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katieinca's review against another edition
4.0
The first book could have been a standalone, and the second outing does a great job answering the question of what on earth this crew might still have to do if the series keeps going. (Answer: beat bigger, scarier evils, and evolve as a team).
The only thing that dented my love for it was that there are a lot of characters coming on and off stage for books of this length. I got fuzzy on some of the minor ones in my time between books, and if I had it to do over again I'd wait until there were 2 or 3 and binge them all in a week. So if you've just finished the first one and are wondering whether to dive into the 2nd or wait? I say dive.
The only thing that dented my love for it was that there are a lot of characters coming on and off stage for books of this length. I got fuzzy on some of the minor ones in my time between books, and if I had it to do over again I'd wait until there were 2 or 3 and binge them all in a week. So if you've just finished the first one and are wondering whether to dive into the 2nd or wait? I say dive.
songwind's review against another edition
5.0
This followup to [b:Shadowshaper|22295304|Shadowshaper (Shadowshaper, #1)|Daniel José Older|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1416429594s/22295304.jpg|41683308] continues where the first left off, and doesn't slow down.
Like the first book, the supernatural events that affect the shadowshapers' lives are just one thread in a tapestry of life that Older weaves around them. All the major characters return, and face their own challenges and dilemmas.
Where the first book's environment dealt a great deal with gentrification, this installment's theme is more geared toward "the system" and the kids' experiences with it. The treatment is pretty wide-ranging, with wise and foolish actions from all quarters and (mostly) complex players. From kids becoming victims of a system meant to protect them, to others cynically abusing it, well meaning cogs doing right AND making mistakes, and forces attempting to change it from within, the message is pretty broad and thoughtful.
I really only have one small complaint, and that's that the supernatural antagonists are kind of flat. OTOH, there's lots of meat there with the environmental antagonists and the systemic ones. And the one-note nature of the Sorrows and their followers is justified in-world, sot it's only a quibble rather than a real gripe. I am a little surprised that Sierra or especially Izzy never really clapped back at any of them about their claims of goodness and justice, though.
Narration node - Anika Noni Rose does a fine job as narrator on this book. She manages to give each character a voice that feels appropriate, and handles men, women, and multiple accents, languages and dialects smoothly.
Like the first book, the supernatural events that affect the shadowshapers' lives are just one thread in a tapestry of life that Older weaves around them. All the major characters return, and face their own challenges and dilemmas.
Where the first book's environment dealt a great deal with gentrification, this installment's theme is more geared toward "the system" and the kids' experiences with it. The treatment is pretty wide-ranging, with wise and foolish actions from all quarters and (mostly) complex players. From kids becoming victims of a system meant to protect them, to others cynically abusing it, well meaning cogs doing right AND making mistakes, and forces attempting to change it from within, the message is pretty broad and thoughtful.
I really only have one small complaint, and that's that the supernatural antagonists are kind of flat. OTOH, there's lots of meat there with the environmental antagonists and the systemic ones. And the one-note nature of the Sorrows and their followers is justified in-world, sot it's only a quibble rather than a real gripe. I am a little surprised that Sierra or especially Izzy never really clapped back at any of them about their claims of goodness and justice, though.
Narration node - Anika Noni Rose does a fine job as narrator on this book. She manages to give each character a voice that feels appropriate, and handles men, women, and multiple accents, languages and dialects smoothly.
robynjhip's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
tcdancer4u's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
miss617's review against another edition
5.0
I laughed. I got angry. I cheered (silently if I was in a public place). I almost cried (not ashamed).
There are very few books where I genuinely feel like I know and relate to the characters. When something bad or good happened to them, I reacted as if they were real people. So watching the crew grow into their powers as shadowshapers, and Sierra into her role as Lucera, was magical. And although it was tough to read the scenes that, those scenes real and honest. I appreciate that DJ didn't shy away from them.
The ending... man. So many unanswered questions. I hate that I have to wait for a third book because I need to know what happens next.
There are very few books where I genuinely feel like I know and relate to the characters. When something bad or good happened to them, I reacted as if they were real people. So watching the crew grow into their powers as shadowshapers, and Sierra into her role as Lucera, was magical. And although it was tough to read the scenes that
Spoiler
dealt with police brutalityThe ending... man. So many unanswered questions. I hate that I have to wait for a third book because I need to know what happens next.
brandypainter's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this sequel to [b:Shadowshaper|22295304|Shadowshaper (Shadowshaper, #1)|Daniel José Older|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1416429594s/22295304.jpg|41683308]. It is a broader book, requiring knowledge of both plot and characters for the previous book in order to fully enjoy it. (If you haven't read Shadowshaper, start there and know you have TWO amazing books awaiting for you. Shadowhouse Fall picks up a few months following the end of the first story. Sierra is training her Shadowshapers and trying to grow into her role as Lucera. In the midst of all of this, The Sorrows are again on the move eager to use Sierra's youth and naivety to gain power again. The world Older created in the first book in the series is widened here, showing many layers and depths. Several new characters are introduced, all of whom add new angles to the story. This is an excellent series that uses mythology and magic and also highlights many social injustices and societal issues. Older does an exquisite job of balancing hope with the starker realities of the world. I also appreciate how there is closure but everything isn't tied up perfectly.
chocodippedlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this sequel! What I like about both so far is Older dives straight into the action and it flows really well. I also liked the idea of a variety of shadowshapers that fits the characters individual strengths. The only con I have is the lack of backstory about the traditions. I feel Sierra's frustration as a character lol, but also as a reader is frustrating because I feel like theres not enough information about the history of the shadowshapers and the deck.
I also liked that Sierra and Robbie arent a typical couple and it shows the reality of dating. I would definitely still recommend.
I also liked that Sierra and Robbie arent a typical couple and it shows the reality of dating. I would definitely still recommend.
ashkitty93's review against another edition
5.0
Ahhhhh this was fantastic. It's autumn so the kids are back to school, and to see the magic system of shadowshaping set side-by-side with the real-world issues either happening or being discussed in the classroom was brilliant. I loved seeing Mina step in and become part of the crew after she showed up in Tee's novella GHOST GIRL IN THE CORNER, and from the old-timer shapers to Sierra's mom, just... yes. I love the scope of these books, bringing together strangers and families with magic and without it. And that ending? YES. Why shouldn't we be able to have both? Can't wait for #3. Time to go find the second novella. And more Bone Street Rumba books in the meantime.
caitmarie24's review against another edition
5.0
Still love this series. Can’t wait for the next one!