Sceadu: Your Shadow Holds a Secret

by Prashant Pinge

"Isabella's shadow had been growing larger and larger. Suddenly, it lunged out of the ground and swallowed her, like a python does its unsuspecting prey."

King Mortuus seeks to unlock an ancient prophesy and unleash dark forces of Sceadu on our world – he is just missing the final four child sacrifices. Then, Isabella, her brother, Emilio and their cousins cross over into the land of shadow, following discovery of a long-forgotten book written by an old explorer whose adventures once led him to Sceadu.Unless the children can thwart Mortuus and his hordes of ghouls, imps and faeries, the world they love is doomed."Well-crafted and executed, this is a book that is worthy of belonging to the time-honoured fantasy genre." ~ Himanjali Sankar, Editor, Bloomsbury India

"The elements of mystery, fear, fantasy, and adventure make for a potion that will appeal not only to fans of this genre but to new readers as well." ~ Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

"Prashant has a gift for describing places in a vivid and elaborate manner, making a parallel world appear completely possible and even real." ~ Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, Co-founder at Ashoka University, Founding Dean at Indian School of Business

Genres: Fantasy

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Prashant Pinge loves stringing words together to create enchanting stories for children. He also utterly disregards reality. Little wonder then that he prefers residing in sixteenth-century England next to the Bard’s house, where he spends his days in the company of his characters and nights taming wild dragons.

Prashant’s books, Raja & the Giant Donut (Leadstart Publishing) and Adventure on Wheels (Scholastic), were shortlisted for the Economist Crossword Book Award and the Raymond Crossword Book Award in the Children’s Writing (jury) category in 2011 and 2016 respectively.

Prashant also writes romantic comedies and historical fiction.

Reviews

[Tanja (Tanychy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?

I will first tell you something about this book I didn't know before I started reading it. This book is actually MG story. So I just wanted to let you know. It's not a bad thing, though, as I haven't read any for some time and well it was nice to go back to it.

As you usually have it in MG stories, this is an adventure story. And I can tell you it's a really interesting one. We are with Matilda here. She is a girl that loves to read (high fives girl) and one day she gets to read an interesting book, which changes her life (don't they all). Suddenly, her shadow is not just that a shadow but it get a more powerful meaning in this story. It all stays in realms of dreams, for some time but well not all things can stay hidden. The worst thing for her is that she is not alone now, when her cousins visit this is not only about Matilda, but she drags them into all this, without intending to.

So we end up in a new world and this one was mix of some known things, but also of some to me unknown things. It was a really interesting mix which I liked to create in my head. It was adventurous and above all entertaining. They were so different that it was really interesting to see them working together.

But as it happens in MG books, this book was predictable to some extend and full of coincidence. It's not that I don't think it's bad, but I could see through it. I'm sure that younger readers will consider more like a big plot twists, than I did.

But all in all, I must that that it was an interesting read and with all that a really fast one.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Magically delightful, Sceadu: Your Shadow Holds a Secret by Prashant Pinge is a fantasy trip into the unknown for four youngsters who were left at home alone during a family emergency. What is Sceadu? It is a shadow land that may hold the secrets to a prophesied destruction of the Earth Realm.

Young Matilda has an ancient book that tells of shadows and myths. With the trusting innocence of a nine-year-old,who still believes in magic and the impossible, she reads each page. After being ignored by her older brother and cousins, she sets off to discover if she can travel as the book suggests, by following her shadow. When her absence is finally noticed, the three boys soon follow her into the realm of Sceadu, not nearly as prepared as she. Will they be able to get back home? Will they find the missing pages to the book that will tell them how as they work together to find the solution? Are there others who have crossed over to this world? Where are they? Why haven’t they gone home? Why are their shadows turning purple? So many questions, so few answers come easily, but that is what makes this journey such a beautiful adventure.

