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Pillywiggin: Lost Shadow Boys
5.0 out of 5 stars!!! A lovely and delightful book. This is a wonderful book! Highly recommended! The characters are engaging, the story line is good, and it is a nice change from so many other genres out there. - amazon reader
A misfit fairy from the wrong side of the pond challenges herself to overcome her fear and becomes an unlikely hero.
When the wicked witch of the realm discovered where the emperor was hiding his heir, she captured all the boys and erased them from memory. For 18 years, she has been trying to find out which boy was chosen. They live in a cavern beneath her twisted castle, among trolls, dragons and oddizens, where they are forced to mine fairy dust for her. One boy was not caught. Tashuhunka, helps them in secret. Using Indian wisdoms and science, he is stronger than the witch. But he has a weakness. The night of the great battle, Tash found a baby girl. It is written in the prophecies that someone will free the realm from the dark magic. Is she the one? He has protected her and kept her hidden from the witch. Now, they are out of time and but she’s not ready. Actually, she’s pretty clueless.
A misfit fairy from the wrong side of the pond challenges herself to overcome her fear and becomes an unlikely hero.
When the wicked witch of the realm discovered where the emperor was hiding his heir, she captured all the boys and erased them from memory. For 18 years, she has been trying to find out which boy was chosen. They live in a cavern beneath her twisted castle, among trolls, dragons and oddizens, where they are forced to mine fairy dust for her. One boy was not caught. Tashuhunka, helps them in secret. Using Indian wisdoms and science, he is stronger than the witch. But he has a weakness. The night of the great battle, Tash found a baby girl. It is written in the prophecies that someone will free the realm from the dark magic. Is she the one? He has protected her and kept her hidden from the witch. Now, they are out of time and but she’s not ready. Actually, she’s pretty clueless.
Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 7, 2025
Basically, it's a fairy tale for older children
I did like the general plot, which wasn't hard to follow but perhaps a bit too long. I was distracted by the typos. Character development was okay, but not great. Quite a bit of fighting, which was necessary for the plot. Not what I would classify as true violence. Preteens would enjoy this story.
I did like the general plot, which wasn't hard to follow but perhaps a bit too long. I was distracted by the typos. Character development was okay, but not great. Quite a bit of fighting, which was necessary for the plot. Not what I would classify as true violence. Preteens would enjoy this story.
January 4, 2025
Debbie Bishop's PILLYWIGGIN: The Lost Shadow Boys is a very engaging fantasy that transports the reader to the wonderful yet dangerous Mantelrealm. This book, combining magic, suspense, and elements of courage, friendship, and hope, holds your attention from the first page and does not let go.
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary
The story is about Jayce and a group of fairy boys imprisoned in a scorching mine under the rule of an evil witch. Their ability to fly is taken away from them due to the suffocating heat, but with their ingenuity and determination, they survive, dreaming of freedom all along. It makes the tension greater when there is a prophecy of a savior, a girl whose arrival has become more of a myth than hope, and Tashuhunka, the only boy who escaped and works covertly to aid his friends.
Bishop's world-building is a showstopper, with vivid images of dragons that guard the mines, eerie Oddizens, and richly detailed settings like the Heatherworld and hidden tunnels. Every aspect of the Mantelrealm feels alive, creating an immersive experience for readers.
Key Themes
1. Courage and Resilience
The story celebrates the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite their dire circumstances, Jayce and his friends refuse to surrender to despair.
2. Teamwork and Friendship
The bond among the Lost Shadow Boys is what the story focuses on, displaying the strength found in unity and mutual support.
3. Self-Discovery and Heroism
Chloe's self-discovery and growth towards finding her strength and purpose is what gives this story more depth and a sense of relatability for readers.
4. Adventure and Mystery
The suspenseful times, like going through the perilous tunnels, keep readers at the edge of their seats and combine action with emotional depth.
Strengths
• Exceptional World-Building: The Mantelrealm is vividly imagined, with unique creatures, magical elements, and richly described settings.
