froydis's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting book. The structure mixes the graphic novel part with the written book part, going back and forth between them. I got kind of confused with the storyline because of this set-up, but things became more clear as the book went on. I think the book would have been more effective if they had just stuck to a straight chronological telling, but maybe that's just me being too literal minded. The story is interesting, and I cared enough about the characters to read it to the end.
ciaralo's review against another edition
5.0
When I first heard about In the Shadows, I was beyond excited. I mean, it's a new Kiersten White book, so obviously I would be jumping for joy! But, it was the concept that seriously intrigued me. A story told in illustrations and writing, in YA? That's pretty much unheard of. I couldn't wait to pick it up and In the Shadows did not disappoint.
I have to say that, despite my excitement, this book took me a bit to get into. I was mesmerized by the beautiful illustrations and very by the spooky writing, but I wasn't sure how the story was going to work. There waere a lot of characters and different scenes pictured and I wasn't sure how they were all going to fit together. That said, once I found the rhythm (about fifty pages in) I could barely put the book down! I was absolutely fascinated by every aspect of the story.
I was blown away by Jim Di Bartolo's artwork. I had seen the little sneak peeks that had be posted, but seeing the illustrations in person was just incredible. There was so much detail, so much talent poured into those pages. The vivid scenery was gorgeous. The creepy characters were gorgeous. And the ominous vibe was almost palpable. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the artwork and found myself trying to soak in every detail. They were just simply stunning, and worked perfectly with the written story.
Now, onto the written story! Seriously, Kiersten White? You are a GEM. A talented, incredible gem. I am constantly wowed by your writing talents and your enchanting storytelling. In the Shadows was another book added to my "awesome" column. That opening chapter was just spooky, and I was dying for more. The writing itself was so fitting of the story, and just simply amazing. I read some lines over and over and ended up bookmarking a bunch of them! And then there was the characters! I think Kiersten White is so talented, not just in In the Shadows but in all of her novels, because of her ability to create distinct and original voices while still maintaining her crazy amazing writing style. From Evie's quirky voice, to Fia's destroyed psyche, to Isadora's creative mind, White delivers again and again fresh and intriguing characters with unique perspectives. In the Shadows is no exception. Minnie obviously stole my heart right away, because who doesn't love a spunky girl? But she wasn't the only stand-out! I was dying to unravel the mystery behind Arthur, felt so much pride in Thom's fierce protectiveness, loved Charles positive attitude in the face of death, and enjoyed Cora's blooming confidence. Each character added so much to the story, and every word had me itching for more!
I was so disappointed when I turned the last page because I didn't want it to end! This book was magical, and I can't wait to go back and read it again and again. Everything came together to create one heck of a book unlike anything I've read before. This book is worth the buy, guys. And I seriously recommend you run to a bookstore and do just that!
I have to say that, despite my excitement, this book took me a bit to get into. I was mesmerized by the beautiful illustrations and very by the spooky writing, but I wasn't sure how the story was going to work. There waere a lot of characters and different scenes pictured and I wasn't sure how they were all going to fit together. That said, once I found the rhythm (about fifty pages in) I could barely put the book down! I was absolutely fascinated by every aspect of the story.
I was blown away by Jim Di Bartolo's artwork. I had seen the little sneak peeks that had be posted, but seeing the illustrations in person was just incredible. There was so much detail, so much talent poured into those pages. The vivid scenery was gorgeous. The creepy characters were gorgeous. And the ominous vibe was almost palpable. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the artwork and found myself trying to soak in every detail. They were just simply stunning, and worked perfectly with the written story.
Now, onto the written story! Seriously, Kiersten White? You are a GEM. A talented, incredible gem. I am constantly wowed by your writing talents and your enchanting storytelling. In the Shadows was another book added to my "awesome" column. That opening chapter was just spooky, and I was dying for more. The writing itself was so fitting of the story, and just simply amazing. I read some lines over and over and ended up bookmarking a bunch of them! And then there was the characters! I think Kiersten White is so talented, not just in In the Shadows but in all of her novels, because of her ability to create distinct and original voices while still maintaining her crazy amazing writing style. From Evie's quirky voice, to Fia's destroyed psyche, to Isadora's creative mind, White delivers again and again fresh and intriguing characters with unique perspectives. In the Shadows is no exception. Minnie obviously stole my heart right away, because who doesn't love a spunky girl? But she wasn't the only stand-out! I was dying to unravel the mystery behind Arthur, felt so much pride in Thom's fierce protectiveness, loved Charles positive attitude in the face of death, and enjoyed Cora's blooming confidence. Each character added so much to the story, and every word had me itching for more!
I was so disappointed when I turned the last page because I didn't want it to end! This book was magical, and I can't wait to go back and read it again and again. Everything came together to create one heck of a book unlike anything I've read before. This book is worth the buy, guys. And I seriously recommend you run to a bookstore and do just that!
merlin_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This had to have been one of the most interesting reads I've had so far. It's like half novel / half graphic novel. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it. It's almost like there were two different stories going on - the drawings and the words - and it really didn't click how they connected until the end.
I adore Kiersten White which is why I picked this one up. All I knew going in was that it was different and she worked with an artist to tell the story - the artist happened to be Laini Taylor's husband which I thought was super cool.
So let's start with the story part - Kiersten's part. In it we meet sisters Cora and Minnie as they run a boarding house with their mother. In the span of a year, 3 boys have come to stay and end up turning their lives upside down. There's Arthur, the mysterious possibly related boy who shows up with a letter and a suitcase. Then there's brothers Thomas and Charles, the later being deathly ill, who's father sent them away to keep them safe - or did he?
I fell for these characters hard. Arthur hurt me because you could tell he was hiding something but he was just so broken that he didn't trust anyone to help him with his burden. Then there was Charles who knew he was dying but was determined to spend his remaining time living. These real stories were then mixed in with a secret society, witches, and sacrifice just to add that extra element of emotion.
In between the chapters written by White were illustrated chapters. These illustrations were telling a different story, one that I wasn't quite sure of but slowly started picking up the meaning as the book went on. The illustrations were vivid and bright, creating this world of mayhem and mystery that just added to White's words.
I really enjoyed this one, even if I was confused on how they connected for the most part. If you're not sure how you feel about graphic novels, this is a good one to start with as it's only half of the book.
I adore Kiersten White which is why I picked this one up. All I knew going in was that it was different and she worked with an artist to tell the story - the artist happened to be Laini Taylor's husband which I thought was super cool.
So let's start with the story part - Kiersten's part. In it we meet sisters Cora and Minnie as they run a boarding house with their mother. In the span of a year, 3 boys have come to stay and end up turning their lives upside down. There's Arthur, the mysterious possibly related boy who shows up with a letter and a suitcase. Then there's brothers Thomas and Charles, the later being deathly ill, who's father sent them away to keep them safe - or did he?
I fell for these characters hard. Arthur hurt me because you could tell he was hiding something but he was just so broken that he didn't trust anyone to help him with his burden. Then there was Charles who knew he was dying but was determined to spend his remaining time living. These real stories were then mixed in with a secret society, witches, and sacrifice just to add that extra element of emotion.
In between the chapters written by White were illustrated chapters. These illustrations were telling a different story, one that I wasn't quite sure of but slowly started picking up the meaning as the book went on. The illustrations were vivid and bright, creating this world of mayhem and mystery that just added to White's words.
I really enjoyed this one, even if I was confused on how they connected for the most part. If you're not sure how you feel about graphic novels, this is a good one to start with as it's only half of the book.
bookish_aly_cat's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
3.0
This was quite an interesting read. This book is unique in that it is half told through illustrations and the other half through text. You follow two (mostly) different storylines from different time periods and they somehow come together in the end. The story itself was intriguing and the illustrations were beautifully rendered, however the writing itself could have been better. I feel like I got more from the illustrated and completely wordless portions of the book than I did the written sections. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and it was fun to read something in this different style format. If you are wanting to dip your toes into the world of graphic novels, this may be a good book to start with.
calicokaels's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very slow in the beginning, it took me until about halfway through to really get into the story. Despite this I ended up really enjoying this book. I was excited about the half words/half pictures way the story was told. At first, the picture half was kinda confusing. As the story went on, though, it made more and more sense. The artwork was absolutely beautiful. I'd rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, due to the amount of time it took me to really be able to get into the book.
toystory242's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3.5
First of all: the illustrations were absolutely beautiful, and intermingled with the story very well. The story itself was well written but a bit slow until the end, and I feel like the characters should have been a tiny bit more developed; Arthur and Minnie (my favs) were the only ones I felt really connected to.
I felt like the world-building was actually on par; you're figuring out both through story and illustration how this evil group of people work, and you never really know the full story, because the characters themselves don't ever really know the full story, and it works.
Overall I really enjoyed it, and the ending was fantastic!
First of all: the illustrations were absolutely beautiful, and intermingled with the story very well. The story itself was well written but a bit slow until the end, and I feel like the characters should have been a tiny bit more developed; Arthur and Minnie (my favs) were the only ones I felt really connected to.
I felt like the world-building was actually on par; you're figuring out both through story and illustration how this evil group of people work, and you never really know the full story, because the characters themselves don't ever really know the full story, and it works.
Overall I really enjoyed it, and the ending was fantastic!
heisereads's review against another edition
5.0
Stunning, enthralling, engaging, a little frustratingly confusing, but so smart in how it all comes together in the end. One of the most unique books I've read with alternating text and illustration sections. It's like a logic puzzle you keep trying to figure out how the two stories interconnect and have a bunch of theories only to find out you were quasi right but really not all along. This one is twisty, but after I finished, I wanted to reread it all over again.
shogins's review against another edition
3.0
I feel a little bad about not liking this more - I quite liked the written part, and while the paintings were beautiful, I'm not very visual and had a hard time following that part of the story.
l1brarygirl's review against another edition
4.0
This book gets props for being an uniquely told story. We have a text story with graphics intermixed that tell a story as well. It was a little confusing to me, but by the end of the story, all of it comes together and VIOLA = makes sense! I did go back after figuring it out and "re-read" the graphics.
The characters are positively creepy and the story is shrouded in secrets. We do get the point of view of all of the characters and I liked "hearing" from all of them.
Two brothers (Thomas & Charles), two sisters (Cora & Minnie) and the broody Arthur (who may or may not be related to Cora & Minnie) make up our little group. Lots of "I like him but he likes her" and "I like her but it's my duty to protect her instead." So there is romance in addition to the adventure and mystery.
This story doesn't focus on the "supernatural" aspects until the end, it is more of a story where things that can't be explained happen and danger lurks around every corner - the kids aren't even safe in their boarding house!
I recommend this book for all fantasy lovers and any fans of Kiersten White! If you like comic books, this book filled with them will also appeal to you. This is a VERY QUICK READ (took me around an hour and a half!) and the ending makes up for the mysterious plot line!!
See this review and more YA book reviews at my blog!
The characters are positively creepy and the story is shrouded in secrets. We do get the point of view of all of the characters and I liked "hearing" from all of them.
Two brothers (Thomas & Charles), two sisters (Cora & Minnie) and the broody Arthur (who may or may not be related to Cora & Minnie) make up our little group. Lots of "I like him but he likes her" and "I like her but it's my duty to protect her instead." So there is romance in addition to the adventure and mystery.
This story doesn't focus on the "supernatural" aspects until the end, it is more of a story where things that can't be explained happen and danger lurks around every corner - the kids aren't even safe in their boarding house!
"'I'm sorry,' Cora whispered. 'Please don't hurt me.'
'You don't need me for that, do you?' The witch's grin widened to reveal teeth that looked impossibly old and yellowed in her unlined face. 'People are very good at hurting themselves. I never have to do a thing.'" - In the Shadows, 34-35
I recommend this book for all fantasy lovers and any fans of Kiersten White! If you like comic books, this book filled with them will also appeal to you. This is a VERY QUICK READ (took me around an hour and a half!) and the ending makes up for the mysterious plot line!!
"I do love it when they try to wrap their little minds around it all. The moment they realize what they are up against, and their hopes come crashing down. You can see a bit of their soul shriveling then and there." - In the Shadows, 297
See this review and more YA book reviews at my blog!