A review by amylandranch
The Shadows: The Books of Elsewhere: Volume 1 by Jacqueline West

3.0

This series was recommended for the library by a student so I purchased it and read it. Being the big baby that I am, I was deliciously scared at times and at one point I had to stop reading at night because it was too scary (keep in mind that I am a big wuss). Olive and her family move into a big, creepy house and as she explores, she finds that the paintings move and the cats talk to her. As she continues to explore, she figures out how to enter the paintings and what she finds there is not so great. I liked Olive as the plucky lead who is brave and kind. I also liked the supporting cast, including the cats. It has mystery and action and a dash of suspense. It is for younger readers (grades 4 and up) but I think any fan of mystery and magic will enjoy this book.