Get ready to savor the emotions of these four children who are each captured acting as anyone their ages would. Feel their fear, awe and wonder as they are thrust into a world so different than their own, never knowing who to trust or how they will get back home, as they rise to the occasion and learn to work together, protecting one another, thinking of each other, instead of just themselves. Prashant Pinge has created a world that feels real, as he colors each scene with both mystery and a fantasy adventure. Each page disappears as the story flows along at a rapid pace that will easily capture the imagination of younger readers as well as adults. Sceadu makes the perfect gift for a reluctant reader as they puzzle out each event and fall into the story themselves.

I received this copy from Prashant Pinge in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: November 10, 2014
Publisher: Prashant Pinge
ISBN-13: 9781483541525
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 227 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Priyaanka Batra Harjai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sceadu, is an (old) term from English language which means Shadow! Yes, this is a daring story of shadow. A good catch for the children interested in reading fictions and for parents who would be interested in introducing book-reading to their kids. The book is laced with all the ingredients that will fascinate the little wonders to the magic of the words and elders alike. Welcome to the world of the shadow!

Find out how a book initially introduces her to new definition of fear and how she fights with her fears in the land of shadow and comes out victorious; not only for herself but to mankind surviving on planet earth. She is not alone there, she is followed by her brothers and residents of Sceadu and a secret that needs all ears! Are you ready to take plunge? My take may help you decide.

This interesting story will not only entertain the readers but will enrich them with vocabulary and the concept of family, care and team-work as well. The author is an experienced writer catering the needs of children creativity and has supplied with enough food of thought for the hyper-active grey cells. A morally correct stand-point with umpteen courage crossing boundaries and acquiring limitations, what else could elders ask for an inspiring read for the younger ones? If I attempt to keep in least possible words then, this is an effective story laced with mystery and suspense adorned with relatable and influential characters governed by familial ties, a perfect combination to soothe the quench for a good read.

Source: https://booksnewsindia.wordpress.com/...

[Susan Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sceadu

This is a great book that draws you into the suspense immediately. It is very well written and yet it flows so well it is a breeze to read. A clever play on words throughout the story adds to the mystery and suspense.


The story begins with a mysterious chapter then we are introduced to Matilda. A nine-year-old girl who loves books. During a book sale, poor Matilda is bullied by another customer and as a result loses the pile of books she had planned to purchase. As fate would have it she sees an old book that intrigues her and she’s hooked. The book is called Sceadu and her adventure begin.


She is left at home with her bully of a brother, Robert. The family are in the grip of a crisis and the children are left under the care of Steven and Patrick, their older cousins. Tensions rise between and Robert and Patrick clash. Matilda is stuck between them. When Matilda disappears it leads the three boys on a rescue mission and an adventure of their own.


Readers young and old will enjoy this tale, I’m sure. It is a mixture of fantasy and adventure; mystery and suspense and battles and heroes – a recipe no one can resist.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Sceadu: Your Shadow Holds a Secret (Prashant Pinge; ASIN: B00NVCV0I0), award-winning author Prashant Pinge brings another world to life, inhabited by fearsome beasts and magical creatures, in his latest novel for young adults. On his website, he utters what might, at first glance, appear to be a disclaimer. While waiting to write his magnum opus, which drew him out of bed in the middle of the night, but which he has still to write, he states, “I happily string words together in my quest for Nirvana.” As with his writing, although what he has to say appears, on the surface, to be simple and straightforward, yet the inner depths of the tale that he has to tell soon emerge. In short, you can regard Sceadu: Your Shadow Holds a Secret as an adventure story, and stick with that, if you like, but you would be far better off being aware of the magic and mystery of his source material, which should enrich your reading experience immeasurably.


That Pinge also has an abiding interest in psychology, mythology and ancient history comes as no surprise, in that he delves into the depths of his human characters psyches in revelatory detail. Each such character is well-rounded and soundly reasoned out in terms of motivation, with Sceadu being multi-layered in texture, as well as in plot. When Matilda, frustrated by her siblings’ and cousins’ inattention to her discovery of another world, goes there by herself, leaving them to follow in her wake, she opens up countless opportunities for them to explore a fantasy world filled with goblins, imps and faeries, as well as many other lesser known creatures of myth and legend. The world of the extraordinary and fantastical definitely holds appeal for Pinge, as he has already had a short story “The Dark Rising” published in a collection on the paranormal, entitled The Killer App and Other Paranormal Stories: Look Beyond the Normal.

