Shadowshaper Legacy

December 1, 2019
Older (The Book of Lost Saints, 2019, etc.) brings the Shadowshaper Cypher to a close. Sierra Santiago is Lucera, Mistress of Shadows and Head of the House of Shadow and Light, and she and the other shadowshapers have been fighting the forces arrayed against them. It's been a month and a half since the events of Shadowhouse Fall (2017), when Sierra set up a rival magical house and stripped the head of her powers. In doing so she brought down an enemy...but by breaking a rule, she opened the door to other enemies. Separated into four parts, the book features folktale-esque interludes that chronicle the exploits of some of Sierra's magical ancestors. Throughout, Sierra's growth is obvious as she steps more fully into her leadership role as Lucera and grows to understand the complications of leadership. The narrative switches perspectives often, offering supporting characters, like Sierra's brother Juan and friends Tee and Izzy, a chance to be further developed and thus become more interesting to readers. Readers will appreciate the deeper dive into the mythology of shadowshapers and the Deck of Worlds, and though they may miss Sierra and her family and friends, they should be satisfied with this series closer. Sierra is Afro-Boricua, as is her family, and most of the other shadowshapers are people of color. Tee and Izzy are queer, and one of Sierra's ancestors was genderfluid. In a word: bueno. (map, Spread of Cards) (Fantasy. 14-adult)

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December 6, 2019

Gr 8 Up-In this conclusion to the "Shadowshaper" trilogy, the stakes are even higher for Sierra and her crew from Octavia Butler High in Brooklyn. At the outset, they take out the villainous Queen of Bloodhaüs, but this victory is short-lived. It becomes clear that a final battle with La Contessa is coming. Many setbacks later, Sierra travels to Puerto Rico with her mother and the remaining Sorrow for a final battle. Meanwhile, the rest of her crew does battle with their rivals for control of the Deck of Worlds and the power to shape the future. In between chapters, readers learn La Contessa's origin story. This culminating book in the series will give fans the satisfying ending they've been craving. The various romance plotlines resolve neatly. The humorous dialogue, diverse representation, and politically aware themes that have been hallmarks of the series are also carried through to the end. While the skinheads of Bloodhaüs could have allowed for edgier political commentary, the fact that they were relatively easy to beat is a statement in and of itself. VERDICT A satisfying conclusion to a powerful urban fantasy series.-Kristin Lee Anderson, Jackson County Library Services, OR

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2019
Grades 8-11 *Starred Review* Older knocks it out of the park with his thrilling conclusion to the Shadowshaper Cypher series. After the events of Shadowhouse Fall (2017), Sierra and her crew of shadowshapers have been split apart. On top of part of the crew sitting in jail, odd things begin happening to shadowshapers across Brooklyn, including threats, instances of stalking, and bizarre attacks from preternatural beings. Sierra realizes a war is coming that will embroil the four powerful houses and possibly destroy shadowshaper magic. While refusing to allow her loved ones to become casualties of the brewing war, protecting them will require a great sacrifice on Sierra's part, one that involves venturing to unknown places and the possibility of losing her way home. Shadowshaper Legacy stokes anticipation in the reader, sending twitching fingers from page to page until they reach the story's satisfying conclusion. Old and new characters provide additional resonance as they vividly spring to life, capturing readers' hearts in the process. Older excels at weaving timely issues into his urban fantasy, and this title shows Older at his best. Legacies, family ties, and confronting the mishaps of the past are all themes explored here, and young adult literature needs more books like it.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The conclusion to this best-selling and beloved series will have fans lining up yesterday. Stock up!(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)