xcelxdx 's review for:

The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson
4.25
adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Took a while to get into- partly having to wait for it to be available at the library (as completely sold out in bookshops!!) but once the book starts going it doesn’t stop. Literally had to skip ahead a few chapters to figure out what had happened at the end of one of the POVs. The language felt less tumblr-y than the previous book which made it flow better though Theo’s POV caused second hand cringe (though she is a teenager so..). I thought I would hate having to read Ciara’s POV but by the end of the book hers was my favourite. Wow the amount of twists and turns was insane and I am so excited to see how they link and conclude in the final book. Those last few chapters made me physically drop my jaw.
Luke’s storyline was slightly unconvincing if I’m being honest as I feel like there could have maybe been some hints about him you know being an undercover witchfinder in the previous book but very interesting and what a way to further introduce gender politics. Ciara’s story was masterfully written serving as an empathetic metaphor for addiction, and the classic self fulfilling prophecies.
. This book made me connect slightly more with Elle and Leonie but still feels a little stilted. But I’m a plot girlie and the plot was in fact plotting. What a way to also link in current events. Given everything that’s happened since July 2023 I’m interested to see the interweaving.
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