Reviews

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

kim_j_dare's review against another edition

5.0

Wow wow wow. An excellent urban fantasy, completely original. Protagonist Sierra's Puerto Rican heritage plays a key role as the Brooklyn-born teen discovers that she comes from a long line of Shadowshapers-- people with the ability to provide form to spirits through art or the spoken word. A beautiful story that pulses with rhythm and energy.

niccinite's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. It's a magical story about friends, family, heritage and traditions. I loved the characters, especially Sierra and Robbie. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

aarnireads's review against another edition

2.0

A pretty fun YA adventure. But unfortunately didn't get me emotionally invested in pretty much anything. Interesting premise though and a diverse cast, which was a joy.

jenmangler's review against another edition

4.0

I so enjoyed reading this! I've never read urban fantasy before, but if other books in the genre are this good it won't be the last. I love the sense of community that shines through. I love how the importance of history and family are such important elements throughout the story. I love how street art is portrayed as vital to the community.

Daniel José Older said in an interview "We can tell great, adventurous stories and talk about painful truths in a contemporary context." That is exactly what Shadowshaper does.

angelicardale's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

bro this SUCKEDDDDD so sorry to the author but i did notttt have a fun time reading this ): 

issa_her's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

seymone's review against another edition

4.0

Much better the second time around! The audiobook bring this story to life. Enjoyed!

katieinca's review against another edition

5.0

As issue-laden and chock-full of family drama as the juiciest YA, and as full of ass-kicking as the most fun urban fantasy. And all so deftly done. And lovingly. Really, even with the focus zombie thwarting there's still time to do things like address "good hair."

edshara's review against another edition

4.0

I am going to tentatively give this book 4 stars. I enjoyed the plot and a fantasy novel with an ethnic mix of characters was right up my alley. However, my first reading of this book, was via audiobook and I know that a large portion of my adoration for this book comes from hearing it brought to life by Anika Noni Rose. She did an exceptional job, bringing each character to life and making Shadowshaper enjoyable in a way I'm not sure I could have done by just reading it. I know, at times, I was frustrated that there was this character, Sierra Santiago, who was heir to this intensely important magical power/gift yet NONE of the adults who knew about it wanted to help her or give her information. I just don't get how they could ignore all her questions, forcing her to go off searching for answers on her own, and somehow think that was the best choice. (This is a personal pet peeve of mine. How can not telling the truth keep someone safe if it causes them to run around blindly searching for answers and putting themselves in dangerous situations? UGH!!) Anyway, I was glad that Mr. Older, at least gave Sierra some reliable friends, all of whom I liked.

I do however want to get a print version of this book and read it on my own, to see if I really enjoy it as much as I do now. And I'm sure I'll continue with the series either way, because this book ended so well, I'm curious to see what else they will get into and how Sierra and the other characters will grow and develop, especially the ones that wanted to deny or doubt the existence of Shadowshaping. Overall it was a good read and I'm glad I chose this book for my first ever audiobook(not sure why I haven't tried audiobooks before now...)

parkergarlough's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75