Even though Sceadu is aimed at a young adult audience, where the text is also likely to go down well is in the older learner’s classroom, where discussions can be held regarding the use of imagery and metaphor, and where the meaning of some of the more advanced vocabulary used can be explored. Pinge’s keen-eyed and sensitive description of the environment and the setting in which the action takes place is alternated with heated exchanges between the human characters, which might also be fun to role-play. His dialogue is true-to-life and nuanced, clearly showing the differences between the older and younger members of the family.

Sceadu is such a worthwhile and invigorating read that it is quite likely to spawn a cult following, who will soon be asking for more stories in the same vein. It also holds great potential for being converted into a screen play. For a glimpse of what the book holds in store, why not check out the book’s enticing preview at http://www.prashantpinge.com/?

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did a double take after reading the beginning of this book. I was pretty sure this was a YA fantasy adventure. But that first chapter, that thing with the shadow, really creeped me out. Then the end of the chapter explained what was what and I was all in.

Seven year old Matilda is a book lover. She’s been looking forward to the huge book sale. When her mother finally gets them there, she only has 45 minutes to find and purchase her books. She has just one to go and finally spies it. But another customer grabs it at the same time and Matilda loses the tug of war. Turning to gather up her other books, she discovers them gone. No books for Matilda.

But wait. Didn’t she hear a book fall to the floor in the scuffle? Yes! She swoops up the book and takes it home, not knowing that ancient book will take her on the adventure of a lifetime.

Sceadu is a book of shadows. It’s the shadows that take Matilda to Sceadu. That and the words from the book. And her belief the place really exists.

Her older brother and two cousins don’t believe her, until they discover she’s vanished. They too use the book and shadows to go after her.

Adding a family crisis made this story work. The adults had to leave on a family emergency and have the older cousins, Steven and Patrick come stay with Matilda, and her older brother Robert. Robert is self-centered and a bully and not good material as a babysitter. Having the kids disappear wouldn’t have worked if the adults had been at home. And you know what they say, ‘When the cats away, the mice will play.’

I felt Matilda was better equipped to navigate Sceadu than the boys were. They were always fighting, trying to one-up each other. I truly hoped they get their act together and find Matilda. If the ancient prophecy was true, they might not have a world to return to.

Anyone who likes a good fantasy adventure will enjoy Sceadu. It has heroes, dastardly villians, the deadly Hefigan creatures, an ancient prophecy, and a mystical world of shadows. I’d recommend this for young and mature readers.

I received this book for my honest review.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sceadu by Prashant Pinge

Nine year old Matilida buys an ancient book at a used book sale, and suddenly disappears. Her brother and cousins reluctantly decide to go find her. She ends up in a land called Sceadu. She has very little time to leave or she will be stuck there. As their adventure begins, they encounter many magical and mythical beings, some friendly others not. They learn of an ancient prophecy, and must evade Hufigans, who are vicious. Will they be able to save mankind?

A fast paced fun adventure/fantasy story. I really liked young Matilda, she was wise for her years. I also enjoyed the camaraderie with Matilda, her cousins and brother. The story had action, adventure, and magical/mystical creatures, making the story more fun. I feel that Middle School , Young Adult and Adults fantasy/adventure lovers will greatly enjoy Sceadu by Prashant Pinge.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine-year-old Matilda has a problem: her shadow has been growing - and she hasn't. What happens when something grows unfettered? It eventually consumes - and that is what happens to Matilda. End of story? Not on your life: it's only the beginning!

Sceadu, Your Shadow Holds a Secret holds unusually captivating cover art - a looming, evil mask/face - and is slated for young adult audiences despite its pre-teen protagonists. That's a good thing; because between a scary cover and a fantasy based on an end of the world prophecy that looms as a possible reality, the story line is recommended for mature teens into adult readers.

Though billed as a young adult read, Sceadu, Your Shadow Holds a Secret will easily reach into adult circles as well (despite the ages of its young heroes and heroine), and promises as thrilling, unpredictable a read as any an adult fantasy.

