Book Review: Shift by Rachel Vincent

Finished Shift by Rachel Vincent, the 5th in this series.  For anyone that hasn't read it, it's a GREAT series.  The main character Faythe Sanders is a strong-willed, opinionated werecat, struggling to figure out exactly where she fits in with her Pride.  Oh, by the way, her Pride is led by her father.  All she wants is to live a normal life.  But, because she can shift into a werecat, not only can't she live life like a normal girl, she is one of only a few tabbies left to the cats.

Books in this series:
1 - Stray
2 - Rogue
3 - Pride
4 - Prey
5 - Shift
6 - Alpha (to be released October 1, 2010)

The review....spoilers from this and previous books in the series included.  If you have not yet read the series and want to keep everything a surprise *Stop Reading Now* 

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Shift continues the struggle between the prides.  It begins approximately 2 weeks after Faythe's brother is killed.  Faythe's father has a few supporters in his support to regain the council chairman's position, but needs more.  They are trying to convince the temporary council chair of what Malone is trying to do - attempted kidnapping, attempted murder and mayhem, all in order to get control of the council.  Throughout the series, we have seen Faythe become more and more mature as she realizes that she might actually have to think before she speaks/acts.  The plus side, people (mainly her father) are actually beginning to listen to her ideas and opinions and give them support.

This book we see this even more.  Shift introduces a brand new shifter race, the Thunderbirds.  They are huge birds with at least a 10' wingspan and can shift in seconds vs. the werecats minutes.  They are also masters at the partial shift Faythe and the werecats of her pride have been working on.  We see Faythe's maturity shining through throughout the book.  Not only does her father listen to her and support her ideas, she actually earns (I think) a little respect of the council chair while she's at it.  Things also come to a head with Marc and Jace, though nothing is decided.  I can't wait until October for the last book.