• Relatable Characters: Jayce, Chloe, and the other characters are multi-dimensional, making their struggles and triumphs feel real.
• Themes with Depth: Beyond the fantasy elements, the book explores meaningful topics like resilience, purpose, and self-belief.
• Engaging Prose: Bishop's writing style is both accessible and evocative, drawing readers of all ages into the story.
Who Should Read This Book?
• Tweens and young adults who enjoy high fantasy adventures.
• Readers who enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.
• Anyone who wants a fantasy story with heart, suspense, and strong themes of hope and perseverance.
Final Thoughts
PILLYWIGGIN: The Lost Shadow Boys is a beautifully crafted fantasy tale that balances thrilling adventure with profound emotional moments. Debbie Bishop has created a story that is both enchanting and deeply meaningful, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and inspiration.
Whether you’re a young reader or an adult looking for a magical escape, this book delivers an unforgettable journey filled with bravery, imagination, and heart.
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary
The story is about Jayce and a group of fairy boys imprisoned in a scorching mine under the rule of an evil witch. Their ability to fly is taken away from them due to the suffocating heat, but with their ingenuity and determination, they survive, dreaming of freedom all along. It makes the tension greater when there is a prophecy of a savior, a girl whose arrival has become more of a myth than hope, and Tashuhunka, the only boy who escaped and works covertly to aid his friends.
Bishop's world-building is a showstopper, with vivid images of dragons that guard the mines, eerie Oddizens, and richly detailed settings like the Heatherworld and hidden tunnels. Every aspect of the Mantelrealm feels alive, creating an immersive experience for readers.
Key Themes
1. Courage and Resilience
The story celebrates the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite their dire circumstances, Jayce and his friends refuse to surrender to despair.
2. Teamwork and Friendship
The bond among the Lost Shadow Boys is what the story focuses on, displaying the strength found in unity and mutual support.
3. Self-Discovery and Heroism
Chloe's self-discovery and growth towards finding her strength and purpose is what gives this story more depth and a sense of relatability for readers.
4. Adventure and Mystery
The suspenseful times, like going through the perilous tunnels, keep readers at the edge of their seats and combine action with emotional depth.
Strengths
• Exceptional World-Building: The Mantelrealm is vividly imagined, with unique creatures, magical elements, and richly described settings.
• Relatable Characters: Jayce, Chloe, and the other characters are multi-dimensional, making their struggles and triumphs feel real.
• Themes with Depth: Beyond the fantasy elements, the book explores meaningful topics like resilience, purpose, and self-belief.
• Engaging Prose: Bishop's writing style is both accessible and evocative, drawing readers of all ages into the story.
Who Should Read This Book?
• Tweens and young adults who enjoy high fantasy adventures.
• Readers who enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.
• Anyone who wants a fantasy story with heart, suspense, and strong themes of hope and perseverance.
Final Thoughts
PILLYWIGGIN: The Lost Shadow Boys is a beautifully crafted fantasy tale that balances thrilling adventure with profound emotional moments. Debbie Bishop has created a story that is both enchanting and deeply meaningful, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and inspiration.
Whether you’re a young reader or an adult looking for a magical escape, this book delivers an unforgettable journey filled with bravery, imagination, and heart.
December 22, 2024
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys is a tale of hope and bravery. Jayce and his fellow shadow boys are trapped in a mine, yet their determination to escape never wavers. The Mantelrealm is a vividly crafted world, with dangers like dragons and Oddizens making it thrilling and immersive. The prophecy and Tashuhunka’s secret aid add layers of intrigue. This story isn't just about magic—it's about sticking together through the darkest times. A must-read for anyone who loves fantasy with a strong emotional core! 💖🔥
March 24, 2025
I won a copy in Goodreads first reads giveaway. I was supers excited to read. I struggled quite a bit due to the formatting. I couldn't open it on my eReader and it was tiny on my phone. I did enjoy the story and the characters. The artwork was gorgeous as well.