The device that ultimately proves the most successful, setting Sceadu apart from other fantasies is the juxtaposition of children working within the context of a very adult world.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

SCEADU: YOUR SHADOW HOLDS A SECRET was gifted to me by the author after I spotlighted the book on my blog, and I was thrilled to have the chance to read to review it.

The book introduces us to 9 year old Matilda and an ancient, leather bound book she came home from the library book sale with. What follows are the dreams, nightmares of slithery shadows suffocating her. But it's not until her parents and aunt are called away on an emergency and her two older cousins are left to look after she and her brother, that Matilda goes missing...

Transported to a world of fantasy and danger, Matilda and the others kids will be faced with more adventure and mystery than they ever could want, as they find themselves in Sceadu, a shadow land with a prophecy foretelling the destruction of the home they left behind.

[World Of · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prashant Pinge's magically fascinating novel Sceadu: Your Shadow Holds a Secret takes four children who were left alone at home amid a family emergency on a fantastical journey into the unknown. Sceadu: What is it? It is a shadowland that might contain the answers to the Earth Realm's impending demise.

This novel transports readers to a dangerous and dark planet in an exciting fantasy adventure. The narrative centers on Isabella, her brother Emilio, and their cousins as they discover an enigmatic, antiquated book authored by an adventurer who once travelled to a place called Sceadu, or the country of shadows. The children enter this unsettling and dangerous reality as Isabella's shadow mysteriously expands and engulfs her. Finding the truth about the evil forces who control Sceadu and preventing the fulfillment of a deadly prophecy are their only chances of making it back home.

The plot revolves around King Mortuus, a cunning ruler who aims to fulfill an old prophecy that would bring about unspeakable evil to the planet. Isabella, Emilio, and their cousins are now at the core of his perverse plot, which requires the sacrifice of four children to be completed. The kids have to deal with frightful animals like ghouls, imps, and faeries as they make their way through Sceadu; each one is more perilous than the last. They have a limited amount of time to outsmart Mortuus and his army of shadows, or else they risk losing their lives and their world's existence.

The author skilfully combines fantasy, adventure, and mystery in this book to create a gripping narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. As the kids unite to confront the unthinkable, the book delves into themes of bravery, camaraderie, and the never-ending conflict between light and darkness. Only the most courageous can discover the solution to rescuing the planet from perpetual darkness in this gripping novel.

[Shruthi Inkit writings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sceadu by Prashant Pinge is an exciting Young Adult (YA) fantasy that draws readers into a world where shadows come alive and mythical creatures hold dominion. The gripping premise—Isabella’s shadow swallowing her whole—immediately captures your attention.

Plot:
The story follows Isabella, a nine-year-old girl who discovers a strange book in a library. This book has the power to transport her and her brothers into the eerie world of Sceadu, a land filled with dangerous creatures and dark forces. However, they soon realize that the real danger comes from the sinister King Mortuus, a goblin ruler who wants to invade their world. What begins as a quest to return home quickly turns into a race against time to stop Mortuus from unleashing destruction on both worlds. Along the way, Isabella and her companions must face not only terrifying creatures but also their own inner fears—symbolized by their shadows.

Feedback:
Prashant Pinge’s writing is immersive and atmospheric, beautifully capturing the eerie essence of Sceadu and its inhabitants. The book explores powerful themes like courage, friendship, and the battle against one’s inner darkness, making it more than just a typical fantasy adventure. The world-building is vivid, with rich descriptions that bring the land of Sceadu to life, from its menacing goblins to its enchanting yet dangerous faeries.

The fast-paced nature of the book makes it a quick and engaging read. It is a perfect choice for fans of Young Adult fantasy who enjoy stories about facing fears, overcoming darkness. Overall, it’s a fast-paced, thought-provoking adventure that will leave you pondering the shadows within us all long after the final page.

[Naveen Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thrilling fantasy adventure that plunges readers into a world of darkness and danger. The story follows Isabella, her brother Emilio, and their cousins as they stumble upon a mysterious, ancient book written by an explorer who once journeyed to a realm known as Sceadu, the land of shadows. When Isabella’s shadow inexplicably grows and engulfs her, the children are transported into this eerie and perilous dimension. Their only hope of returning home lies in uncovering the truth behind the sinister forces that rule Sceadu and stopping a deadly prophecy from being fulfilled.

At the heart of the story is King Mortuus, a malevolent ruler who seeks to unlock an ancient prophecy that will unleash unimaginable darkness on the world. To complete his plan, he needs the sacrifice of four children – and Isabella, Emilio, and their cousins are now at the center of his twisted scheme. As they navigate through Sceadu, the children must confront terrifying creatures such as ghouls, imps, and faeries, each more dangerous than the last. With time running out, they must outwit Mortuus and his army of shadows or risk not only their lives but the survival of their world.

In this book, author masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and fantasy, creating a fast-paced, immersive story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel explores themes of courage, friendship, and the eternal battle between light and darkness, as the children band together to face the unimaginable. Sceadu is an unforgettable tale where shadows hold secrets, and only the bravest can unlock the key to saving the world from eternal night.

[Diya Ramwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sceadu is a fantastical journey into a shadowy realm where imagination and danger blend seamlessly. Prashant Pinge creates a gripping narrative that begins with Isabella's shadow swallowing her whole—a moment so vivid and eerie that it sets the tone for the entire book. The intricate world-building transports readers to the land of Sceadu, where every shadow holds secrets, and every turn hides a lurking danger. The premise of King Mortuus' sinister prophecy and the children's desperate fight against dark forces adds layers of tension and intrigue to this immersive tale.

The characters—Isabella, Emilio, and their cousins—are relatable and resourceful, embodying the courage of youth while navigating a world filled with ghouls, imps, and faeries. Pinge masterfully intertwines their personal dynamics with the overarching battle against Mortuus, making their journey not only a fight for survival but also a test of their unity and strength. His ability to craft vivid, elaborate settings makes Sceadu come alive, pulling readers deeper into its mysterious folds. Each twist in the plot feels deliberate, enhancing the themes of courage, sacrifice, and the power of knowledge.

With its rich descriptions, compelling storyline, and elements of fear, fantasy, and adventure, Sceadu is a spellbinding read that appeals to both seasoned fantasy lovers and newcomers to the genre. The book’s pacing ensures an edge-of-your-seat experience, while its profound exploration of shadows—both literal and metaphorical—leaves a lasting impression. Prashant Pinge has truly crafted a modern masterpiece that bridges the gap between dark fantasy and timeless storytelling

[Janvi Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dark allure of Sceadu immediately grabs attention with its eerie premise! Isabella’s shadow swallowing her whole was enough to make me curious and unsettled. This intriguing mix of suspense and adventure feels like stepping into a mythological thriller, and it promises an intense journey.

Prashant crafts a spellbinding world of shadows where Isabella, her brother, and cousins must navigate Sceadu to stop the sinister King Mortuus from unleashing dark forces. As they battle ghouls, imps, and faeries, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The children's bravery and resourcefulness shine throughout as they work to stop the looming prophesy. It’s a high-stakes, fast-paced plot that keeps you on edge.

Prashant Pinge’s immersive writing is atmospheric and layered with mythology, capturing the darkness and beauty of Sceadu. The themes of courage, unity, and facing one’s fears are powerful, making this more than just a fantasy adventure. Sceadu reminds us of the shadows we all carry and the strength it takes to confront them. A truly compelling read that both entertains and inspires!

[Pankaj Goyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Sceadu: Your Shadow Holds a Secret’ is a fast-paced adventure by Prashant Pinge. The story is about four children who end up in an adventurous world through a series of strange events. This world is a micro-universe with characters and complications. This is the world of not only imps, goblins and faeries but also of a number of vicious and nasty creatures. Once in this strange world, the children come to know about an ancient foretelling that forecasts the doom of the world these children have left behind. Now, it’s up to these children to face grave challenges of this new world and save humankind from a ruthless enemy. In a way, this book is about a number of tough challenges these children face in this strange and mysterious world.

The book is written well with a variety of well-developed characters. The characters are made to alternate between illusion and reality and the readers are made to see the illusion of these characters through their consciousness. Of course, the main premise has been done many times before. For instance, ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Still, the world of Sceadu is interesting, one that you do want to explore. There is always something exciting or dangerous in this world. The story too is an interesting one as it keeps pushing you to turn the pages. Thanks to the craftsmanship of the novelist, Sceadu is alive as a character. The book pulls your attention from the first chapter itself, which is beautifully done. While there are some heavy descriptions of Sceadu, writing is central to the plot and nothing has been done for the sake of filling page counts. The book is exactly the right length for the story being told without a single chapter seeming overly long. There is no rambling and the characters are always doing something to further their goals. The philosophy of shadow has also been dealt quite beautifully in the plot.

While there are many good points to the story, there are also a couple of issues that needs attention. First, a number of characters in this book tend to fall into the cliché category. While these is nothing wrong with doing the typical here as it is common in most of the fantasy genres, one needs to innovate in some way or other. That innovation seems to be missing here. Second, one feels that a few aspects of nature should be made to intervene now and then in the crucial moments of the plot to quietly reminding of their existence. This intervention would definitely have made the plot more interesting to read. However, this is just one of my observations and other readers may object to this opinion.

The author of this book was shortlisted for the Economist Crossword Book Awards in ‘the Children’s Writing’ category in 2011. Reading this book made you understand the reasons behind that. I have been really impressed by the ways the author has crafted this story. While this book seems to be aimed at young audience, this will also be liked by the adults. I do hope that the writer is working on a sequel of this book.

(I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.)

Read more on:
http://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2014/11...

[Oh My Bookness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review:
By: Brittany Perez ( Oh My Bookness)
@ohmybookness
Bperezbookreviews@gmail.com
Review Date: November 11, 2014

Sceadu: Your Shadow Holds A Secret by Prashant Pinge is a fast paced mythological adventure, along with wing a strong stand alone adventure sequence one in area or another part of the book. It straddles the finest of the lines between psychological thriller and the world of the mystic. The mystique is written so clearly, with such richness, weaving a little reality into the story telling. It makes you, the reader, while reading to start question your own reality, as fiction starts to blur into reality and begin to question what you believe because it feels like it's becoming one with your imagination and your conscious, as if it's possible, as if it can be real. I We all know for the avid reader this is just engrossed reading, and getting more deeply into certain aspects and certain parts of the book. The more you are feel apart of the story, the book, and feel something,you emphasize with the protagonist. It's pretty damn near close for the author, who does writing for a living to be absolutely near successful for this type of genre/style with capturing emotion, feeling, invoking mystery, with a strong plot and a follow through with more than one story throughout that touches the pat to give idea of why what's happening or.....just have to read for your self. And I mean near.

Lets go over a little what the book is about.
Sceadu: your Shadow Holds A Secret by Prashant Pinge is about a young 9 year old girl named Matilda, her brother Robert and cousins Steven and Patrick. Young Matilda loves books, and as we know it, when she goes purchase a stack of books she picked out, fate intervened or did it? Bullies knocked her books out of her hands but as she looks at the pile, she sees a book lying on the ground. I guess we can say "fate" intervened. A book called Scaedu lied their, it was an old book, it lied their as if it called out to her. Oddly enough this book was missing and was not purchase or borrow, it was missing for sometime but ended up, why, who knows why when Ms. Malinda. When she went to go pick up her books that were not all there but this one particular one called "SCEADU", ancient and leather bound with fantastic old san-script that glistened was, called.

Scaedu leads her,her brothers, and cousins on a adventure of a lifetime. A adventure that will have to bring a severed family together on a united front and a common mission to save young Matilda.

The authors writing in his story is filled with rich descriptions. The authors use of creative licenses with terminology and unusual names, some may come to find the names be a little over the top, for other readers it will be a literary journey of new
experience. This read is a hard critique but in the end I have to say with all my findings this was q original tale, well executed that takes you on a literary journey and does not worry about but writing a story true to his heart. One I enjoyed, with the the adventures, the twist and more.

[Bruce Gargoyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I received a copy of this title from the author for review.

Ten Second Synopsis:
Matilda finds an old book that tells her how to travel to another world by jumping into her shadow. After her brother and cousins follow her into the book, they must solve some old mysteries in order to make it back home.

If you're looking for a middle-grade, early YA story that is full of mythical creatures, danger and mystery, then Sceadu is the book you've been looking for. That striking cover gives a good idea of the atmosphere throughout the part of the story that takes place in Sceadu - it's quite pretty and enticing, but at the same time a defininte sense of danger dogs your footsteps. Sceadu had the feel of the traditional fantasy children's books like the Narnia chronicles in that the fantasy elements were taken seriously by the author and the characters are not so protected that they won't see the results of their dangerous journey played out around them. There is violence here, and death, but it is not gratuitous and suits the context of the "shadow-world" of Sceadu.

I did find that the dialogue between the children was a bit clunky in parts, and that the uneasy relationship between Matilda's brother and her cousins was spelled out a little too repetitively. Each of the young male characters is clearly defined by their characteristics - one is a confident leader, one is a slobby overeater, one is logical and literal - and while each of these learns and grows over the course of the book, it did make the characters a little two-dimensional for my tastes.

Overall this is a fun, slightly scary read for those who enjoy fantasy and myth, with a world that is original and thoroughly-imagined.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 3 out of 5]

>Review - Sceadu

>I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. This is a stand alone book and ends with the threat of more to come.

>Matilda, her brother Robert and cousins Steven and Patrick are left home, alone, together for a week. Their parents have to go to their grandparent's home for a medical emergency. At first, the children react typically, fighting and power struggles abound. Matilda disappears and the 3 boys set aside their differences to save her.

>The writing in this story is rich with description, but the terminology and strange names are too overwhelming. There were multiple flashbacks that tried to add to the backstory, but the point in time was confusing and the end of the flashbacks were hard to decipher. The author also used legends and prophesies to explain things to the children. These stories within a story were unusually long and became tedious to read.

>The plot was well thought out, but the myriad of locations, creatures and prophecies made for a confusing story that distracted from the positive points of the plot. The Sceadu book has great prominence, but nothing is revealed as to what the book contains. I feel the book had promise, but went too far in its creation of a new world.

> This book is for a young adult (14+) audience.

[Karen ⊰✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nine year old Matilda finds an old book that can take her to an alternative world, and after a fight with her brother she decides to jump straight in. Unfortunately she has no idea how to get back and the new world is not exactly Wonderland. As her brother and two cousins discover what she is done they go after her and so ensues a quest story in a fantasy world.
This novel is reminiscent of books like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Book of Lost Things and Reckless. And for those who enjoy a new fantasy world where the heroes are sent on a quest I think this is a very solid book. There are a few places where I think an additional edit can help (unnecessary dialogue and a few too many references to characters eating food in order to try and move the story), but for the most part I think these can be overlooked.

Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need to be more selective in the books I choose to read. There's nothing horrible about this one, but there is also nothing particularly good. I'd only gotten a few paragraphs into it when I decided that it must actually have been written by a child because the concepts, actions and characters were so one dimensional, predictable and unbelievable. I was shocked when I later learned it was NOT written by a child. So no excuse there.

It also did not provide me with any insight into other cultures or other ways of thinking or new concepts or much of anything. If you get it for your kid, he/she might enjoy it but he/she will not learn anything from it.

[Vinay Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: http://wp.me/p2J8yh-2Ka

What works:
+ Character sketching; loved the 4 children, and the fantastical creatures.
+ Engaging narration; kept the pages turning when in Sceadu
+ The idea of a land inside our shadow,

What doesn’t:
- Explanations tend to be long, and not very interesting
- The book that leads to Sceadu could play a bigger role, I feel.

More positives than negatives, and a book that’s fun and worth reading.

[Madhuri Varma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly good adventurous read. (3.5/5)
Full review- http://wp.me/p2vbKI-3X