briarrose1021's review
5.0
Wow! This was a great book! Marcus and Ellie are twins who live with their grandparents. Told their parents were killed, the only other family they know is an aunt and uncle, whom they visit in the state sanitarium once a month, though Marcus really dislikes the visits. Their home is attached to the family store, where they sell magic items, though business has been really slow lately and the family struggles financially. One day, Marcus discovers a secret room with all sorts of items. While Marcus and Ellie are watching the shop, a gentleman comes in and asks for the back room. Thinking he means the secret room, Marcus and Ellie take him into it, then sell the gentleman a skull. What Marcus and Ellie did not realize is that that one simple act will catapult them into the middle of a family feud and lead them to discover that magic is real.
This was such a good book. I loved the drip, drip of the worldbuilding and the cryptic answers that Winston, Marcus' and Ellie's grandfather would give to questions they would ask, if he answered them at all. The amount of information that was hidden from Marcus and Ellie, for their protection, sure, but still hidden, ended up causing so many problems for the family. Normally, I get very frustrated with plots driven by information that has been withheld from the protagonist. In this case, though, the reasons that are eventually revealed for why Winston and Charlotte withheld the information from Marcus and Ellie make sense, and though much could have been avoided if they had told the children more earlier, I can also understand why they didn't.
As for how the story ended. Wow. Just wow. I did not see that coming. What I thought would happen ended up not happening and what did happen was just ... mean. It was mean of the author to do that to me. Thankfully, book 2 is already out, so I will be able to find out what happened.
For this book, I listened to the audiobook. The narrator, Steve Barnes, did a good job. I didn't really like his voice, but that is just my personal preference on my part; his performance was good, and my dislike of his voice isn't strong enough to prevent me from listening to book 2.
This was such a good book. I loved the drip, drip of the worldbuilding and the cryptic answers that Winston, Marcus' and Ellie's grandfather would give to questions they would ask, if he answered them at all. The amount of information that was hidden from Marcus and Ellie, for their protection, sure, but still hidden, ended up causing so many problems for the family. Normally, I get very frustrated with plots driven by information that has been withheld from the protagonist. In this case, though, the reasons that are eventually revealed for why Winston and Charlotte withheld the information from Marcus and Ellie make sense, and though much could have been avoided if they had told the children more earlier, I can also understand why they didn't.
As for how the story ended. Wow. Just wow. I did not see that coming. What I thought would happen ended up not happening and what did happen was just ... mean. It was mean of the author to do that to me. Thankfully, book 2 is already out, so I will be able to find out what happened.
For this book, I listened to the audiobook. The narrator, Steve Barnes, did a good job. I didn't really like his voice, but that is just my personal preference on my part; his performance was good, and my dislike of his voice isn't strong enough to prevent me from listening to book 2.
lionchasing's review
4.0
*Edited after reading [b:The Shadow's Servant|41464533|The Shadow's Servant (Shadow Magic, #2)|Justin Swapp|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1535302519l/41464533._SX50_.jpg|45641218]. The parts I'm striking from the original review are marked as spoilers instead. If you care, this will give a view into how my review evolved after reading further in the series.*
I am going to divide this review into two parts - an objective review of what is a solid YA fantasy novel, and my subjective thoughts based on my own tastes.
Objectively this is a pretty good YA fantasy novel, targeted I think to young teens and following most of the normal conventions. Kid discovers he's more than he knew, goes on a journey into unknown territory, tastes both darkness and light, runs into fantastical things along the way, and comes out of it more mature. There are enough minor twists to keep it interesting enough for older and younger readers/listeners alike. This is a good start to a series for young fans of magic and adventure. +After reading further, I'll double down on this; it's an awful lot of fun once you get into it.
My subjective opinions are from the perspective of a middle-age adult. I struggled to get fully interested in where the story was going until half way through. There were a half dozen times or more that I threw up my hands in frustration because someone did something illogical for what seemed like no reason other than to lead into the next confrontation. This, more than anything was the biggest hurdle for me, and I maintain that the real villains of this story are the grandparents for many of these moments. +After reading further in the series, it's clear this was an intentional choice and I've come to view my frustrations as investment in the characters. It doesn't make the first half of this book less frustrating, but it is worth soldiering on if you feel the same!
