Scan barcode
thissagreads's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A spiritual mystery for sure! I loved the concept, but it wasn’t until the LAST 2-3 chapters, that it all comes together and makes a full picture.
I wish there was en epilogue, and I would have liked to seen what happened after Sutton, Casey and Ruth all survived from Ruth’s psychotic adopted pastor father, but all he did was burn in a fire and they just watched the cabin ablaze. I wanted more context around the pastor’s thinking.
Lastly, the pace moved a little slower than I’d like, but I did enjoy the ancestral ties.
I wish there was en epilogue, and I would have liked to seen what happened
Lastly, the pace moved a little slower than I’d like, but I did enjoy the ancestral ties.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Child death, Racism, and Death of parent
mellmell's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
thunderingnight_reads's review
4.0
This book has amazing cover art! Beyond that it was a really enjoyable YA story, except the ending! Leaves you hanging, so I hope the author will have a follow up to this one. I think this will be great for teen readers, and believe it would be a big hit. With the spooky feel of this and keeping in mind the audience, I believe the author did a great job.
beachsidebookreads's review
5.0
Lily Meade's debut novel, "The Shadow Sister," is a contemporary mystery that addresses both timely and timeless issues; privilege, missing black women, generational issues stemming from slavery, and sibling rivalry What I enjoyed in addition to giving me themes to ponder deeply on, was that this book, as the primary story, was a who dun it mystery and thriller that had me totally engaged in the plot while there is a reminder of issues that women, specifically women of color, deal with every day while just living their lives.
The story centers around sisters, Casey and Sutton, one of whom goes missing. There is also a tad bit of magical realism which keeps this story fresh. The author's ability to create a rich tapestry of emotions and intricately woven relationships drew me in, and it's this emotional depth that sets "The Shadow Sister" apart from other debut novels.
The characters in "The Shadow Sister" are beautifully nuanced and relatable, each carrying their own burdens and pasts that shape their present decisions and actions. The protagonist, in particular, is a compelling and multi-faceted individual, making it easy for readers to become invested in her journey of self-discovery.
Lily Meade's writing style is captivating, showcasing a rare talent for storytelling that evokes a wide range of emotions. Her descriptive prose beautifully paints scenes and landscapes, immersing readers in the story's setting and creating an almost cinematic experience. The imagery is so vivid that one can almost feel the breeze, smell the flowers, and sense the characters' emotional turmoil as they grapple with their pasts and futures.
"The Shadow Sister" is an extraordinary debut novel that showcases Lily Meade's incredible talent as a writer. With its beautiful prose, well-developed characters, and a captivating plot, it deserves every bit of its five-star rating. If you're a fan of heartfelt and emotionally resonant stories, "The Shadow Sister" is an absolute must-read.
The story centers around sisters, Casey and Sutton, one of whom goes missing. There is also a tad bit of magical realism which keeps this story fresh. The author's ability to create a rich tapestry of emotions and intricately woven relationships drew me in, and it's this emotional depth that sets "The Shadow Sister" apart from other debut novels.
The characters in "The Shadow Sister" are beautifully nuanced and relatable, each carrying their own burdens and pasts that shape their present decisions and actions. The protagonist, in particular, is a compelling and multi-faceted individual, making it easy for readers to become invested in her journey of self-discovery.
Lily Meade's writing style is captivating, showcasing a rare talent for storytelling that evokes a wide range of emotions. Her descriptive prose beautifully paints scenes and landscapes, immersing readers in the story's setting and creating an almost cinematic experience. The imagery is so vivid that one can almost feel the breeze, smell the flowers, and sense the characters' emotional turmoil as they grapple with their pasts and futures.
"The Shadow Sister" is an extraordinary debut novel that showcases Lily Meade's incredible talent as a writer. With its beautiful prose, well-developed characters, and a captivating plot, it deserves every bit of its five-star rating. If you're a fan of heartfelt and emotionally resonant stories, "The Shadow Sister" is an absolute must-read.
thehighshelf's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When Casey’s sister Sutton goes missing, Casey has to confront the fact that perhaps her sister was missing from her life even before she physically didn’t come home one night. Casey and her sister haven’t gotten along in a while - Sutton is underhanded and manipulative - definitely not the angel that her family is painting her as in the media. But, of course, they have to make it seem like she’s a picture of perfection - or else why would anyone care about another missing black girl?
But then Sutton returns. Their mother and father are relieved and grateful beyond measure and Casey knows she should feel the same… only she doesn’t. It’s not that she isn’t happy her sister is safe - she definitely is; it’s more that Sutton isn’t acting the same. She is different in a way that is subtle - a way that only Casey seems to notice. And it’s more than the fact that Sutton remembers nothing about her life before going missing or even what happened to her. Her entire disposition is different and it’s making Casey more than uncomfortable - especially the way she constantly wants to spend time with Casey or stares at her aquarium for hours watching her goldfish swim in circles. Something - Casey doesn’t know what - isn’t right.
So Casey decides to get to the bottom of things - after all, no one else is. What exactly happened to her sister? Why did she go missing? And what happened to her while she was gone?
I will be the first to admit that I did not have high expectations for this book. It was marketed as being great for fans of Ace of Spades… which I didn’t vibe with at all. But the writing was superb and pacing was excellent. I could have read the entire thing in one sitting. There are quite a few twists and turns and the ending was not predictable. The book is deeply character-driven and explores the complexities of sibling relationships on an impressive level. Additionally, if you love books that cover sociological topics such as systemic injustice, racism, and communal identity. Highly recommend!
queendbw's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade
Casey’s older sister, Sutton, disappears for several days. She is found several days later with no memory of where she’d been or with whom. Casey is struggling with accepting that her sister has returned - Sutton is not the same at all and she is saying and doing strange things. Is Sutton’s disappearance linked to that of several other local girls that have gone missing? Will Sutton ever remember what happened? Who can Casey trust?
This was a great read - so hard to put down! The plot was great and the characters are very believable!
4.5/5
#readsof2024 #audiobookreader #Literacy #readingisfundamental
Casey’s older sister, Sutton, disappears for several days. She is found several days later with no memory of where she’d been or with whom. Casey is struggling with accepting that her sister has returned - Sutton is not the same at all and she is saying and doing strange things. Is Sutton’s disappearance linked to that of several other local girls that have gone missing? Will Sutton ever remember what happened? Who can Casey trust?
This was a great read - so hard to put down! The plot was great and the characters are very believable!
4.5/5
#readsof2024 #audiobookreader #Literacy #readingisfundamental
pinkpicklez's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
diamondtalks's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lipah's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
km_allan's review
3.0
When Casey’s sister Sutton returns after mysteriously disappearing, Casey is the only person she recognizes and seems to like. Trouble is, Casey and Sutton despise each other. Convinced it’s an act she must get to the bottom of, Casey discovers things about her sister she didn’t know. The duel POV is entertaining, and the hints of the hoodoo slave magic spirituality practices of Sutton and Casey’s family, along with other missing girls, a corner-cutting cheer coach, and a weird Pastor, filled out the storyline, but it just failed to come together enough for me.
The majority of the book is focused on Casey’s complaints about her sister, some of which are redeemed by Sutton’s flashbacks. The real mystery of who took Sutton (and a very intriguing supernatural twist) only happens in the very last chapters, making the pace slow, and the resolution too quick. Still, the book did hold my attention, and I wanted to keep reading to see where it went. If you’re a fan of Black history and the healing of family and intergenerational trauma, The Shadow Sister has this in spades. I just wish it was as heavy on the mysterious supernatural element the book blurb promised.
The majority of the book is focused on Casey’s complaints about her sister, some of which are redeemed by Sutton’s flashbacks. The real mystery of who took Sutton (and a very intriguing supernatural twist) only happens in the very last chapters, making the pace slow, and the resolution too quick. Still, the book did hold my attention, and I wanted to keep reading to see where it went. If you’re a fan of Black history and the healing of family and intergenerational trauma, The Shadow Sister has this in spades. I just wish it was as heavy on the mysterious supernatural element the book blurb promised.