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The Shapewalker's Song #1
The Shapewalker's Song
If you could shape-shift into anything you wanted, how would you shape your life? For Sumi, adrift and alone since her grandmother died, the answer is obvious. When she discovers that the magic of the Shapewalkers may have run in her family, she knows she wants to use it to help people. But even magic isn't a simple answer to all of life's problems, and in a kingdom like Berill, magic might invite new ones.The continent of Wellonai is full of ancient kingdoms with deep ties to magic. But Berill is an upstart, gobbling up territory as they force modernity on their friends and enemies alike. While many have forgotten magic as trains and electricity went in, there are still those in the Berillai government who work to keep magic out of their kingdom, and there is no bigger threat to their vision of the world than Shapewalkers.In the spirit of fantasies like Howl's Moving Castle and The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, enter a heartfelt tale with joy and beauty at its center.
- GenresFantasy
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2020
25 people are currently reading
2716 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Tomen
13 books45 followersJ.H. Tomen is a fantasy writer based in Chicago. He loves all things cats, cookies, and cookie cats! He also loves his readers! Feel free to look him up or write to him anytime!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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March 17, 2021Currently free on Amazon!
April 9, 2021
Wouldn’t it be cool to have the ability to shape shift? Heck yeah!!! I really adored this book. This is one of the few fantasy genre books that I have read (my preferred genre is historical fiction). It was captivating, even though it was not an “easy” read. The author was incredibly descriptive and detailed throughout the book.
This book is about Sumi, a young woman whose grandmother has recently passed away. She soon realizes that she has a family history of shapewalkers. However, she quickly learns that shapewalkers are not wanted in the city that she lives in, and can even be hung for possessing this magical ability.
I thoroughly enjoyed the different things that Sumi shape shifted into; from the flower, to the trolley coin, to the hawk (which was my favorite). The book really relates to present day with all of the issues we have from “being different” from our education level, to how much money we possess, even to our race. Sumi wants to use her shape shifting ability to help people. However, that is irrelevant to the police department. All they are worried about is identifying and punishing/executing shape shifters.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who are fantasy book lovers. There are parts that I felt were dragged out and could have been less descriptive (even though I love the author’s writing style). I am looking forward to reading the sequel and continuing on Sumi’s expedition.
This book is about Sumi, a young woman whose grandmother has recently passed away. She soon realizes that she has a family history of shapewalkers. However, she quickly learns that shapewalkers are not wanted in the city that she lives in, and can even be hung for possessing this magical ability.
I thoroughly enjoyed the different things that Sumi shape shifted into; from the flower, to the trolley coin, to the hawk (which was my favorite). The book really relates to present day with all of the issues we have from “being different” from our education level, to how much money we possess, even to our race. Sumi wants to use her shape shifting ability to help people. However, that is irrelevant to the police department. All they are worried about is identifying and punishing/executing shape shifters.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who are fantasy book lovers. There are parts that I felt were dragged out and could have been less descriptive (even though I love the author’s writing style). I am looking forward to reading the sequel and continuing on Sumi’s expedition.
December 21, 2020
Fantasy with a difference.
I bought this book to get a feel for the world of fantasy which is not my preferred genre. Six hours later, with just a few breaks, I was still reading over certain parts of the book which hooked me.
After her grandmother’s death, Sumi discovers that she has extraordinary powers to shapeshift... I found this part of the book quite innovative and amusing, especially when she transformed into a trolley token. But it was the life lessons which spoke to me loudest… “Many think power is power over others, power to control...But power is not to do, child, power is to be.”... “There’s no greater gift than the curiosity of youth.”
The book is well written with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. Sumi, the protagonist is simply adorable and her concern for the wellbeing of others highlights all that life should be about. The author carried me along this exciting journey with ultimate ease and had me smiling at the very end.
A great read.
Will I delve more into the land of fantasy? O yes, I will...with this author
I bought this book to get a feel for the world of fantasy which is not my preferred genre. Six hours later, with just a few breaks, I was still reading over certain parts of the book which hooked me.
After her grandmother’s death, Sumi discovers that she has extraordinary powers to shapeshift... I found this part of the book quite innovative and amusing, especially when she transformed into a trolley token. But it was the life lessons which spoke to me loudest… “Many think power is power over others, power to control...But power is not to do, child, power is to be.”... “There’s no greater gift than the curiosity of youth.”
The book is well written with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. Sumi, the protagonist is simply adorable and her concern for the wellbeing of others highlights all that life should be about. The author carried me along this exciting journey with ultimate ease and had me smiling at the very end.
A great read.
Will I delve more into the land of fantasy? O yes, I will...with this author
March 29, 2021
I enjoyed the premise of this book, and the story was pretty good. I will probably read the next book in the series. Normally, I would have given it four starts, but I'm deducting a star because my level of incredulity pulled me out of the story a few times. Electricity and photography felt out of place in this world. Also, if Shapewalkers do exist, shouldn't there be other magical humans as well? Or can humans only do "this one neat trick"? Overall a fun, easy read, just don't think about it too deeply.
May 22, 2023
This book was too young adult for me. It is a very slow book geared towards children. The main character is very naive, and I was very frustrated with her. The story picked up in the last quarter, but it was very easy for the good guys to get away. I never felt that I connected to the story.
On the plus side, this was a very imaginative story and it was soothing to be transported into this world.
On the plus side, this was a very imaginative story and it was soothing to be transported into this world.
November 18, 2021
Beautiful, Quiet Story
I enjoyed this sweet story and the beautiful world Tomen has crafted. It was refreshing to read a story where the fate of the world is not in peril, and found the memory-based magic intriguing. This cozy story is great escape fiction, and I look forward to reading the sequel.
I enjoyed this sweet story and the beautiful world Tomen has crafted. It was refreshing to read a story where the fate of the world is not in peril, and found the memory-based magic intriguing. This cozy story is great escape fiction, and I look forward to reading the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews