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jennymock's review against another edition
4.0
This book reminds me a lot of Neil Gaiman's "Coraline." The description on Goodreads does an excellent job of summing it up.
cerise_floryn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was a titillating read! It didnt take long as all for me to be pulled into the story's premise. Olive and the world of Elsewhere fascinating my creative curiosity. I imagine going to museums is going to feel quite different for me moving forward thinking, "what if..."
I'm hoping to continue on with this series and certainly reccomend it for others to read! It was a pleasantly quick read that didn't leave you feeling amiss from plot holes or characteristic oddities. In fact, thinking about the world through the eyes of Olive makes everything seem more curious. I can't wait to see what other adventure Jacqueline West "conjures" up.
tilbard's review against another edition
5.0
Kate and I read this book; it was really quite good for a kid's book.
audreychamaine's review against another edition
3.0
When an old lady dies, Olive and her parents move into the creepy mansion that had been closed off to people for years. Olive slowly discovers that the house has many secrets, including paintings that she can travel into, and a trio of talking cat-demons. As Olive struggles to put the pieces together, she begins to learn how much danger she and her parents are actually in. Olive has to act fast, before she finds that she becomes part of a painting permanently.
The Shadows was a fun, fast-paced story with a likable heroine. I especially like any book that includes talking cats as guides for the female lead, a la Alice. Another highlight of this book are the terrific illustrations--I thought they captured the spirit of the story perfectly. While it didn't stun me with brilliance, I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing what other adventures Olive will have in her house, or beyond.
The Shadows was a fun, fast-paced story with a likable heroine. I especially like any book that includes talking cats as guides for the female lead, a la Alice. Another highlight of this book are the terrific illustrations--I thought they captured the spirit of the story perfectly. While it didn't stun me with brilliance, I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing what other adventures Olive will have in her house, or beyond.
caitlin_lore's review against another edition
5.0
5 reasons why this book is marvelous!
You get to (almost) literally escape to another world with Olive! I’m now searching for a pair of magical spectacles.
West’s imagination is perfect for the middle school age. Olive has to take care of herself now and then while her parents are working, but she gets to have her own adventures. Middle Schoolers will connect with the “trying to grow up” idea but still utilize their imagination and innocence!
Um… talking cats anyone?
Harvey. He’s one of the talking cats and my favorite. He likes to act out different characters: spies, pirates, etc, and how fun is that?
Olive’s adventure don’t stop here. You can find her in Spellbound and The Second Spy
If you happen to find Elsewhere, please let me know.
Originally published on The Hopeful Heroine
You get to (almost) literally escape to another world with Olive! I’m now searching for a pair of magical spectacles.
West’s imagination is perfect for the middle school age. Olive has to take care of herself now and then while her parents are working, but she gets to have her own adventures. Middle Schoolers will connect with the “trying to grow up” idea but still utilize their imagination and innocence!
Um… talking cats anyone?
Harvey. He’s one of the talking cats and my favorite. He likes to act out different characters: spies, pirates, etc, and how fun is that?
Olive’s adventure don’t stop here. You can find her in Spellbound and The Second Spy
If you happen to find Elsewhere, please let me know.
Originally published on The Hopeful Heroine
brandypainter's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted here.
I have been meaning to read The Shadows by Jacqueline West since it won the Cybil in MG Fantasy and Science Fiction last year. I finally got around to it now that the new winners are about to be announced. I can see why this one was chosen as a winner. This is a story sure to appeal to children who like their fantasy on the slightly creepy side. For adult fans of the genre there is also quite a bit of nostalgia on offer in the book.
The story in this book is full of a child's dreams come true. An old Victorian house that is bought with all the possessions still inside and free to explore. All those old things to play dress up and all the interesting places to discover. Plus a library full of ancient books with piled high on shelves with ladders. The home also comes with cats. Cats that talk. Life doesn't get much more exciting than that and Olive is enjoying herself. Except for certain paintings that are creeping her out she loves the old house. After finding a pair of glasses that actually allows her to enter the paintings things become a little more dire. There are people inside the paintings who have an extraordinary and frightening tale to tell. Olive finds herself caught in a sinister plot that puts her and her entire family in danger and she doesn't know who she should trust: the lovely painting of a girl named Annabelle or the cats everyone in Elsewhere is telling her are evil witch's familiars.
In addition to the setting of the old house and the mystery of the paintings this book has a supernatural element in it that is downright creepy. If you have a young child who likes haunting stories with a mild fear factor this one is a good choice. It is not too scary, just scary enough and the intense parts of the plot move quickly.
For kids who like series The Shadows is only the first adventure in The Books of Elsewhere. The sequel, Spellbound, is currently available and the third volume, The Second Spy, will be released in July of this year.
I have been meaning to read The Shadows by Jacqueline West since it won the Cybil in MG Fantasy and Science Fiction last year. I finally got around to it now that the new winners are about to be announced. I can see why this one was chosen as a winner. This is a story sure to appeal to children who like their fantasy on the slightly creepy side. For adult fans of the genre there is also quite a bit of nostalgia on offer in the book.
The story in this book is full of a child's dreams come true. An old Victorian house that is bought with all the possessions still inside and free to explore. All those old things to play dress up and all the interesting places to discover. Plus a library full of ancient books with piled high on shelves with ladders. The home also comes with cats. Cats that talk. Life doesn't get much more exciting than that and Olive is enjoying herself. Except for certain paintings that are creeping her out she loves the old house. After finding a pair of glasses that actually allows her to enter the paintings things become a little more dire. There are people inside the paintings who have an extraordinary and frightening tale to tell. Olive finds herself caught in a sinister plot that puts her and her entire family in danger and she doesn't know who she should trust: the lovely painting of a girl named Annabelle or the cats everyone in Elsewhere is telling her are evil witch's familiars.
In addition to the setting of the old house and the mystery of the paintings this book has a supernatural element in it that is downright creepy. If you have a young child who likes haunting stories with a mild fear factor this one is a good choice. It is not too scary, just scary enough and the intense parts of the plot move quickly.
For kids who like series The Shadows is only the first adventure in The Books of Elsewhere. The sequel, Spellbound, is currently available and the third volume, The Second Spy, will be released in July of this year.
deranged_pegasus's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the book. I liked the idea of pictures really being a portal to the past or other places.
mom2triplets04's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this on audio and it was amazing. It's a very cute middle grade book. I even had my kids listen to it on a long ride to my parents house. We all really enjoyed this. Can't wait to listen to the rest of the series.
channywax's review against another edition
I've been on a middle-grade kick lately and this book was so much fun! Olive was a great main character with her shy personality and different quirks. I loved how brave she was. Also, LOVED the cats! I think my kids will love this book. Starting the sequel ASAP! :)