August 27, 2024
In the perilous world of Mantelrealm, survival is a formidable challenge, particularly for Jayce, who leads a group of young boys captured by a malevolent witch during a massive battle. Despite possessing fairy magic, their escape from the blistering prison is not an option through flight. Instead, they are forced to craft makeshift tools to mine fairy dust under the vigilant eyes of mercenary dragons and enigmatic creatures known as Oddizens. Their only hope for freedom lies in a boy who managed to escape and smuggled in supplies. However, with past escape attempts having failed and time running out, they anxiously await the fulfillment of a prophecy that foretells the arrival of a girl destined to save them. But will she arrive in time?
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys by Debbie Bishop strikes a perfect balance between the fantastical and the relatable, making it both enjoyable and profoundly meaningful. The young protagonists, despite their age, bear the weighty responsibilities and challenges typically associated with adulthood. This stark contrast between their youth and the burdens they carry evokes a deep sense of empathy. Their struggles with loss, responsibility, and survival in an unforgiving world mirror the real-life challenges many young people face today, who are forced to mature too quickly. This unexpected depth adds a compelling layer to the story, transforming it into more than just a fantastical escape. The language used in the book is highly accessible, broadening its appeal to readers as young as twelve. Though firmly within the fantasy genre, the plot remains easy to follow. This accessibility is particularly evident in how Bishop introduces and develops the story's prophecy. Complex themes are distilled into simple, captivating explanations that younger readers can easily grasp. This simplicity does not diminish the story's richness; rather, it ensures that even profound ideas are conveyed in an engaging and thought-provoking manner, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative. The book's ending left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. With just a single sentence, Bishop masterfully sets up a cliffhanger that raises numerous questions about the characters' futures and the unfolding plot. This clever narrative choice keeps readers hooked and invested, reflecting the unpredictability and open-ended nature of our own stories.
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys excels in blending relatable, real-world experiences with its fantasy elements, making it a compelling read. Themes of youthful burdens, accessible yet profound storytelling, and cliffhangers that resonate with real-life uncertainties ensure that the narrative remains grounded in reality while offering an escape into a richly imagined world. I highly recommend this book to tween readers who enjoy high fantasy, such as The Lord of the Rings, as it serves as an excellent introduction to more complex reads. Its accessible language and relatable characters make it the perfect gateway to the high fantasy genre, preparing young readers for more challenging books in the future.
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys by Debbie Bishop strikes a perfect balance between the fantastical and the relatable, making it both enjoyable and profoundly meaningful. The young protagonists, despite their age, bear the weighty responsibilities and challenges typically associated with adulthood. This stark contrast between their youth and the burdens they carry evokes a deep sense of empathy. Their struggles with loss, responsibility, and survival in an unforgiving world mirror the real-life challenges many young people face today, who are forced to mature too quickly. This unexpected depth adds a compelling layer to the story, transforming it into more than just a fantastical escape. The language used in the book is highly accessible, broadening its appeal to readers as young as twelve. Though firmly within the fantasy genre, the plot remains easy to follow. This accessibility is particularly evident in how Bishop introduces and develops the story's prophecy. Complex themes are distilled into simple, captivating explanations that younger readers can easily grasp. This simplicity does not diminish the story's richness; rather, it ensures that even profound ideas are conveyed in an engaging and thought-provoking manner, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative. The book's ending left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. With just a single sentence, Bishop masterfully sets up a cliffhanger that raises numerous questions about the characters' futures and the unfolding plot. This clever narrative choice keeps readers hooked and invested, reflecting the unpredictability and open-ended nature of our own stories.
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys excels in blending relatable, real-world experiences with its fantasy elements, making it a compelling read. Themes of youthful burdens, accessible yet profound storytelling, and cliffhangers that resonate with real-life uncertainties ensure that the narrative remains grounded in reality while offering an escape into a richly imagined world. I highly recommend this book to tween readers who enjoy high fantasy, such as The Lord of the Rings, as it serves as an excellent introduction to more complex reads. Its accessible language and relatable characters make it the perfect gateway to the high fantasy genre, preparing young readers for more challenging books in the future.
September 26, 2024
not quite my style
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews