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brandypainter's review
4.0
Review originally posted here.
The Shadow Hunt is exactly my kind of book, good historical fiction with fantasy woven seamlessly into the story, reminiscent of The Perilous Gard (my review) and The Coming of the Dragon (my review). The historical setting of the book is excellently portrayed. The dirt, grime, drudgery, and dynamics of medieval life are truthfully displayed. The fantasy elements come from Anglo-Welsh folklore and include a hearth hob, a well spirit, and the elfkind (or fay). I loved how Langrish demonstrated through this the tension between (and combining of) the old folklore and the newer Christianity that was very prevalent during this period. I also appreciated how both traditions had strengths and weaknesses, good and evil in them.
The characters in the book were easy to love, even the flawed ones. Wolf and Nest are both wonderful protagonist who captured my sympathy and had me rooting for them all the way. The young child, Elfgift, who Wolf rescued is endearing despite her inability to talk. All the residents of the castle were vividly portrayed. While I was reading I really felt like I was in their world with them. My only quibble is that there were two rather stereotypical villains. As these two are not the main opposing force in the story it is only a very minor quibble.
The conflict of the story is one that I found interesting. The evil is active and very real, but at the same time the evil (and good) present in human nature is also a force they must reckon with.
My library has this shelved with the Teen books. I would classify this as more of a middle grade level novel, but one that can be enjoyed by a person of any age who enjoys good historical fantasy. I will certainly be reading more of Ms. Langrish's work in the future.
The Shadow Hunt is exactly my kind of book, good historical fiction with fantasy woven seamlessly into the story, reminiscent of The Perilous Gard (my review) and The Coming of the Dragon (my review). The historical setting of the book is excellently portrayed. The dirt, grime, drudgery, and dynamics of medieval life are truthfully displayed. The fantasy elements come from Anglo-Welsh folklore and include a hearth hob, a well spirit, and the elfkind (or fay). I loved how Langrish demonstrated through this the tension between (and combining of) the old folklore and the newer Christianity that was very prevalent during this period. I also appreciated how both traditions had strengths and weaknesses, good and evil in them.
The characters in the book were easy to love, even the flawed ones. Wolf and Nest are both wonderful protagonist who captured my sympathy and had me rooting for them all the way. The young child, Elfgift, who Wolf rescued is endearing despite her inability to talk. All the residents of the castle were vividly portrayed. While I was reading I really felt like I was in their world with them. My only quibble is that there were two rather stereotypical villains. As these two are not the main opposing force in the story it is only a very minor quibble.
The conflict of the story is one that I found interesting. The evil is active and very real, but at the same time the evil (and good) present in human nature is also a force they must reckon with.
My library has this shelved with the Teen books. I would classify this as more of a middle grade level novel, but one that can be enjoyed by a person of any age who enjoys good historical fantasy. I will certainly be reading more of Ms. Langrish's work in the future.
lizpatanders's review
3.0
The Shadow Hunt is a book which I feel fairly conflicted about. There were some things about the novel that I really enjoyed, and I’m actually wondering if there’s going to be a sequel to it, because I felt that the author left enough room for one by the end of the story. I liked this book, but had some problems with it along the way.
I found the premise and setting of this book to be very original. I liked that Langrish made some of her characters and over arching themes Christian, because sometimes I feel that sometimes people tend to criticize religion without a lot of good reason or logic behind why they’re doing it, and are often doing so for the sake of being critical. A lot of the mythology behind the elves and how they and their surroundings came into being was exceptionally well thought out and woven into the story. There were, however, times throughout the story when I felt that the plot slowed a bit too much for my liking.
One of the things which I didn’t like so much at first was the human characters, particularly Wolf and Nest. As I was reading, I got a vibe from both of them which I felt said, “I want to be a strong-willed character, but will be glad to overreact and stalk off angrily if you upset me.” My problem wasn’t so much that this particular trait could get annoying, but that it didn’t feel very original to me. While I couldn’t quite put a finger on it, I felt like I’d read characters very similar to Wolf and Nest before. However, I felt that they grew much more original and complex towards the end of the novel. Of all of the characters, Elfgift may have been my favorite!
Even though I liked the ending for the most part, I did find myself questioning its feasibility. I’d ultimately really like to continue with these characters and the world Langrish has created, so I hope that a sequel is in the works.
I found the premise and setting of this book to be very original. I liked that Langrish made some of her characters and over arching themes Christian, because sometimes I feel that sometimes people tend to criticize religion without a lot of good reason or logic behind why they’re doing it, and are often doing so for the sake of being critical. A lot of the mythology behind the elves and how they and their surroundings came into being was exceptionally well thought out and woven into the story. There were, however, times throughout the story when I felt that the plot slowed a bit too much for my liking.
One of the things which I didn’t like so much at first was the human characters, particularly Wolf and Nest. As I was reading, I got a vibe from both of them which I felt said, “I want to be a strong-willed character, but will be glad to overreact and stalk off angrily if you upset me.” My problem wasn’t so much that this particular trait could get annoying, but that it didn’t feel very original to me. While I couldn’t quite put a finger on it, I felt like I’d read characters very similar to Wolf and Nest before. However, I felt that they grew much more original and complex towards the end of the novel. Of all of the characters, Elfgift may have been my favorite!
Even though I liked the ending for the most part, I did find myself questioning its feasibility. I’d ultimately really like to continue with these characters and the world Langrish has created, so I hope that a sequel is in the works.
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