Shadowshaper (Shadowshaper Cypher, #1) in 2016 Hub Reading Challenge

Nov 30, 2015 Elisabeth rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction, 2016, ya

"For all the times she'd shrugged off one of those slurs, some little tentacle of them still crawled its way toward her heart... No matter what she did, that little voice came creeping back, persistent and unsatisfied."

I read this book for the 2016 YALSA Hub Challenge, but really, it was already on my to-read list. I've been pretty pumped about reading it and I've got to say, I was a bit disappointed. I don't know why I suddenly feel the need to write my book reviews in lists, but here goes.

I lo "For all the times she'd shrugged off one of those slurs, some little tentacle of them still crawled its way toward her heart... No matter what she did, that little voice came creeping back, persistent and unsatisfied."

I read this book for the 2016 YALSA Hub Challenge, but really, it was already on my to-read list. I've been pretty pumped about reading it and I've got to say, I was a bit disappointed. I don't know why I suddenly feel the need to write my book reviews in lists, but here goes.

I loved:
1. The protagonist: Sierra was fabulous. She has some serious pride in herself, her home, and her friends.
2. Strong female best friend
3. Strong LGBT characters
4. The most gorgeous cover of 2015
5. Fascinating storyline
6. The dialog was unexpected and refreshing
7. The setting, with spotlights on neighborhood, community, and gentrification

I hated:
1. The pacing-this could've been a kickass trilogy, but it's very poorly developed.
2. Choppy-there were some great lines and great scenes, but for the most part it was just plain hard to read.
3. The tone-I felt like I was reading a middle grade book. There was no tension, no buildup, no nothing.
4. Unnecessary characters-you know when an author introduces someone and you think, "Ooooh, better remember that dude." Don't bother. They're just there taking up space on the page.
(view spoiler)

I confess, though. If there's a sequel, I'll definitely read it. I got this book through the Mississippi Library Commission's interlibrary loan service from the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. ...more

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Jan 25, 2016 Julie Trapp rated it liked it

a 3 1/2. I actually liked the story, but did not like the speech of the teens ("Imma" for I am, etc.). Since I don't speak Spanish, some of the dialogue went over my head (although it was mostly explained in the answers given). While I was reading it, I though about how it could be done as a movie (odd, as I do not go to movies at all). Was not ready to like it at first, but then the plot and characters grew on me. ...more

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May 23, 2015 Amy! rated it really liked it

Shelves: e-book, young-adult, urban-fantasy, interesting-heroines, fantasy, supernatural-ladies-fighting-evil, diverse-characters, read-poc, yalsa-hub-challenge-2016, zzz2016-poc-authors

This was quick paced, and had great, funny dialogue. Older pulled me into the story right away, and really made me care about all the characters; when a side character is killed, I was legit sad about it. This is a wonderful teen entry into the "urban-awesome-ladies-who-kick-supernatural-butt fantasy" genre.

Also, that cover. <3333 ...more

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Dec 05, 2015 Nicole McLaren rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016-hub-challenge, mclaren-ya-reads

This was a very different read for me and I enjoyed it. I love the multi-cultural cast of characters and the Brooklyn setting.

A more detailed review to follow.Shadowshaper ...more

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Jul 26, 2015 Ellie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, teen, 2016-hub-challenge

I LOVED this book. I love the culture, I love the language, I love the way the book sounds. It's full of the magic of storytelling as well as the power of history and family. The audiobook was intoxicating, and I may listen again when I get the time! Definitely a new favorite. ...more

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