Shadow Chaser

by Angela Armstrong

“Before I tell you a story most adults won’t, there’s something I must confess:
I’m homeless…”

Faye Delaney and her parents stay in other people’s houses all over the South Island of New Zealand while they save money for their own home. Faye doesn’t mind – she’s home-schooled, and each new house-sit comes with bonuses: pets or farm animals, gardens or woods, and always a fresh piece of Aotearoa to explore.

While the Delaneys tour the South Island, so do rumours. People report seeing large, slinking shadows while out for a walk, riding their bike, or sipping a cup of tea – feline shadows that fade before anyone can get a second look. As a veteran house-sitter, Faye knows animals. And she hears the ring of truth in these rumours. Armed with a backpack, a notebook, and a great sense of direction, she’s going to get to the bottom of this possibly ancient mystery.

LET THE CHASE BEGIN.

214 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2023

Reviews

[Gregory A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. It was so cute and would be great for primary school kids (middleschoolers) I read this as the author is a wonderful tiktoker.

Here are some of my opinions;
- The map and the glossary at the start of the book was a great idea! Having the glossary at the start really helps with māori words and kiwi catch phases
- I can tell this book is really personal to the author as she pulled from her own life and experiences
- This is super easy to read which makes it perfect for young readers
- I like writing, I feel like Angela could write a good crime novel or romance for us adults
- I did wish the myths or legends could of been fleshed out more as I think this would of connected the character to her Māori/Scottish roots more, however I think this would work better in a YA novel anyway rather than a middle grade book
- I loved the representation of half cast māori, as I could relate and also growing up on the farm too.
- The pacing of the book was slow and I did wish the reveal at the end was abit more thought out as the climax was abit lack luster.

Overall, I would recommend this to all my younger cousins, nieces and nephew who are starting out reading. This would be a great book for them.

Love your work Angela ❤️⭐️

[Angel 一匹狼 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is difficult to review this book. On the one hand, it is kind of too breezy, with all the characters chirpy and seemingly 'almost' always happy. That the story is told through the eyes of a young person justifies that, but sometimes I felt it was a little bit too sweet, too much 'puppy energy'. It is also too short, like I am starting to read… it is finished!, which is not a bad thing, but leaves the feeling that there is a lack of depth in the story. It 'totally' feels like a children's book, but there is some darkness that I wonder if it might be too dark for some young readers (not that I am against it, but there are some tonal shifts that might be too sudden). So, again, it feels like a too light read too chirpy to my taste… that, at the same time, couldn't stop myself from enjoying, even if I am not the target for this book. All that happiness is sooooo bubbly and contagious that you can't but join with Faye in her little adventure. A little more work on the McGuffin and this could be great.

6/10

(English; original)

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you booksirens and Angela Armstrong*