A review by bickie
Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

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]