Shadow Weaver

This was such a great story and I am so happy that there appears to be a planned sequel. It's a fantasy-horror-mystery that is both exceptionally well written and deeply engrossing. Emmeline is a wonderful protagonist. Her loneliness and longing for belonging are palpable and even as you know she is making mistakes, you understand why she is making them. Even as you sense Dar's malevolence, you understand Emmeline's loyalty to her. And really it's the exploration of friendship, of self-acceptance and self-reliance that make this book so captivating. Although, yes, the whole shadow and light magic interplay is interesting too ( As I noted as I read, "It's like the Darkling and Alina if they were kids...and gender swapped...and in stead show more of being evil, the Darkling was just under the influence of a most likely malevolent spirit.") as is the mystery behind those "bad people" kidnapping magical children. It's just an all around great read and I cannot recommend it enough. Definitely one of my favorite middle-grade reads this year. show less

I read Monstrous by Ms. Connolly and loved it. I’m still planning on reading Ravenous because I like her storytelling. This novel is the beginning of her new series.

At Emmeline’s birth, she made a friend--with a shadow. Her entire life has been with her companion, Dar, whom no one understands for no one believes that she can talk to a shadow. All they know is that she is a shadow weaver. She can take shadows and make them do as she likes. For example, she can make puppies to play about, create a rope to climb, or create a gazebo and chair. Dar is different; she isn’t just a shadow, she can speak but only to Emmeline. Dar gets Emmeline in a lot of trouble, which has lead to her parents barely tolerating her. The servants fear her. show more After guests arrive and one falls terribly ill, Emmeline must flee because her parents plan to give her to someone who captures children who have magic.

When Emmeline flees, she meets Lucas, a fellow magic weaver, but he can manipulate light. It’s with Lucas and his family that Emmeline learns what true friendship is, however, she hasn’t escaped danger. Those who want the magical children will seek Emmeline far and wide, which puts Lucas in danger. Dar pledges to always protect Emmeline, but Emmeline fears the protection may come at the cost of friendship with others as well as danger to others.

There will be a second novel that delves more into what’s truly going on. The reader has doubts before Emmeline does and keeps wanting to scream at her: “Don’t do it!” I thought the plot would advance more. I’m thinking it’s building to book two. Most of this book is Emmeline and Dar’s relationship. I was surprised about a few things in the end, so you won’t completely see the end coming. As I like Ms. Connolly’s storytelling, I enjoyed the book, but I wish more had happened. It seemed a bit drawn out, for it could have been shorter and advanced the plot more. show less

Fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and The Night Gardener will devour Shadow Weaver, the first in a dark middle-grade fantasy duology that’s filled with shadows, danger, magic, and has the feel of a new classic.

Emmeline’s gift of controlling shadows has isolated her from the rest of the world, but she’s grown to be content, hidden away in her mansion with Dar, her own shadow, as her only company.

Disaster strikes when a noble family visits their home and offers to take Emmeline away and cure her of magic. Desperate not to lose her shadows, she turns to Dar who proposes a deal: Dar will change the noble’s mind, if Emmeline will help her become flesh as she once was. Emmeline agrees but the next morning the man in charge is in a show more coma and all that the witness saw was a long shadow with no one nearby to cast it. Scared to face punishment, Emmeline and Dar run away.

With the noble’s guards on her trail, Emmeline’s only hope of clearing her name is to escape capture and perform the ritual that will set Dar free. But Emmeline’s not sure she can trust Dar anymore, and it’s hard to keep secrets from someone who can never leave your side.
Out January 2018

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
A girl who can control her shadows; a companion shadow that talks to her and is mischievous, and an adventure into discovering who she really is and why she can do what she can…

A great middle-grade read! Filled with fantasy, magic, shadows behaving unnaturally, suspense, and adventure… you can’t go wrong with this book. The relationship between Dar and Emmeline is cleverly written. The MC’s character arc develops perfectly, with Dar helping her to reach her goals.

The author’s lyrical writing moves the pace along unhindered and transitioning from one plot element to the next without issue. The author’s voice carries the story forward with captivating qualities.

Connolly is a true story-teller of amazing talent. She captivates the reader and keeps them invested in the world she’s created through talent and a mesmerizing ability to haunt your thoughts.

What a great book! I’m so happy to have found this author and will be looking forward to seeing what she is writing next! show less

Shadow Weaver is an original story with lots of feeling. A young girl, Emmeline, has the ability to control shadows. This power is feared by most and cherished by some. Growing up with only her own shadow for a friend, she is lonely yet loyal. Trying to save her shadow and her power, she runs from home, and befriends a family in the woods. Can she trust them? Can they trust her? Anticipation mounts throughout the story to find out what will happen with her shadow. Shadow Weaver is about friendship, honesty, and special talents. There is plenty of room for another book about Emmeline and the powers of those blessed by the Cerelia Comet.

Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connolly is a fantasy kids book that is absolutely thrilling. Emmeline can control her shadows and she has a companion, her own shadow, Dar. She talks to Dar and Dar talks to her. Dar plays tricks on people which gets Emmeline in trouble and shunned. People are afraid of Emmeline. Then some people want to take Emmeline away, she and Dar run away...I can't spoil it but there is more to her life then she knew, and she just made it worst for everyone on her trip. Very exciting, mysterious, a little suspense-filled in spots, and great fantasy. Great imagination at work! Thanks NetGalley for letting me read this awesome book.

Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connolly is the first book in the Shadow Weaver duology. Emmeline is a Shadow Weaver. Since her birth, she has been able to control shadows. Emmeline's shadow Dar, her only friend, is the only one to accept Emmeline. Even her parents do not accept her magic, so much in fact that her parents want to send her away.

The first thing I want to say about this book is that I love this cover. It truly conveys the story with just a glance. The next thing I want to say is this was an excellent story. The characters are well fleshed out, the author's imagination is outstanding, and the story is exceptionally well written. I cannot wait for the next book!

I received this book from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky through NetGalley show more in exchange for an honest review. show less

I received this book from Netgalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next one. This book was written in a way that gave us the full foundation of the world and magic. It did not leave me with many questions as to how things work or who each character was. BUT it left me wanting for more.

I did get annoyed with the task Dar had Emmeline on because it went on far too long but I understand the purpose of it.

I would recommend this book.