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Shimmer
Lyla is having the worst year of her life and then her Mum announces they are moving to a strange new town. The only silver lining is the signs that a cat has made itself home in the new house. Lyla quickly finds out though that Shimmer is no ordinary cat....
86 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2020
4 people want to read
About the author
Alan Meredith
6 books5 followersHi! I’m Alan Meredith, CFA Spooky Shorts Winner 2024! I like to write books where you are never quite sure whether the events of the story are actually happening, or whether they are the main character’s delusion. Mark Twain did say, “Write what you know.” Shimmer, Midas and my latest book Valhalla, fall into this self-styled genre I’m titling ‘Delusional Fantasy’. Sometimes I slip into my first love, Horror. Lucas, Father’s Day and Self Defence all fall into this well-established genre. For those who want to know more you can find me on Facebook & Good Reads.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 30, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Shimmer' by Alan Meredith.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours and Alan Meredith.
Publication date 17th March 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title.
This novel consists of 19 chapters. The chapters are short to short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Lyla. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
'Shimmer' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Alan discusses/includes animal death.
This book is very well written and takes you into the mind of both a young girl and a cat! The vivid descriptions left you feeling the waves on your skin and the leafs in your hair.
This book is unique in the fact that it is not only written from a child's point of view but then goes on to what goes on in the mind of a cat. I actually read this book twice, firstly myself and then to my 9 year old son although I did leave out the but about what happened to Lyla's mothers cat. I am an adult and found that quite upsetting so I'm sure my 9 year old son would too so just be careful if reading to a child or your child is reading this book. However, although it is upsetting, sadly this does happen even now. The story wasn't fast or slow paced but it did start speeding up more from chapter 6 where Shimmer takes over. This part did leave me confused as I wasn't sure if it was meant to be Lyla in Shimmer's body or Lyla just seeing memories, this was later cleared up. I found it to be an easy read which was unique and enjoyable. I read it in an hour so if you are looking for a quick read this is certainly one for you. I rate this book 4/5 as I enjoyed it.
My 9 year old son really enjoyed listening to me read it and even read it himself afterwards. When I asked him what he thought he said "I think it is a really cool book and I loved Shimmer (he is a huge cat lover especially as I run a cat rescue). It was like going on an adventure with him and seeing all the other animals. I felt sorry for the chickens which was my worst part and some other animals but loved the Queen cat who was really cool and was my favourite part. I want one of them (not happening I explained to him 😂). I give the book 5/5".
Although this book is mainly aimed at children from approximately 8 to 13 (would be from 6 if not for certain parts with animals) it is also and enjoyable read for adults.
Overall a unique and enjoyable read for older children and adults alike.
Genres covered in this book include Children & Young Adults, Fantasy, Middle Grade and Urban Fantasy amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of cats!!
94 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) from myself and 5/5 (Loved it) from my son which gives a 4.5 (as can't give half stars upped it to a 5)on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#Shimmer #AlanMeredith #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours
@AlanMeredith @ZooLoosBT @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...)
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
Review for 'Shimmer' by Alan Meredith.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours and Alan Meredith.
Publication date 17th March 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title.
This novel consists of 19 chapters. The chapters are short to short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Lyla. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
'Shimmer' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Alan discusses/includes animal death.
This book is very well written and takes you into the mind of both a young girl and a cat! The vivid descriptions left you feeling the waves on your skin and the leafs in your hair.
This book is unique in the fact that it is not only written from a child's point of view but then goes on to what goes on in the mind of a cat. I actually read this book twice, firstly myself and then to my 9 year old son although I did leave out the but about what happened to Lyla's mothers cat. I am an adult and found that quite upsetting so I'm sure my 9 year old son would too so just be careful if reading to a child or your child is reading this book. However, although it is upsetting, sadly this does happen even now. The story wasn't fast or slow paced but it did start speeding up more from chapter 6 where Shimmer takes over. This part did leave me confused as I wasn't sure if it was meant to be Lyla in Shimmer's body or Lyla just seeing memories, this was later cleared up. I found it to be an easy read which was unique and enjoyable. I read it in an hour so if you are looking for a quick read this is certainly one for you. I rate this book 4/5 as I enjoyed it.
