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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
This was both a beautiful read and a difficult one, because, as wonderous as all the magic of shadowshaping is, Older firmly and expertly grounded his fantasy in the reality of what it means to be a Black youth in America. But this isn't just about the bad side of that life. Afro-Latin culture is loud and proud and absolutely gorgeous. We most certainly need diverse books and we most certainly need diverse books like this that remind us that there are so many other perspectives about the world around us and about the worlds beyond.
In the second book in the series, Sierra's new house of Shadowshapers is learning to balance young adulthood and a new threat to their burgeoning shaping skills. I'm always fond of unique magic systems, and shadowshaping certainly falls into that category, especially as the Scooby crew figure out what aspects of their individuality will help them grow stronger in their art.
Older's Shadowshaping series goes on my list of great YA books that don't treat young adults like whiny, selfish fools who only think with their whiny, selfish hearts and genitals. Sierra and her friends are real people with real emotions and, most importantly, Older gives us real relationships where these friends truly support each other. (Even and especially those whose struggles run deep. Special love for Older's care and sensitivity in his presentation of what anxiety feels like and how one can support someone who struggles with it.) These kids also value the wisdom of adults (who deserve respect), and are surrounded by adults who value them in turn.
Shadowhouse Fall moves this series along at a steady pace, picking up speed with a shadow altering climax that promises all sorts of bigger and better magic in the next book. I'm excited to see the continued development of Sierra and her shapers, as well as their unique abilities.
In the second book in the series, Sierra's new house of Shadowshapers is learning to balance young adulthood and a new threat to their burgeoning shaping skills. I'm always fond of unique magic systems, and shadowshaping certainly falls into that category, especially as the Scooby crew figure out what aspects of their individuality will help them grow stronger in their art.
Older's Shadowshaping series goes on my list of great YA books that don't treat young adults like whiny, selfish fools who only think with their whiny, selfish hearts and genitals. Sierra and her friends are real people with real emotions and, most importantly, Older gives us real relationships where these friends truly support each other. (Even and especially those whose struggles run deep. Special love for Older's care and sensitivity in his presentation of what anxiety feels like and how one can support someone who struggles with it.) These kids also value the wisdom of adults (who deserve respect), and are surrounded by adults who value them in turn.
Shadowhouse Fall moves this series along at a steady pace, picking up speed with a shadow altering climax that promises all sorts of bigger and better magic in the next book. I'm excited to see the continued development of Sierra and her shapers, as well as their unique abilities.
I enjoyed this but the whole card deck thing wasn't my thing and I didn't like the love triangle either...
Sequel to Shadowshaper. I think it’s a stronger book, both because of the ability to build on character that often happens with a second book, and because of the SUPER CREEPY ANTAGONISTS. Older ends on a hopeful but realistic note, and there’s a ton of moral complexity here.
This series is amazing, just so imaginative and entertaining and just so real. Damn.
If you haven't read this series yet, you really should. Also I need the sequel like ASAP so *insert impatient gif here*
If you haven't read this series yet, you really should. Also I need the sequel like ASAP so *insert impatient gif here*
DAAAAAAYYYUUUUMMMM. This was beyond excellent. That's some rage in this book, Daniel. It's MILES ahead of book one. I'm so ready for part 3.
4.5/5
WOW. This series has definitely leveled up from book one. Pretty much all of my (few) problems like weird pacing and a voice that seemed a little dumbed-down for teens are all gone, and I can only imagine this series will get better. The plot is stronger, the stakes higher, the magic system/world-building is fantastic and unique, and the political commentary biting and on the nose. I also loved seeing more of the characters from the first book, especially Izzy.
I NEED BOOK 3.
I think my main complaints were (a) the new world-building got a little confusing at times and (b) the love triangle felt underdeveloped and unnecessary. Also, sometimes I felt Anthony's panic attacks were kind of a plot device to further his relationship with Sierra?
Sidenote: Is it just me, or is the cover of this book kind of whitewashing Sierra? It's obviously the girl on the cover isn't white, but I seem to remember Sierra being much darker skinned.
WOW. This series has definitely leveled up from book one. Pretty much all of my (few) problems like weird pacing and a voice that seemed a little dumbed-down for teens are all gone, and I can only imagine this series will get better. The plot is stronger, the stakes higher, the magic system/world-building is fantastic and unique, and the political commentary biting and on the nose. I also loved seeing more of the characters from the first book, especially Izzy.
I NEED BOOK 3.
I think my main complaints were (a) the new world-building got a little confusing at times and (b) the love triangle felt underdeveloped and unnecessary. Also, sometimes I felt Anthony's panic attacks were kind of a plot device to further his relationship with Sierra?
Sidenote: Is it just me, or is the cover of this book kind of whitewashing Sierra? It's obviously the girl on the cover isn't white, but I seem to remember Sierra being much darker skinned.