Reviews

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

posies23's review

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4.0

The (Amazing) Book Club of Doom book for November, 2021.

bickie's review

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4.0

Rich world-building, classic good v. evil. Also touches on many important topics in a natural, part-of-the-experience-of-the-characters way such as racism, gentrification, cultural appropriation, misogynism, importance of family and community; one character's brother was killed by police. Includes vibrant array of characters of various backgrounds most of whom are good solid citizens. I was amazed at Sierra's fearlessness and openness. 11+ [steamiest part is sensual dancing, some discussion of "making out" though no graphic scenes, creepy violence (animated corpses, throng haints), complex super-natural powers]

laila4343's review

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4.0

A fun, action-packed read. Magic, art, and spirits in Brooklyn.

eletricjb's review

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4.0

I really loved this, the characters, the way they interact, the mythology. I would have preferred a bit more exploration of the whole shadowshaping mythology rather than kind of a non-stop action story, but I imagine we will get more in the next book! If you like fantasy stories starring teenage girls, you're in for a treat with this one.

witkopa's review

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4.0

This is a beautiful book (not just a lovely cover) that creates a world thoroughly molded by art. The strong female protagonist is a major plus as well. It's a great mix of magic, action and a touch of romance without it being the main focus of the book. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

ettag92's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

hannahellen's review

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4.0

I really liked this book. I enjoyed reading a fantasy story about people of color and their unique challenges. This book addresses gentrification, colorism, racism, and cultural appropriation. The unique spiritual heritage Sierra is heir to is very well depicted. The only complaint I have is that the vocabulary the characters use seems a little... cheesy? But hey, maybe New York teenagers really talk like that lol. I'm from the South so it's pretty different from the language I hear regularly. Sierra is a brave, honest character and I enjoyed seeing how she handled dealing with family issues such as internalized racism and colorism from her aunt as well as machismo attitude from her sick grandfather, self image issues, and of course weird zombie monsters and ghosts! I will definitely read the sequel.

sarabz's review

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4.0

My favorite parts of this book were the cast of characters - Sierra has a great group of friends who all participate in the story, whether they are in on the secret powers or not - and the setting - so many dimensions of the city emerge. Gentrification was very present in the Brooklyn described in the story, and in the story's plot - Wick's cultural appropriation and attempt to take over shadowshaping is destroying Sierra, her family, and her community. I loved that the battle was won by relying on community and coming together as "one" in a way that recognized each individual as part of that whole.

kennisn's review

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4.0

A good YA novel with a great, full-developed Afro-Boricua protagonist! Loved the infusion of Puerto Rican and LatinX language and culture. Story was ok but ending came and went so fast, I barely understood how Sierra, the newly minted and titular Shadowshaper, was able to defeat the big baddie! The climactic battle could have been more fully realized, but the spiritual world-building of the Shadowshaper community throughout Brooklyn made it a totally worthwhile read!

millyferg's review

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4.0

I really enjoyed the audiobook of this novel and felt it brought the characters to life.