My 9 year old son really enjoyed listening to me read it and even read it himself afterwards. When I asked him what he thought he said "I think it is a really cool book and I loved Shimmer (he is a huge cat lover especially as I run a cat rescue). It was like going on an adventure with him and seeing all the other animals. I felt sorry for the chickens which was my worst part and some other animals but loved the Queen cat who was really cool and was my favourite part. I want one of them (not happening I explained to him 😂). I give the book 5/5".
Although this book is mainly aimed at children from approximately 8 to 13 (would be from 6 if not for certain parts with animals) it is also and enjoyable read for adults.
Overall a unique and enjoyable read for older children and adults alike.
Genres covered in this book include Children & Young Adults, Fantasy, Middle Grade and Urban Fantasy amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of cats!!
94 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) from myself and 5/5 (Loved it) from my son which gives a 4.5 (as can't give half stars upped it to a 5)on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#Shimmer #AlanMeredith #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours
@AlanMeredith @ZooLoosBT @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...)
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
June 4, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is a short, middle-grade-aimed book about a young girl dealing with a family bereavement and the very special cat that helps her to begin processing her loss.
Despite being short in length, the story packs a lot of emotion within its pages, as Lyla and her mother both struggle to cope with the loss of her father in isolation, and Lyla additionally has to deal with bullying and physical fights at school. Even more upsetting for Lyla (and potentially the reader) is the issue of animal death that comes up more than once in the story, so young cat-lovers may find some parts of the book distressing. That noted, the heart of this story is about processing death and grief in a healthier manner and in that context, the subject matter is well-handled and appropriate, forming a good discussion point for talking to middle-grade children upwards about death of a loved one or loved pet. I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a few tears at the thought of my own cats at some points in the story!
The middle-section provided a clever twist, as we get to see the world from a new and unexpected perspective, and the writing really lets you see, hear and feel the woods, the rain, the predatory perils.
As with the other book I have read from this author, Midas, Alan Meredith does a fantastic job of portraying how a relationship between child and parent can be a close and loving one and yet still become strained to breaking point by external pressures. And he also shows that, no matter how bad things get, such a relationship can still be rescued with love, communication and understanding on both sides. Yet he manages this without ‘preaching’ – letting the characters and their actions tell the story.
This is a magical, emotional story about our bonds with those we love and those we lose and is suitable for middle-grade readers up… but cat-lovers may want to keep the tissues handy!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This is a short, middle-grade-aimed book about a young girl dealing with a family bereavement and the very special cat that helps her to begin processing her loss.
Despite being short in length, the story packs a lot of emotion within its pages, as Lyla and her mother both struggle to cope with the loss of her father in isolation, and Lyla additionally has to deal with bullying and physical fights at school. Even more upsetting for Lyla (and potentially the reader) is the issue of animal death that comes up more than once in the story, so young cat-lovers may find some parts of the book distressing. That noted, the heart of this story is about processing death and grief in a healthier manner and in that context, the subject matter is well-handled and appropriate, forming a good discussion point for talking to middle-grade children upwards about death of a loved one or loved pet. I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a few tears at the thought of my own cats at some points in the story!
The middle-section provided a clever twist, as we get to see the world from a new and unexpected perspective, and the writing really lets you see, hear and feel the woods, the rain, the predatory perils.
As with the other book I have read from this author, Midas, Alan Meredith does a fantastic job of portraying how a relationship between child and parent can be a close and loving one and yet still become strained to breaking point by external pressures. And he also shows that, no matter how bad things get, such a relationship can still be rescued with love, communication and understanding on both sides. Yet he manages this without ‘preaching’ – letting the characters and their actions tell the story.
This is a magical, emotional story about our bonds with those we love and those we lose and is suitable for middle-grade readers up… but cat-lovers may want to keep the tissues handy!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
June 3, 2022
This was a heartwarming but sad tale and in all honesty, made me go and give both my cats big (unwanted on their part) hugs. One of my cats went missing last year and it was awful, and reading this tale, I like to think Jet acted the same way as Shimmer. Thankfully she came home after a couple of days.
I related to Lyla, who recently lost her dad and just wanted comfort from a cat. Side entrance Shimmer.
I had no idea what to expect from these 86 pages but I didn’t expect a story that I got. It was touching to see the loyalty and love of an animal. A refreshing way to help look at loss.
I related to Lyla, who recently lost her dad and just wanted comfort from a cat. Side entrance Shimmer.
