Author: John Lenahan
Publisher: The Friday Project
Binding: Hardback
Publication Date: 2008

 I swear I did not let the fact that I own a limited, signed and numbered copy of Shadowmagic by John Lenahan influence my opinion of this book. It is a lovely hardback, black with a silver Celtic knot on the cover–but a book is not to be judged by the cover! Fortunately for me, the inside of the book is a reflection of the beautiful cover: a few Celtic legends, ancient languages and a setting that combined fairy tales and the medievil made for a very adventuresome read.

This book is YA–the tale of Conor, a fairly normal teenager–with a fairly abnormal father, one who demands that Conor learn to sword-fight, learn a few ancient languages and generally stay in good shape. These skills wouldn’t seem useful, but they turn out to be rather helpful when a couple of Celtic warriors show up determined to kill Conor and his father.

Conor is rudely thrown out of his 21st century upbringing and into another land where he discovers his real background. Yes, its a cliche that he is a prince and that people want him dead, but really, it is Conor’s father that is heir to the thrown so that isn’t Conor’s largest problem. The book is paced extremely well, especially considering the amount of background information that is worked in. Since everyone wants Conor and his father dead, there is plenty of tension; once the two are separated, Conor’s real fun begins. The plot itself is not unique, but the humor, route and many of the details make the book its own special adventure and one well-worth reading. One of my favorite moments comes when Conor must name his sword–his choice ably captures the humor and highlights his tendency to superimpose modern society onto his current situation.

I admit I read this book fully expecting a happy ending–one with challenges, sacrifice and some pain.  This is a grand tale, exactly the kind you might look for on a lazy summer afternoon of escapism. With winter coming on, it’s a book that will stand you well on a cold night when there seems to be nothing but more cold weather on the way.

For anyone that enjoyed Magen Whalen Turner’s The Thief this book is one you are likely to enjoy.  Shadowmagic has a faster pace and more humor.

It is available in both hardcover and paperback.

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Topics: HarperCollins, John Lenahan, Shadowmagic, The Friday Project, Young Adult