By Jessica Schneider Jul 18, 2008, 14:03 GMT
Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu’s The Shadow Speaker is what the NYT describes as: “Despite a story that begins with tragedy and drama, that has a fresh and interesting setting and follows two main characters, a girl and boy, on the cusp of events that will change their lives forever.”
Yet despite the praise, the reviewer also notes that the book: “can be difficult to enjoy and even more so to finish. The writing is polished till it gleams, but unfortunately, no amount of good writing can hide the fact that something essential is missing. The story and its characters lack emotional pull; they feel flat on the page. Even when it looks as though Ejii has died — her new powers overwhelm her, and she succumbs to the shadows — it seems like just another event among many.”
Hyperion is the publisher of this YA book. Click here for the NYT review.
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