Shadowshaper

by Daniel José Older
Shadowshaper cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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Technical
  • ID: 7849
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-18
  • ISBN: 9780606391245
  • Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
  • Published: 2015-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Sierra Santiago's life takes an unexpected turn when the murals in her Brooklyn neighborhood start changing and fading before her eyes. She soon learns that her Puerto Rican family possesses the ancient power of shadowshaping, allowing them to manipulate shadows and connect with the spirits of their ancestors. However, an evil anthropologist seeks to exploit this power, putting Sierra and her loved ones in grave danger. As Sierra delves deeper into her family's legacy, she must harness her newfound abilities to protect her community and uncover the truth behind the sinister forces at work. The story is a vibrant blend of urban fantasy and cultural heritage, exploring themes of identity, family, and the power of community. The narrative is enriched by the author's own Puerto Rican heritage, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to the story.

Reviews
Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2017-11-08
loved 4.50

The reviewer loved the book from the first page and found it to be even better as it progressed. The author's command of character, culture, and prose is highly praised.

Kara Babcock at Kara Reviews expresses her love for Shadowshaper, stating that she was hooked from the very first page. She praises the author's ability to create well-developed characters and a rich cultural backdrop. The reviewer also highlights the luscious prose, which she finds to be a standout feature of the book. She appreciates the way the book explores themes of family, identity, and culture, making it a deeply engaging read. Overall, Kara highly recommends Shadowshaper for its compelling narrative and richly drawn characters.

Quick quotes

    Shadowshaper is one of those books I loved from page one, and it only got better.

    Daniel José Older's command of character, culture, and prose is highly praised.

    The book explores themes of family, identity, and culture in a deeply engaging way.

Falling Letters · 2017-03-02
exciting 4.00

The book is a vibrant and thrilling urban fantasy that appeals to a wide audience. The reviewer praises its engaging narrative and richly drawn world.

Falling Letters highlights how Shadowshaper stands out as a colourful and exciting YA urban fantasy that transcends genre boundaries. The reviewer appreciates the vivid setting and the engaging story, making it a compelling read even for those who typically avoid the genre. The book's ability to captivate a broad audience is particularly noted, showcasing its universal appeal and the author's skill in crafting an immersive narrative.

Quick quotes

    Daniel José Older's Shadowshaper is a colourful and exciting YA urban fantasy that even those who don't usually read the genre can enjoy.

    The book's ability to captivate a broad audience is particularly noted, showcasing its universal appeal.

    The reviewer appreciates the vivid setting and the engaging story.

Dear Author · 2015-07-27
joyful 3.50

The book is celebrated for its joyful spirit and luscious writing, introducing a unique heroine and magic. The reviewer commends its cultural richness and engaging narrative.

Dear Author praises Shadowshaper for its joyful and defiant spirit, with writing that is as luscious as a Brooklyn summer night. The reviewer highlights the introduction of a heroine and magic unlike anything else, making the book a standout in its genre. The cultural richness and engaging narrative are particularly commended, showcasing the author's ability to blend vibrant storytelling with deep cultural insights.

Quick quotes

    Full of a joyful, defiant spirit and writing as luscious as a Brooklyn summer night, Shadowshaper introduces a heroine and magic unlike anything else.

    The reviewer highlights the introduction of a heroine and magic unlike anything else.

    The cultural richness and engaging narrative are particularly commended.

The New York Times · 2015-07-10
magnificent 4.50

The book is described as magnificent, offering a vital and authentic portrayal of Brooklyn. The reviewer appreciates the rich cultural tapestry and the protagonist's journey.

The New York Times describes Shadowshaper as a magnificent novel that brings to life a vital and authentic Brooklyn. The reviewer appreciates the rich cultural tapestry and the protagonist's journey, which are central to the book's appeal. The book's ability to capture the essence of its setting and the depth of its characters is particularly noted, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    That is certainly true in Daniel José Older's magnificent “Shadowshaper,” which gives us a Brooklyn that is vital, authentic and under attack.

    The reviewer appreciates the rich cultural tapestry and the protagonist's journey.

    The book's ability to capture the essence of its setting and the depth of its characters is particularly noted.

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