This is the first book of a young adult series about a dystopian society of the future that is especially hazardous for children. Since the famines, Population Police enforce strict laws that make it illegal for a family to have more than two children.

As the third child in his family, Luke must remain hidden while his two older brothers enjoy a normal life of outdoor games, school and farm chores with their Dad. Luke could also enjoy some time outdoors, hidden by the dense woods behind the house, until the year he was 12. That's when the government forced the family to give up their woods to developers who built expensive homes for the wealthy elite citizens, including government officials. From then on, Luke wasn't allowed to leave his room in the attic. At least he had his mother home all day to keep him company, but then the government tripled the family's tax bill and Mom had to take a factory job, often working long hours, to keep the family from losing their home.

Of course Luke became very lonely and bored with nothing to do but read the same books over and over, until he discovered he could look down on the new houses through the attic vents. Soon he caught a glimpse of another third child in the nearby home of a government official. His actions from there put him on a path that could jeopardize his life, as well as his family's welfare.

There are some dark, intense moments, and the entire book is a warning against too much government. In addition to illegal children, pets are illegal, food is rationed and junk food is illegal, and Luke's family falls victim to an eminent domain type ruling. This is like 1984 or Big Brother for a younger crowd.

The writing is a little simplistic, but I got hooked on the story, so now I'll have to read more of the series. ( )

Good book. Nice pacing and interesting story. Definitely teen fiction, though. I'll read the rest of the series. ( )

If you like mystery books i recommend this book and its really easy and fun to read. ( )

first book in the shadow children series ( )

I enjoyed this book so much that it only took me a couple of hours to read it from start to finish. The path the author took with the story was surprising and not at all what I was expecting. When I realized that there where several more books in this series I was hooked. I am eager to find out what happens to Luke. ( )