Shadows

By: Robin McKinley

Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya

A compelling and inventive novel set in a world where science and magic are at odds

Maggie knows something's off about Val, her mom's new husband. Val is from Oldworld, where they still use magic, and he won't have any tech in his office-shed behind the house. But—more importantly—what are the huge, horrible, jagged, jumpy shadows following him around? Magic is illegal in Newworld, which is all about science. The magic-carrying gene was disabled two generations ago, back when Maggie's great-grandmother was a notable magician. But that was a long time ago.

Then Maggie meets Casimir, the most beautiful boy she has ever seen. He's from Oldworld too—and he's heard of Maggie's stepfather, and has a guess about Val's shadows. Maggie doesn't want to know . . . until earth-shattering events force her to depend on Val and his shadows. And perhaps on her own heritage.

In this dangerously unstable world, neither science nor magic has the necessary answers, but a truce between them is impossible. And although the two are supposed to be incompatible, Maggie's discovering the world will need both to survive.

©2013 Robin McKinley (P)2023 Tantor

Half a great tale...

Characters, narrative voice, reader's voices, pacing, are all charming. But I've never read a book more desperately in need of a sequel. (Please note that I'm not a fan of sequels.) This isn't so much a matter of wanting to know more as one of wanting some key plot points resolved, particularly what at least seems to be one major contrsdoction in worldbuilding. Still worth a listen - even if only for Our Heroine's interactions with various critters (and, of course, shadows).

Very creative

Great book. Very creative and did great with imagery. Would listen another in series of one came out. Really enjoyed the narrator

Amazing!

This has been one of my favorite books that Robin McKinley has ever written. any author that can make a math book into a lovable character is amazing. I hope she continues to make such good works and I am excited to finally see this book as an audiobook.

The voice of the narrator is nice they do wonderful inflections and each character has their own voice which makes it easy to follow and fun to listen to.

Great world building!

I’ve always loved Robin McKinley’s novels for young adults! And this one is no different. Her imagination is wonderful and you don’t want to leave this world she has created.

The narrator did a wonderful job with all of the accents, timing, expression, etc. and I would love to listen to more books read by her!

Excellent!

One of my all time faves, beautifully done! I’ve been waiting and hoping to see Shadows offered in audio format!