I had no idea what to expect from these 86 pages but I didn’t expect a story that I got. It was touching to see the loyalty and love of an animal. A refreshing way to help look at loss.
April 4, 2021
I agree I can’t rate my own book objectively, but I would like to use this opportunity to relay what other readers (not on GoodReads unfortunately) have said about Shimmer.
“Unable to lay it down till I finished it. Needless to say I LOVED IT!” Alena Komola, Czech Republic.
“Good story, very emotional. I really enjoyed it. The front cover was really good too. 9/10.” Ellie A. age 10.
“Blooming marvellous. Really compelling and fast moving but sad. Oh and there are lots and lots of things that made me laugh, funny turns of phrase and the like, which are genius. 9.8/10.” Judy S. (declined to reveal her age).
“Martha is very set in her ways with her reading and is very much a 'dork diary girl'. I asked her if she wanted to read it and she said she didn’t want to. But I said for her to just try it as you wanted some feedback…..
45 minutes later she was still sat on her bed and glued, which is not like her at all.
Then this morning I went to wake her up which is the normal routine and she was sat in the middle of her bedroom floor reading. I can honestly say, this is a first for her. I said to her ‘oh you’re up - good book is it?’ and she replied ‘I love it Mummy’.
So I thought you would like to know. It’s really hard for me to get her to read new books so I would like to thank you for inspiring her to read first thing in the morning!” Becky, Mum of Martha.
“Unable to lay it down till I finished it. Needless to say I LOVED IT!” Alena Komola, Czech Republic.
“Good story, very emotional. I really enjoyed it. The front cover was really good too. 9/10.” Ellie A. age 10.
“Blooming marvellous. Really compelling and fast moving but sad. Oh and there are lots and lots of things that made me laugh, funny turns of phrase and the like, which are genius. 9.8/10.” Judy S. (declined to reveal her age).
“Martha is very set in her ways with her reading and is very much a 'dork diary girl'. I asked her if she wanted to read it and she said she didn’t want to. But I said for her to just try it as you wanted some feedback…..
45 minutes later she was still sat on her bed and glued, which is not like her at all.
Then this morning I went to wake her up which is the normal routine and she was sat in the middle of her bedroom floor reading. I can honestly say, this is a first for her. I said to her ‘oh you’re up - good book is it?’ and she replied ‘I love it Mummy’.
So I thought you would like to know. It’s really hard for me to get her to read new books so I would like to thank you for inspiring her to read first thing in the morning!” Becky, Mum of Martha.
February 8, 2022
*3.5 stars*
~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!~
Shimmer actually pleasantly surprised me. Even though the first half was a little slow, there was a cool plot twist in the middle that kept me going. There were places that made me laugh, and others that made me turn the page just that much quicker.
If you're a 9-11/12 year old who loves cats, than this one is definitely for you. If that'd be me, I think I would have probably given Shimmer around 4.5 stars.
So, even though I wasn't really the target audience, I closed this book with a pleasant smile on my face, having enjoyed my time in this "world".
~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!~
Shimmer actually pleasantly surprised me. Even though the first half was a little slow, there was a cool plot twist in the middle that kept me going. There were places that made me laugh, and others that made me turn the page just that much quicker.
If you're a 9-11/12 year old who loves cats, than this one is definitely for you. If that'd be me, I think I would have probably given Shimmer around 4.5 stars.
So, even though I wasn't really the target audience, I closed this book with a pleasant smile on my face, having enjoyed my time in this "world".
May 30, 2022
This story follows Lyla as she is forced to move house with her mother. It doesnt go well, and she is left home alone while her mother goes to work.
During the night, Lyla is sure she hears the catflap go, despite her mother being sure that she has locked it. Every time Lyla gets up however, there is nothing there.
Lyla's mother starts to get annoyed with her daughter, thinking she is deliberately unlocking the cat flap, because she wants a cat and her mother wont allow one.
One day when investigating the house, Lyla comes across a box of bat belongings in the loft, belonging to Shimmer.
The next night, when she wakes up, she thinks she hears the cat flap, again there is nothing there. However things are very different this time as she realises she has shrunk. When she looks in the mirror she realises shes turning into Shimmer.
