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A review by mariasmusings
The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What on earth? How? But, but .... Ok, I need book three now! Simply put, Juno Dawson has done it again and left readers entranced and desperate for more.
I've heard of the name Juno Dawson in the fantasy genre for a number of years and reviewers seem to have raved about her books for YA, so I was uber excited two years ago to read "Her Majesty's Royal Coven ", the first book in her trilogy for adults. I loved it and referred to HMRC as the group of witches that Hermione Granger wants to join!
The series encompasses a powerful, intelligent, diverse and sassy as hell group of witches, that are tough, in charge and not afraid of their emotions.
The group of Leonie, Chinara and Elle are struggling to accept the aftermath of events from the previous novel. And of course, Ciara has now secretly returned and is intent on revenge, while Holly, Theo and Milo are facing their own problems.
Dawson sets her story in a contemporary setting, a world that is easily recognisable to readers and does not shy away from tackling issues such as Racism, Transphobia, and Homophobia, along with examining the problematic, and often cruel treatment of people of colour and inclusion issues. She does so very effectively by providing her characters with the opportunity to express and explore their own identity with the story. Actually allowing the character to grow, rather than simply placing them in a box with labels. And one of my favourite aspects is that Dawson represents that world around us - so yes, the LGBTQIA+ community are represented, and two of our protoganists are women of colour. The portrayal of being a young trans person and the confusion felt by Theo is shown through her confusion and internal conflict is shown.
Likewise the attitudes of society are shown through the characters and there are several amusing moments of social commentary, especially when the politicians put in an appearance.
The bonds between the original group has been sorely tested and are now facing their greatest test.
The e-audiobook is narrated by Nicola Coughlan who brings the characters to life: she perfectly embodies the characters that she narrates.
I've heard of the name Juno Dawson in the fantasy genre for a number of years and reviewers seem to have raved about her books for YA, so I was uber excited two years ago to read "Her Majesty's Royal Coven ", the first book in her trilogy for adults. I loved it and referred to HMRC as the group of witches that Hermione Granger wants to join!
The series encompasses a powerful, intelligent, diverse and sassy as hell group of witches, that are tough, in charge and not afraid of their emotions.
The group of Leonie, Chinara and Elle are struggling to accept the aftermath of events from the previous novel. And of course, Ciara has now secretly returned and is intent on revenge, while Holly, Theo and Milo are facing their own problems.
Dawson sets her story in a contemporary setting, a world that is easily recognisable to readers and does not shy away from tackling issues such as Racism, Transphobia, and Homophobia, along with examining the problematic, and often cruel treatment of people of colour and inclusion issues. She does so very effectively by providing her characters with the opportunity to express and explore their own identity with the story. Actually allowing the character to grow, rather than simply placing them in a box with labels. And one of my favourite aspects is that Dawson represents that world around us - so yes, the LGBTQIA+ community are represented, and two of our protoganists are women of colour. The portrayal of being a young trans person and the confusion felt by Theo is shown through her confusion and internal conflict is shown.
Likewise the attitudes of society are shown through the characters and there are several amusing moments of social commentary, especially when the politicians put in an appearance.
The bonds between the original group has been sorely tested and are now facing their greatest test.
The e-audiobook is narrated by Nicola Coughlan who brings the characters to life: she perfectly embodies the characters that she narrates.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Cursing