I give the book an even 4 stars. It is right in the wheelhouse for YA fantasy amd I think the book accomplishes what it sets out to do, and the series gets better from here. Would selectively recommend to fantasy-loving middle-grade teens.
Note: I received a free copy of the audio book with encouragement for an honest review, and picked up the kindle edition separately.
I am going to divide this review into two parts - an objective review of what is a solid YA fantasy novel, and my subjective thoughts based on my own tastes.
Objectively this is a pretty good YA fantasy novel, targeted I think to young teens and following most of the normal conventions. Kid discovers he's more than he knew, goes on a journey into unknown territory, tastes both darkness and light, runs into fantastical things along the way, and comes out of it more mature. There are enough minor twists to keep it interesting enough for older and younger readers/listeners alike. This is a good start to a series for young fans of magic and adventure. +After reading further, I'll double down on this; it's an awful lot of fun once you get into it.
My subjective opinions are from the perspective of a middle-age adult. I struggled to get fully interested in where the story was going until half way through.
Spoiler
.. for two specific reasons listed in order of how I experienced them. First, listening to this in audio form, Steve Barnes' narration was unexpectedly breathy. I sampled his other narrations and that's his style, so in the end no fault here, but it was off-putting at the beginning for me. Second and more significant, decisions made by and reasoning (or lack thereof) given by most characters at various points - in particular the grandparents - were illogical and frustratingly flawed. This isn't uncommon in YA novels, but it's also entirely possible to stock a YA book with nuanced characters who make logical decisions that still lead us through the tropes of YA fantasy.I give the book an even 4 stars.
Spoiler
3.5 stars as a print book. The story Justin Swapp provides - absent my concerns about logic -Spoiler
In audio form, Steve Barnes' narration adds another half star for excellent charaterizations.Note: I received a free copy of the audio book with encouragement for an honest review, and picked up the kindle edition separately.
booksteacupnreviews's review
4.0
*** Note: I received a review copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author. I am glad I got a chance to read this book. ***
3.5 Stars
Story revolves around Fith family and their secrets, twin sibling- Marcus and Ellie, The Magic Shop, magical world, and lots of adventure. I will say more about characters here than magic because characters and magic in the book was of equal importance and if I talk more about magic it will spoil the book.
Characters-
Marcus was irresponsible, reckless boy who was not listening to his grandparents and not understanding what actually family means. All he could see the struggle they were having because of not enough money and his electronic gadgets. He never liked magic and so never liked to work at their shop.
Ellie was bookworm who loved reading, so you can see, she was easily likable, plus she cared for her brother Marcus and always watching his back. She was responsible and more understanding.
Grandparents were too much secretive about thongs that they should have shared before but as story progressed I understood why they kept so many secrets.
Uncle Caleb, Aunt Anabell and antagonists were surprise package in the book. Actually all characters were unpredictable specially Markus. All secondary characters played a good role I could understand them better than main characters Marcus and Ellie.
At the end of the story it was like I have seen only one side of these siblings, it’s just the beginning and might know more in further books of this series.
What I Liked-
Epigraph with Percy Jackson quote. Whee!! Nothing is better than that.
Wonderful magical world and concept. The descriptions of magic, magical creature and artifacts was beautifully written. It was easy to imagine all things. Little myths thrown here and there in the book was interesting. Best part of the book was when Elba explained everything to Marcus. I won’t tell who Elba was, it will spoil the fun of reading those chapters but that was best and most interesting part of the book. Tests of Marcus gave the idea along with characters what was going on. I like it when I and characters walk at same pace through the story. I loved the lesson behind those tests about choice of being good or bad and how bad choices affects even after death.
Bonding of Marcus and Ellie was great. Few of Marcus’ remarks were rude but his sarcastic nature made the book little lighter. Magical action scenes were exciting. If book didn’t have that excitement I would have cut more stars and I’m glad author didn’t disappoint me here.
Second half of the book was pretty fast than the first one. I flew through pages like fastest magic was at work. Loved this second part. It was like information flooding in this half. Everything came at once and enjoyed all those information. I was waiting for this from very beginning and I think this will be most essential part of whole series. Unimaginable twist and turns. Even characters turned out totally unexpected. If the whole book would have been like this second half, I definitely have given it full 5 stars.
