I received an e-book copy of The Adventures Of Shifting Jack by Denise Erguler from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Adventures of Shifting Jack starts with Jack and his mum, dad and sister moving to Cyprus and settling into their new home. They meet local families and get the children signed up ready to go to school. Things are all going smoothly until an earthquake happens and it shatters not only the landscape, but their lives too. Jack learns that his dad isn't his biological dad and that the whole family isn't wholly human.
The writing in this book is very simply done and I think it matches perfectly the tone and voice of a nine year old. The descriptions are very clear but without being too simple for the age this book is aimed at. I also think it's wonderful that the book covers finding out that you're not related to one of your parents and that as long as you love each other, you'll always be there for each other and it won't change the way things have always been. You do not see this in adult books, never mind children's books so it is definitely a big positive.
Another absolutely wonderful thing about this is the relationship between Jack and his sister Lily. Though they are a lot more in touch with each other than fully human children would be, they still didn't have to get along. It was so nice to see them enjoying each other's company and wanting to look after each other without the usual annoying big brother/little sister trope. It shows children they can be friends with their siblings no matter their age/gender.
The story itself is extremely interesting and hooked me as an adult, it also left me wanting to know more about the history of the characters and what was going to happen now that everything has come to a head. I really enjoyed the shape-shifting and the fact that it had to be practiced over time instead of it being instantly easy. It was also nice to see birds being used instead of the usual big cats or wolves.
Overall a lovely book and one which I will be passing onto my oldest Nerdling. I would definitely recommend this to any parents with an 8-12 year old, I'd also recommend you read it yourself as it's a lot of fun!
I read this book on the 22nd of June 2016.
I gave this book 4.5 stars on Goodreads.
No comments:
Post a Comment