Title: Shadowshaper
Author: Daniel José Older
First published June 30, 2015
297 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780545591614 (ISBN10: 0545591619)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
The summer was supposed to be about art, friends, and skateboarding for Sierra Santiago. But when a mysterious figure crashes the first party of the season and her grandfather starts muttering strange phrases, Sierra knows something bizarre is happening in Brooklyn.
The graffiti murals start to cry, and Sierra discovers the existence of the Shadowshapers, a supernatural order that communicates with spirits through music, paintings, and stories. Unfortunately, her grandfather once shared their secrets with an anthropologist named Dr. Jonathan Wick, who now wants to use the magic for his own purposes.
Wick wants to become the ultimate Shadowshaper by killing all others, and Sierra must team up with her friends and the hot graffiti artist Robbie to stop him. Can Sierra dodge Wick’s dangerous creations, harness her own Shadowshaping abilities, and save her family’s past, present, and future?
About the Author
Meet Daniel José Older, an accomplished author whose works have earned him a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. His Young Adult series, the Shadowshaper Cypher, published by Scholastic, has been a hit with readers.
He has also written the urban fantasy series, Bone Street Rumba, for Penguin, and has an upcoming Middle Grade sci-fi adventure, Flood City, coming out under Scholastic.
Daniel’s writing has earned him recognition from the literary community, having won the International Latino Book Award and being nominated for awards such as the Kirkus Prize, Mythopoeic Award, Locus Award, Andre Norton Award, and even the World Fantasy Award. His book, Shadowshaper, has been recognized by Esquire as one of their 80 Books Every Person Should Read.
When he’s not writing, Daniel shares his insights on the craft of storytelling, draws from his decade-long career as a paramedic in New York City, and shares his music with his followers. You can find him on YouTube and Twitter under the handle @djolder.
Editoral Review
In Shadowshaper, Daniel Jos Older skillfully crafts a young adult urban fantasy novel that deftly blends genres and provides fresh perspectives on issues that are relevant today. Published on June 30, 2015, this novel has quickly become a must-read for young adult readers who are looking for diversity and representation in literature.
The story follows Sierra Santiago, a teenage girl living in Brooklyn who has to navigate her way through a world that she never thought existed. As she learns the truth about the supernatural beings in her community, she discovers her own powers as a Shadowshaper, someone who can mold spirits through art.
Along with her friends and family, Sierra has to battle against an evil sorcerer who is bent on using the Shadowshapers powers for his own nefarious purposes. Olders writing style is engaging and accessible, and his blending of magical realism and urban fantasy is a refreshingly new take on both genres.
The novels themes of identity and cultural heritage are incredibly relevant now and will resonate with readers of all ages. In addition, the book’s exploration of gentrification, police brutality, and cultural appropriation is both timely and important.
Perhaps the strongest aspect of this novel is its representation of people of color. Sierra is a complex and multi-faceted protagonist, and the supporting cast is as equally well-developed.
Older does an excellent job of creating a vibrant and diverse world, which is often absent in young adult literature. The plot is well-structured and well-paced, and the action scenes are written with vivid and stunning detail.
The fusion of folklore with contemporary issues is seamlessly done and adds an extra layer of depth and interest to the story. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
An overuse of exposition slows down the action at times, and the villains motivations are not fleshed out enough, leading to a somewhat lackluster climax. The book’s ending may also leave some unanswered questions and may not satisfy all readers.
Overall, Shadowshaper is a fantastic novel that seamlessly combines several genres, addresses a myriad of issues, and features a memorable cast of characters. It is a must-read for young adult fans of urban fantasy, and even those who are not fans of the genre will find something to appreciate in Olders writing.
It is rated 4.5 out of 5, as it could use some improvement in plot climax, but the strengths of the book outweigh the flaws.