End– Awesome climax and just perfect ending. Loved that last twist.
Why I didn't give 5 Stars-
First half of the book- It took me little while to get into book. To be exact I liked book more after Ellie and Marcus paid second visit to their uncle at mental hospital. Till that it was little bit slow because I didn’t like the way Marcus was behaving and all secrecy of magic by their grandparents. It was hard to feel related to characters till that point. Plus I felt irritated at some point. I was like what we are waiting for! Just get to the point.
Second thing that I’m still thinking after finishing book, why Elba didn’t explain magic to Ellie, she took test of Markus only why not Ellie? It was clear that she was same like Marcus and if she was different, what kind of magic she had! So the Ellie thing was very unclear and book was more focused on Marcus than her. I hope in second book I will get the answers for these questions.
This book could be more fun if there was humor in it.
Overall, different concept with exciting magical adventure. I don’t want to end this adventure here and would like to read second book of the series, The Shadow’s Servant. Fantasy magic book lovers would like to read this book.
3.5 Stars
Story revolves around Fith family and their secrets, twin sibling- Marcus and Ellie, The Magic Shop, magical world, and lots of adventure. I will say more about characters here than magic because characters and magic in the book was of equal importance and if I talk more about magic it will spoil the book.
Characters-
Marcus was irresponsible, reckless boy who was not listening to his grandparents and not understanding what actually family means. All he could see the struggle they were having because of not enough money and his electronic gadgets. He never liked magic and so never liked to work at their shop.
Ellie was bookworm who loved reading, so you can see, she was easily likable, plus she cared for her brother Marcus and always watching his back. She was responsible and more understanding.
Grandparents were too much secretive about thongs that they should have shared before but as story progressed I understood why they kept so many secrets.
Uncle Caleb, Aunt Anabell and antagonists were surprise package in the book. Actually all characters were unpredictable specially Markus. All secondary characters played a good role I could understand them better than main characters Marcus and Ellie.
At the end of the story it was like I have seen only one side of these siblings, it’s just the beginning and might know more in further books of this series.
What I Liked-
Epigraph with Percy Jackson quote. Whee!! Nothing is better than that.
Wonderful magical world and concept. The descriptions of magic, magical creature and artifacts was beautifully written. It was easy to imagine all things. Little myths thrown here and there in the book was interesting. Best part of the book was when Elba explained everything to Marcus. I won’t tell who Elba was, it will spoil the fun of reading those chapters but that was best and most interesting part of the book. Tests of Marcus gave the idea along with characters what was going on. I like it when I and characters walk at same pace through the story. I loved the lesson behind those tests about choice of being good or bad and how bad choices affects even after death.
Bonding of Marcus and Ellie was great. Few of Marcus’ remarks were rude but his sarcastic nature made the book little lighter. Magical action scenes were exciting. If book didn’t have that excitement I would have cut more stars and I’m glad author didn’t disappoint me here.
Second half of the book was pretty fast than the first one. I flew through pages like fastest magic was at work. Loved this second part. It was like information flooding in this half. Everything came at once and enjoyed all those information. I was waiting for this from very beginning and I think this will be most essential part of whole series. Unimaginable twist and turns. Even characters turned out totally unexpected. If the whole book would have been like this second half, I definitely have given it full 5 stars.
End– Awesome climax and just perfect ending. Loved that last twist.
Why I didn't give 5 Stars-
First half of the book- It took me little while to get into book. To be exact I liked book more after Ellie and Marcus paid second visit to their uncle at mental hospital. Till that it was little bit slow because I didn’t like the way Marcus was behaving and all secrecy of magic by their grandparents. It was hard to feel related to characters till that point. Plus I felt irritated at some point. I was like what we are waiting for! Just get to the point.
Second thing that I’m still thinking after finishing book, why Elba didn’t explain magic to Ellie, she took test of Markus only why not Ellie? It was clear that she was same like Marcus and if she was different, what kind of magic she had! So the Ellie thing was very unclear and book was more focused on Marcus than her. I hope in second book I will get the answers for these questions.
This book could be more fun if there was humor in it.
Overall, different concept with exciting magical adventure. I don’t want to end this adventure here and would like to read second book of the series, The Shadow’s Servant. Fantasy magic book lovers would like to read this book.
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