep down there's something extra special about her that makes her stand out as a character.

And how could I forget hotties Caleb and Terrance?! Trust me, you don't want to miss out on these soldiers!

The Shapeshifter's Secret has it all: Magic, Romance, and Action! This is one story you do not want to miss out on!

My Rating:

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Interview With Heather Ostler

Where did you get the idea to write about this whole new world of Ossai?

It’s a pretty in depth world, I know that had to have taken some major planning out. I used to go swimming when I was younger and imagine the pool was a water portal. I’d dive in and think, wouldn’t that be cool if this water led to another world? Over the years I envisioned what the different world would be like, who would live there, and why it would be kept a secret. Eventually that world became Ossai.
I gotta ask, with all the shape-shifting creatures available, what made you decide on a Were-cat for Julia?
The werecat idea sort of found me. I was playing around on the internet researching different paranormal creatures when I stumbled upon werecats. Instantly I knew that was what Julia was going to be. I liked that it was a bit more unique than most shapeshifters, and there wasn’t a lot of young adult stories that had covered werecats.
A lot of authors use music to help them write these days, is there a specific song you would use for a certain “scene” in the novel? Or a general theme song?
I know it’s kind of funny, but I loved listening to Shewolf by Shakira when I was first writing The Shapeshifter’s Secret. That song makes me think of Julia when she’s finding out that she’s a werecat. The lyrics talk about a girl living a normal life, but secretly being a fierce shewolf at night. It reminded me a lot of what I wanted Julia to be. She’s an average teenager, but then she has this ability to shapeshift into something strong, tough, and vicious.

What are your own top three favorite novels (or series)?
I love Ella Enchanted, The Series of Unfortunate Events, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and The Twilight series. (Okay that was four!)
I read you’re a hot cocoa fan, what’s your all-time favorite brand/flavor?

Yes, I love hot cocoa! Stephens brand is my favorite, and their dark chocolate is SO good. I think I need to go make some right now actually…
If the book ever got picked up for a movie, who would be your dream cast for Julia, Caleb, Terrance, and Sierra?
That is so much fun to think about. I think David Henrie would make a great Caleb, Alex Pettyfer would be Terrence, Victoria Justice would be awesome for Julia, and Naomi Scott as Sierra.