The story then follows her journey as she chases a rat and gets accidentally locked in a lorry and lost. It charts all the details of what it feels like to be a cat, the extraordinary eyesight and hearing, and sense of smell. Shimmer is able to differentiate the dogs and rabbits, mice and rats. It shows what cats need to do to survive, why they crouch low, growl, swipe with claws and all sorts of other behaviours.
The catching and eating of food turned my stomach a little, even though I know its just for survival, but I loved the internal compass, and particulalry enjoyed the descriptions of the sea, which attacked back. That made me chuckle once or twice.
Its a sweet story, and is short like Midas was. I think both are incredible books to read with children, but to be honest, as a childless adult, I've thoroughly enjoyed both too.
During the night, Lyla is sure she hears the catflap go, despite her mother being sure that she has locked it. Every time Lyla gets up however, there is nothing there.
Lyla's mother starts to get annoyed with her daughter, thinking she is deliberately unlocking the cat flap, because she wants a cat and her mother wont allow one.
One day when investigating the house, Lyla comes across a box of bat belongings in the loft, belonging to Shimmer.
The next night, when she wakes up, she thinks she hears the cat flap, again there is nothing there. However things are very different this time as she realises she has shrunk. When she looks in the mirror she realises shes turning into Shimmer.
The story then follows her journey as she chases a rat and gets accidentally locked in a lorry and lost. It charts all the details of what it feels like to be a cat, the extraordinary eyesight and hearing, and sense of smell. Shimmer is able to differentiate the dogs and rabbits, mice and rats. It shows what cats need to do to survive, why they crouch low, growl, swipe with claws and all sorts of other behaviours.
The catching and eating of food turned my stomach a little, even though I know its just for survival, but I loved the internal compass, and particulalry enjoyed the descriptions of the sea, which attacked back. That made me chuckle once or twice.
Its a sweet story, and is short like Midas was. I think both are incredible books to read with children, but to be honest, as a childless adult, I've thoroughly enjoyed both too.
May 27, 2022
Shimmer is a middle-grade fantasy adventure starring a special cat and a girl who is having a rough time. After Lyla's father dies, her mother decides to move and get a fresh start. Lyla is angry and upset at having to move away from familiar surroundings, and she is instantly bullied at school. On top of that, Lyla would like a cat, but her mother has adamantly refused. Then she begins to hear a cat mewling in the house.
This is a sweet and magical fantasy with a surprise twist in the middle. Although this is a short book, it packs a lot of story into 86 pages and it's perfect for the middle-grade reader. There are some school fights included, so parents may want to be aware. All in all, this is a sometimes sad, but always sweet adventure with a magical and special feline star. Kids will love it, but so will their parents and grandparents.
I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo's Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is a sweet and magical fantasy with a surprise twist in the middle. Although this is a short book, it packs a lot of story into 86 pages and it's perfect for the middle-grade reader. There are some school fights included, so parents may want to be aware. All in all, this is a sometimes sad, but always sweet adventure with a magical and special feline star. Kids will love it, but so will their parents and grandparents.
I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo's Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
June 4, 2022
My Thoughts: I can’t say too much about this book because it’s really short and I wouldn’t want to give it all away.
Lyla had be en taken away from everything she knows, they’ve moved away because her dad died suddenly and everything just reminds them of him and they think a clean break will help.
Lyla starts hearing meows in the night and is convinced a cat is letting itself in on a night, she’s always wanted a cat so she thinks if she can catch it she can convince her mum to keep it.. but when she finally sees it she realises it’s not a normal cat…
The turn it takes then wasn’t what I was expecting, it gave me an insight into my own cats life and made me worry about her when she leaves the house 😂
I never thought a book like this would make me cry, but this one had me sobbing.
I really enjoyed it, it’s different to anything I’ve read before and it’s another one I would highly recommend.
🐧❤️
Lyla had be en taken away from everything she knows, they’ve moved away because her dad died suddenly and everything just reminds them of him and they think a clean break will help.
Lyla starts hearing meows in the night and is convinced a cat is letting itself in on a night, she’s always wanted a cat so she thinks if she can catch it she can convince her mum to keep it.. but when she finally sees it she realises it’s not a normal cat…
The turn it takes then wasn’t what I was expecting, it gave me an insight into my own cats life and made me worry about her when she leaves the house 😂
I never thought a book like this would make me cry, but this one had me sobbing.
I really enjoyed it, it’s different to anything I’ve read before and it’s another one I would highly recommend.
🐧❤️
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews