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Shimmerdark
The Great Drae selected a new apprentice. Xylia’s lost her position.
Determined to reclaim it, Xylia volunteers to become an Authenticator. She travels from town to town searching for children who share her unique gift, and in her free time she practices energy summoning, hoping to master a Shimmerlight skill that will impress the Great Drae.
But there’s a grim side to Authenticating children. When Xylia asks too many questions, she’s cast out of a village during the Dark Month, a time when monsters roam her world. It should be a death sentence, but Xylia’s talents are changing…
Shimmerdark is an exciting YA steampunk fantasy adventure with dashes of social justice, humor, and romance. Perfect for fans of Cinder and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Determined to reclaim it, Xylia volunteers to become an Authenticator. She travels from town to town searching for children who share her unique gift, and in her free time she practices energy summoning, hoping to master a Shimmerlight skill that will impress the Great Drae.
But there’s a grim side to Authenticating children. When Xylia asks too many questions, she’s cast out of a village during the Dark Month, a time when monsters roam her world. It should be a death sentence, but Xylia’s talents are changing…
Shimmerdark is an exciting YA steampunk fantasy adventure with dashes of social justice, humor, and romance. Perfect for fans of Cinder and Howl’s Moving Castle.
347 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2021
3 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mensinga
21 books67 followersSarah Mensinga grew up in Canada and now lives in Texas with her husband, three kids, and two cats. Her debut middle grade graphic novel, Kindred Dragons, comes out October 14th! She's also illustrated several picture books, including Heather Avis’s Different: A Great Thing to Be, a New York Times bestseller. In the past, she’s contributed stories to various comic anthologies, including Flight 4 and Flight 5, and worked on animated projects such as The Ant Bully, Escape from Planet Earth, and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron. When she’s not writing or drawing, she loves playing board games, going for walks with her family, and asking mythical creatures to solve complex riddles.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 24, 2021
It's only April, but I already know this book is going on my top reads of the year. Sarah Mensinga has written another excellent fantasy book with unique world-building, excellent character development, a wonderful exploration of systemic problems within a society, and lots of magic and adventure!
Shimmerdark starts off in the claustrophobic environment of a cave where the main character Xylia is sheltering from vicious nocturnes with a few others during a month-long darkness. I wasn't necessarily hooked right from the start with this introductory chapter, but I've read another book by the author and I know she's got excellent world-building skill so I kept reading and was soon glued to the pages. The story and world became extremely interesting as Xylia and her friends got rescued from the island they'd been shipwrecked on and went back to their intriguing world. I particularly love how the steampunk-like technology is woven in with the magical powers that exist in this world.
The novel follows Xylia's journey as she attempts to regain her previous position of "Predrae" - the second highest position a magic-user (or "cagic" user in this world) can have in the city of Kaverlee. Along the way, she starts to discover more and more about the power she holds and also about the ways in which the laws of her world actually work. It's a fun adventure-filled journey that includes some really interesting uses of magic. Among all the fun you also slowly get to watch as Xylia wrestles with her new understanding of some of the problems of her society. I love that the author blends this growing awareness of society's problems into the story so well and so seamlessly.
I also have to mention that this novel sometimes reminded me of Castle in the Sky, one of my favourite Miyazaki movies. It's got a similar sense of wonder and adventure and I could just picture some of the scenes in the final few chapters, with the interesting interplay of technology and magic, being part of a Ghibli movie!
This is a must-read! Go check it out right away. And when you're done, check out Sarah Mensinga's other steampunk novel, Currently. Read my review of Currently here.
Shimmerdark starts off in the claustrophobic environment of a cave where the main character Xylia is sheltering from vicious nocturnes with a few others during a month-long darkness. I wasn't necessarily hooked right from the start with this introductory chapter, but I've read another book by the author and I know she's got excellent world-building skill so I kept reading and was soon glued to the pages. The story and world became extremely interesting as Xylia and her friends got rescued from the island they'd been shipwrecked on and went back to their intriguing world. I particularly love how the steampunk-like technology is woven in with the magical powers that exist in this world.
The novel follows Xylia's journey as she attempts to regain her previous position of "Predrae" - the second highest position a magic-user (or "cagic" user in this world) can have in the city of Kaverlee. Along the way, she starts to discover more and more about the power she holds and also about the ways in which the laws of her world actually work. It's a fun adventure-filled journey that includes some really interesting uses of magic. Among all the fun you also slowly get to watch as Xylia wrestles with her new understanding of some of the problems of her society. I love that the author blends this growing awareness of society's problems into the story so well and so seamlessly.
I also have to mention that this novel sometimes reminded me of Castle in the Sky, one of my favourite Miyazaki movies. It's got a similar sense of wonder and adventure and I could just picture some of the scenes in the final few chapters, with the interesting interplay of technology and magic, being part of a Ghibli movie!
This is a must-read! Go check it out right away. And when you're done, check out Sarah Mensinga's other steampunk novel, Currently. Read my review of Currently here.
April 27, 2021
I’m a longtime fan of the author’s other works, like Currently and The Wellington Division. I was lucky enough to get an advance reading copy of this book, and I really enjoyed it! It’s a well-crafted story centered on a 15-year-old girl named Xylia who, through the course of the story, must grapple with some harsh truths she learns about the society she lives in. On the whole, I found it to be a heartwarming story filled with adventure, friendship, self-discovery, and even a touch of whimsy and humor. I especially appreciated how the plot is built around human relationships that feel authentic and relatable, even though the setting is a fantasy world filled with monsters and magic.
July 13, 2021
I love worldbuilding. I love books that transport me to a different time and a different place, creating a world that is similar in some ways, but also completely unlike my own world. I like it even better when that world is portrayed through a character’s eyes rather than dumped on me. Sarah Mensinga’s Shimmerdark did exactly that, and my goodness, what a great book.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Xylia, a shimmerling who was the apprentice to the Great Drae of her country, only she’d been shipwrecked on an island for seven years. Finally rescued, she returns home to discover that she’s been replaced. Now, Xylia must venture to the outer reaches of her home to work as an Authenticator, someone who identifies shimmerlings with enough power to serve. Only, Xylia asks one too many questions and gets herself into a world of trouble. With magic and mystery, she must now venture back to the city to figure out just what is going on.
This plot seems fairly simply on the surface—a girl trying to regain what she has lost, until she stumbles on some secrets people want buried—but oh my goodness is it far more involved and intricate than that. There is certainly intrigue, but there is also adventure, discovery, characters that move the story along in a way that I did not anticipate, and more drama, just for good measure. The plot is perfectly paced, the actions of our main character both logical and perhaps a little crazy. I never once was bored or overwhelmed, which is very impressive.
2. Thoughts on the character
Xylia is a perfect main character. She desperately wants her position back, and loves her life. But after seven years shipwrecked, she has to come to terms with the fact that she has changed and maybe the world has, too. She’s intelligent without being overbearing in her smarts, capable and independent. Her development through the story is subtle, bu also a central piece of the story. I liked Xylia a lot, and I think she was great fun to read.
I will say, I wish there was a little more about her relationship with the people she was shipwrecked with. The second half of the story expands on those relationships a bit more, but by the end, I almost feel like there needs to be a sequel to explore more of that, and also the potentially world-changing mysteries that are hinted at. It’s not necessary; the plot was wrapped up nicely and there was no great cliffhanger, but I just wanted a little more.
3. Favourite part
I think Glowy Pony is probably my favourite. That snark! Coupled with that name, there’s just so much entertainment to be had.
4. Critique
Finding a critique is difficult for this book. The prose was smooth and well-written. The characters were all great. The dramatic tension was at just the right level to keep me involved without being overwhelming. I think my point mentioned in section two, wanting a little more of the relationships Xylia had explored, is probably my only critique, and that could just be my desire for more of this world.
Overall, I would say that Shimmerdark is an excellent book with a great world, dramatic adventure and characters to root for.I love worldbuilding. I love books that transport me to a different time and a different place, creating a world that is similar in some ways, but also completely unlike my own world. I like it even better when that world is portrayed through a character’s eyes rather than dumped on me. Sarah Mensinga’s Shimmerdark did exactly that, and my goodness, what a great book.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Xylia, a shimmerling who was the apprentice to the Great Drae of her country, only she’d been shipwrecked on an island for seven years. Finally rescued, she returns home to discover that she’s been replaced. Now, Xylia must venture to the outer reaches of her home to work as an Authenticator, someone who identifies shimmerlings with enough power to serve. Only, Xylia asks one too many questions and gets herself into a world of trouble. With magic and mystery, she must now venture back to the city to figure out just what is going on.
This plot seems fairly simply on the surface—a girl trying to regain what she has lost, until she stumbles on some secrets people want buried—but oh my goodness is it far more involved and intricate than that. There is certainly intrigue, but there is also adventure, discovery, characters that move the story along in a way that I did not anticipate, and more drama, just for good measure. The plot is perfectly paced, the actions of our main character both logical and perhaps a little crazy. I never once was bored or overwhelmed, which is very impressive.
2. Thoughts on the character
Xylia is a perfect main character. She desperately wants her position back, and loves her life. But after seven years shipwrecked, she has to come to terms with the fact that she has changed and maybe the world has, too. She’s intelligent without being overbearing in her smarts, capable and independent. Her development through the story is subtle, bu also a central piece of the story. I liked Xylia a lot, and I think she was great fun to read.
I will say, I wish there was a little more about her relationship with the people she was shipwrecked with. The second half of the story expands on those relationships a bit more, but by the end, I almost feel like there needs to be a sequel to explore more of that, and also the potentially world-changing mysteries that are hinted at. It’s not necessary; the plot was wrapped up nicely and there was no great cliffhanger, but I just wanted a little more.
3. Favourite part
I think Glowy Pony is probably my favourite. That snark! Coupled with that name, there’s just so much entertainment to be had.
4. Critique
Finding a critique is difficult for this book. The prose was smooth and well-written. The characters were all great. The dramatic tension was at just the right level to keep me involved without being overwhelming. I think my point mentioned in section two, wanting a little more of the relationships Xylia had explored, is probably my only critique, and that could just be my desire for more of this world.
Overall, I would say that Shimmerdark is an excellent book with a great world, dramatic adventure and characters to root for.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Xylia, a shimmerling who was the apprentice to the Great Drae of her country, only she’d been shipwrecked on an island for seven years. Finally rescued, she returns home to discover that she’s been replaced. Now, Xylia must venture to the outer reaches of her home to work as an Authenticator, someone who identifies shimmerlings with enough power to serve. Only, Xylia asks one too many questions and gets herself into a world of trouble. With magic and mystery, she must now venture back to the city to figure out just what is going on.
This plot seems fairly simply on the surface—a girl trying to regain what she has lost, until she stumbles on some secrets people want buried—but oh my goodness is it far more involved and intricate than that. There is certainly intrigue, but there is also adventure, discovery, characters that move the story along in a way that I did not anticipate, and more drama, just for good measure. The plot is perfectly paced, the actions of our main character both logical and perhaps a little crazy. I never once was bored or overwhelmed, which is very impressive.
2. Thoughts on the character
Xylia is a perfect main character. She desperately wants her position back, and loves her life. But after seven years shipwrecked, she has to come to terms with the fact that she has changed and maybe the world has, too. She’s intelligent without being overbearing in her smarts, capable and independent. Her development through the story is subtle, bu also a central piece of the story. I liked Xylia a lot, and I think she was great fun to read.
I will say, I wish there was a little more about her relationship with the people she was shipwrecked with. The second half of the story expands on those relationships a bit more, but by the end, I almost feel like there needs to be a sequel to explore more of that, and also the potentially world-changing mysteries that are hinted at. It’s not necessary; the plot was wrapped up nicely and there was no great cliffhanger, but I just wanted a little more.
3. Favourite part
I think Glowy Pony is probably my favourite. That snark! Coupled with that name, there’s just so much entertainment to be had.
4. Critique
Finding a critique is difficult for this book. The prose was smooth and well-written. The characters were all great. The dramatic tension was at just the right level to keep me involved without being overwhelming. I think my point mentioned in section two, wanting a little more of the relationships Xylia had explored, is probably my only critique, and that could just be my desire for more of this world.
Overall, I would say that Shimmerdark is an excellent book with a great world, dramatic adventure and characters to root for.I love worldbuilding. I love books that transport me to a different time and a different place, creating a world that is similar in some ways, but also completely unlike my own world. I like it even better when that world is portrayed through a character’s eyes rather than dumped on me. Sarah Mensinga’s Shimmerdark did exactly that, and my goodness, what a great book.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Xylia, a shimmerling who was the apprentice to the Great Drae of her country, only she’d been shipwrecked on an island for seven years. Finally rescued, she returns home to discover that she’s been replaced. Now, Xylia must venture to the outer reaches of her home to work as an Authenticator, someone who identifies shimmerlings with enough power to serve. Only, Xylia asks one too many questions and gets herself into a world of trouble. With magic and mystery, she must now venture back to the city to figure out just what is going on.
This plot seems fairly simply on the surface—a girl trying to regain what she has lost, until she stumbles on some secrets people want buried—but oh my goodness is it far more involved and intricate than that. There is certainly intrigue, but there is also adventure, discovery, characters that move the story along in a way that I did not anticipate, and more drama, just for good measure. The plot is perfectly paced, the actions of our main character both logical and perhaps a little crazy. I never once was bored or overwhelmed, which is very impressive.
2. Thoughts on the character
Xylia is a perfect main character. She desperately wants her position back, and loves her life. But after seven years shipwrecked, she has to come to terms with the fact that she has changed and maybe the world has, too. She’s intelligent without being overbearing in her smarts, capable and independent. Her development through the story is subtle, bu also a central piece of the story. I liked Xylia a lot, and I think she was great fun to read.
I will say, I wish there was a little more about her relationship with the people she was shipwrecked with. The second half of the story expands on those relationships a bit more, but by the end, I almost feel like there needs to be a sequel to explore more of that, and also the potentially world-changing mysteries that are hinted at. It’s not necessary; the plot was wrapped up nicely and there was no great cliffhanger, but I just wanted a little more.
3. Favourite part
I think Glowy Pony is probably my favourite. That snark! Coupled with that name, there’s just so much entertainment to be had.
4. Critique
Finding a critique is difficult for this book. The prose was smooth and well-written. The characters were all great. The dramatic tension was at just the right level to keep me involved without being overwhelming. I think my point mentioned in section two, wanting a little more of the relationships Xylia had explored, is probably my only critique, and that could just be my desire for more of this world.
Overall, I would say that Shimmerdark is an excellent book with a great world, dramatic adventure and characters to root for.
August 15, 2021
SHIMMERDARK
By: Sarah Mensinga
First off, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shimmerdark tells the story of Xylia, a girl with powers which are called shimmerlights, making it able to control shapes of lighting that give off power. The story starts a bit in the middle of nowhere when an accident has happened and Xylia is now far from what she considers her home, which threw me off and didn’t set the pacing that right. There isn’t much infodumping, which is nice, but it took a while for me to understand the world and the powers and how those two compliment each other, which they do. I also knew many called this a cyberpunk-like story, but with the powers and setting it felt more like a high fantasy story with powers that helped the technology there.
Let’s say I feel like I would have liked the story more if there was just more of it all. Xylia as the main characters wasn’t my favorite, especially at the start when she is naïve and thinks she knows it all. The rest of the characters you meet so shortly it is hard to tell them apart and they aren’t that fleshed out. Even though the stakes and pacing got nicer towards the middle, the start and end felt rushed and much happened that didn’t pay off in the end. I even feel like there is much to explain, since there were given a few side plot points that raised a lot of questions, but none gave answers.
I have to say the setting is original and the way the powers in this world work is something I haven’t seen done, and it definitely interesting to explore more. however, I felt like it got overshadowed a lot by the pacing (how fast some events happen, while others take chapters) and the way Xylia was so focused on her own goal. Even though there is a bit of traveling, it was hard to imagine what the world felt like.
In the end it had the potential and I can see why people liked it, I just didn’t click with the main character and her goal and found it hard due the little information we get, even at the end, to fully get invested into the story and the many stakes it had to offer.
By: Sarah Mensinga
First off, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shimmerdark tells the story of Xylia, a girl with powers which are called shimmerlights, making it able to control shapes of lighting that give off power. The story starts a bit in the middle of nowhere when an accident has happened and Xylia is now far from what she considers her home, which threw me off and didn’t set the pacing that right. There isn’t much infodumping, which is nice, but it took a while for me to understand the world and the powers and how those two compliment each other, which they do. I also knew many called this a cyberpunk-like story, but with the powers and setting it felt more like a high fantasy story with powers that helped the technology there.
Let’s say I feel like I would have liked the story more if there was just more of it all. Xylia as the main characters wasn’t my favorite, especially at the start when she is naïve and thinks she knows it all. The rest of the characters you meet so shortly it is hard to tell them apart and they aren’t that fleshed out. Even though the stakes and pacing got nicer towards the middle, the start and end felt rushed and much happened that didn’t pay off in the end. I even feel like there is much to explain, since there were given a few side plot points that raised a lot of questions, but none gave answers.
I have to say the setting is original and the way the powers in this world work is something I haven’t seen done, and it definitely interesting to explore more. however, I felt like it got overshadowed a lot by the pacing (how fast some events happen, while others take chapters) and the way Xylia was so focused on her own goal. Even though there is a bit of traveling, it was hard to imagine what the world felt like.
In the end it had the potential and I can see why people liked it, I just didn’t click with the main character and her goal and found it hard due the little information we get, even at the end, to fully get invested into the story and the many stakes it had to offer.
July 30, 2021
An excellent piece of world-building. Our heroine, trapped on an island after a shipwreck for a considerable time returns home to discover the world has moved on without her, her accepted and important position has been handed to someone else and her own life has become more perilous than she thought possible.
The world which she grew up in had seemed utopian to her, but now in her late teens she starts to see the cracks in society, which turn into faultlines which could destroy everything she ever thought was true, and which threaten her selfhood and existence.
There is a strong feeling of, not-quite allegory, but certainly appropriateness here. The centre of her society, the city, seems to be a peaceful place, full of developments for the good of all. Slowly we realise that it is a parasite on the young, the disadvantaged, the liminal and the marginal peoples, who have few options and little hope. Just as modern industrialised societies have ransacked other parts of the world for power and raw materials, so the leadership in this world exploits, quite ruthlessly, those without political power who have what is needed, at a terrible cost to the individuals.
In some ways this could be considered a coming-of-age story, in which the central character is forced to grow up and recognise her responsibilities. It is also an excellent adventure, with genuinely frightening villains and characters who are rarely what they seem to be at first. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The world which she grew up in had seemed utopian to her, but now in her late teens she starts to see the cracks in society, which turn into faultlines which could destroy everything she ever thought was true, and which threaten her selfhood and existence.
There is a strong feeling of, not-quite allegory, but certainly appropriateness here. The centre of her society, the city, seems to be a peaceful place, full of developments for the good of all. Slowly we realise that it is a parasite on the young, the disadvantaged, the liminal and the marginal peoples, who have few options and little hope. Just as modern industrialised societies have ransacked other parts of the world for power and raw materials, so the leadership in this world exploits, quite ruthlessly, those without political power who have what is needed, at a terrible cost to the individuals.
In some ways this could be considered a coming-of-age story, in which the central character is forced to grow up and recognise her responsibilities. It is also an excellent adventure, with genuinely frightening villains and characters who are rarely what they seem to be at first. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2021
First book I have read by this author. I normally don’t read YA fantasy so I was wondering how I would feel about this book going in. One problem I did have was the names of the people and the nocturnes were hard to pronounce for me!
This book opens with Xylia and three other people being shipwrecked on an island. Come to find out it’s been 7 years since they first landed on this island. Xylia is no longer the predae and she wants to reclaim her title. Finally they are rescued but that’s where the book really begins.
Xylia wants her position back but it’s already been filled. So now it’s up to here to try and get the Great Drae's attention. While doing that though she starts learning more and more about her abilities and finds out she’s also a shimmercaster. All the different things she could do was pretty awesome. The cagic and how she was able to defend herself and others with it.
I was surprised a few times in this story as well especially towards the end. I loved how strong Xylia was even at her weakest point and was super smart about protecting herself and her cagic.
I honestly enjoyed the fact that the author was able to make this into one book and not a series or with a major cliffhanger. Perfectly finished the book with no questions as to what happened to everyone and the city.
This story is a roller coaster of problems and emotions. Pain, betrayal, loss, friendships, family issues, even a little romance; this book had it all.
This book opens with Xylia and three other people being shipwrecked on an island. Come to find out it’s been 7 years since they first landed on this island. Xylia is no longer the predae and she wants to reclaim her title. Finally they are rescued but that’s where the book really begins.
Xylia wants her position back but it’s already been filled. So now it’s up to here to try and get the Great Drae's attention. While doing that though she starts learning more and more about her abilities and finds out she’s also a shimmercaster. All the different things she could do was pretty awesome. The cagic and how she was able to defend herself and others with it.
I was surprised a few times in this story as well especially towards the end. I loved how strong Xylia was even at her weakest point and was super smart about protecting herself and her cagic.
I honestly enjoyed the fact that the author was able to make this into one book and not a series or with a major cliffhanger. Perfectly finished the book with no questions as to what happened to everyone and the city.
This story is a roller coaster of problems and emotions. Pain, betrayal, loss, friendships, family issues, even a little romance; this book had it all.
August 13, 2021
This was so good, what a page turner! I haven't read a good YA dystopian book in awhile and this one really hit all the marks and more. It felt fresh and unique and I really got into the technology, the magic elements, and the characters.
On the world building side, the book felt super solid. The monsters were scary and the problems felt pressing. The villain was three dimensional, which always adds to a story. The main character had some great flaws. I enjoyed how she started out as kind of stuck up, naive, and out of touch with her family and the rest of the world, which gave her a lot of room to grow. This made her change quite satisfying.
At around the 80% mark, something awful happens, and it was so out of the blue that I had to put the book down and shake my head. I felt a bit like the incident broke the book, and I'm still on the fence about the author's decision here. But then I picked it up and kept reading and the book did carry on working quite well. The fact that I had such a strong reaction I guess shows that I was really into the story!
This is a standalone story but I'd happily read more about this world. A great book!
On the world building side, the book felt super solid. The monsters were scary and the problems felt pressing. The villain was three dimensional, which always adds to a story. The main character had some great flaws. I enjoyed how she started out as kind of stuck up, naive, and out of touch with her family and the rest of the world, which gave her a lot of room to grow. This made her change quite satisfying.
At around the 80% mark, something awful happens, and it was so out of the blue that I had to put the book down and shake my head. I felt a bit like the incident broke the book, and I'm still on the fence about the author's decision here. But then I picked it up and kept reading and the book did carry on working quite well. The fact that I had such a strong reaction I guess shows that I was really into the story!
This is a standalone story but I'd happily read more about this world. A great book!
June 4, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shimmerdark is a book with a lot of really interesting themes and premise. I really like that the book does not hold your hand very much and just plops you right into the world and you learn about the world through context and clever exposition. The only thing that makes me not give it a higher rating is because the lead Xylia can be pretty unlikeable and uncharismatic. It's not until around the midway point that you start seeing growth and her become more likeable. If the book flowed a little better and things got going faster this would be a way better read. As it is now its still a good read and if you're willing to put up with the slow start you have a solid book.
Shimmerdark is a book with a lot of really interesting themes and premise. I really like that the book does not hold your hand very much and just plops you right into the world and you learn about the world through context and clever exposition. The only thing that makes me not give it a higher rating is because the lead Xylia can be pretty unlikeable and uncharismatic. It's not until around the midway point that you start seeing growth and her become more likeable. If the book flowed a little better and things got going faster this would be a way better read. As it is now its still a good read and if you're willing to put up with the slow start you have a solid book.
July 29, 2021
This is an enjoyable YA fantasy novel with elements of steampunk and a little bit of whimsy. The story follows young Xylia as she is rescued from having been shipwrecked and works to regain her former privileged position as the second most powerful magic wielder ("cagic" user in this world) in the city of Kaverlee. The story is written in first person perspective and present tense.
Elements I liked:
This story has great world-building, with the details well-integrated into the narrative, avoiding long explanations that could have detracted from the story telling. I really liked some of those details, in particular the cabdwell. And some places made me laugh: “Oh realms, I just knocked a brass statue out of a garden, and now I’m demolishing a fence, but at least I haven’t hit more buildings.”
Xylia is a strong female main character who is a completely believable 15-year-old. It was great to see her growth as she figures out who she is through questioning and learning more about what she thought she knew of the realities of her world and her place in it.
Elements I struggled with:
I thought the present tense read a little clunky, and from time to time also resulted in some awkward transitions and sentences, especially when trying to deal with time passing. I think it also dampened potential tension in the story, especially in the first half. (Events in the second half moved so fast that the momentum pretty much built its own tension.)
Overall:
The story was a little slow getting going but once it did, it was engrossing and enjoyable. This entertaining YA novel seems well-suited to its intended readership.
Elements I liked:
This story has great world-building, with the details well-integrated into the narrative, avoiding long explanations that could have detracted from the story telling. I really liked some of those details, in particular the cabdwell. And some places made me laugh: “Oh realms, I just knocked a brass statue out of a garden, and now I’m demolishing a fence, but at least I haven’t hit more buildings.”
Xylia is a strong female main character who is a completely believable 15-year-old. It was great to see her growth as she figures out who she is through questioning and learning more about what she thought she knew of the realities of her world and her place in it.
Elements I struggled with:
I thought the present tense read a little clunky, and from time to time also resulted in some awkward transitions and sentences, especially when trying to deal with time passing. I think it also dampened potential tension in the story, especially in the first half. (Events in the second half moved so fast that the momentum pretty much built its own tension.)
Overall:
The story was a little slow getting going but once it did, it was engrossing and enjoyable. This entertaining YA novel seems well-suited to its intended readership.
July 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm so sad I almost missed out on this for technical difficulties, because I think this is one of the most interesting magic systems I've read about in a while. I'm partial to these kinds of books, and Xylia was such a neat protagonist, one that had a different energy about her than I'm accustomed to but one that was deeper than the surface showed. She really evolved from being the kind of character that's self-focused into being someone who was a natural born leader, and I hope we get to see more of this world! The wrap up felt satisfying without leaving too many loose ends, but there's enough here to make me want more, and I hope we get it because the world Mensinga has created is awesome.
I'm so sad I almost missed out on this for technical difficulties, because I think this is one of the most interesting magic systems I've read about in a while. I'm partial to these kinds of books, and Xylia was such a neat protagonist, one that had a different energy about her than I'm accustomed to but one that was deeper than the surface showed. She really evolved from being the kind of character that's self-focused into being someone who was a natural born leader, and I hope we get to see more of this world! The wrap up felt satisfying without leaving too many loose ends, but there's enough here to make me want more, and I hope we get it because the world Mensinga has created is awesome.
September 19, 2023
if you want a magical corrupted dystopian steampunk feel with a strong female lead, read this!
really good writing!!! i lovedddd the adventure fantasy, i loved the characters, i loved the plot. my only issue was with how rushed the ending felt. without giving away spoilers, there’s the tiniest bit of romance and it just felt very forced, like the author wanted that romance there but had no more room to write it. the ending just felt slightly anticlimactic and also like ?? huh? but it didn’t ruin the book for me, i still loved the read and hold it close to my heart. the character development was so subtle too, but when you read the first 50 pages and then read the last 50 pages, it’s like the main character is a completely different person!! amazing transition.
really good writing!!! i lovedddd the adventure fantasy, i loved the characters, i loved the plot. my only issue was with how rushed the ending felt. without giving away spoilers, there’s the tiniest bit of romance and it just felt very forced, like the author wanted that romance there but had no more room to write it. the ending just felt slightly anticlimactic and also like ?? huh? but it didn’t ruin the book for me, i still loved the read and hold it close to my heart. the character development was so subtle too, but when you read the first 50 pages and then read the last 50 pages, it’s like the main character is a completely different person!! amazing transition.
June 8, 2021
I’m not usually a fan of first person perspective, but as I progressed it was clear that the story worked best with it. I enjoyed being inside Xylia’s head.
There were many times random places and names distracted me from what was going on-I really had to try to piece it all together at times- but about the middle of the book everything started to coalesce as and the action really picked up. It was a slightly slow start built up to frenetic pace and a slightly abrupt conclusion, but none of kept me from turning pages.
Interested if there ever is a sequel, and having seen the author’s illustrations, I really think this would be a phenomenal graphic novel.
There were many times random places and names distracted me from what was going on-I really had to try to piece it all together at times- but about the middle of the book everything started to coalesce as and the action really picked up. It was a slightly slow start built up to frenetic pace and a slightly abrupt conclusion, but none of kept me from turning pages.
Interested if there ever is a sequel, and having seen the author’s illustrations, I really think this would be a phenomenal graphic novel.
June 20, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I didn't want to set it down and read it in one sitting. The characters were great and the story engaging. However, the plot did feel a bit predictable, and I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed. All in all, it was a fun read that kept my attention for the entire story, and I did enjoy the development that Xylia went through during her journey. As you decide if you want to read this book, please keep in mind that I am in my early twenties, and this book is most likely marketed towards middle schoolers. Despite all this, I would still recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun, quick read. (3.5/5 stars)
July 23, 2021
Shimmerdark doesn't start very well, and many of it's issues relate directly to this rough start.
I'm glad I continued with it because I became fascinated with the world and culture of the shimmerling society.
The story becomes a lot darker than it initially seems it will, I loved how it was handled for the most part.
Really the beginning with Grimshore is over too quick and the story seems to expect you to remember and have emotional attachments to these characters much later in the story. It makes the epilogue section a bit hollow...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm glad I continued with it because I became fascinated with the world and culture of the shimmerling society.
The story becomes a lot darker than it initially seems it will, I loved how it was handled for the most part.
Really the beginning with Grimshore is over too quick and the story seems to expect you to remember and have emotional attachments to these characters much later in the story. It makes the epilogue section a bit hollow...
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2021
After reading this book, Tiger has a new obsession - going on a fun steampunk adventure with me!
I have read quite many YA novels as a teenager and as an adult, but I got to be honest, this is probably one of the best representations of the strong female characters I have ever read.
Shimmerdark shimmers (pun intended!) as a YA novel that entices and challenges its readers. This novel reminds me of the worlds created by Hayao Miyazaki.
Tiger and I are looking forward to reading new books by Sarah Mensinga.
[read via Kindle Unlimited]
I have read quite many YA novels as a teenager and as an adult, but I got to be honest, this is probably one of the best representations of the strong female characters I have ever read.
Shimmerdark shimmers (pun intended!) as a YA novel that entices and challenges its readers. This novel reminds me of the worlds created by Hayao Miyazaki.
Tiger and I are looking forward to reading new books by Sarah Mensinga.
[read via Kindle Unlimited]
September 27, 2023
Shipwrecked. Stranded. Finally rescued after seven years. Xylia thinks her suffering is over and she can finally return to a life of comfort and prestige as the Great Drake’s heir. After all she’s a powerful summoner of shimmerlight. But nothing goes according to plan. Replaced. Demoted. Facing the inevitable “winking out” of her powers, Xylia struggles to find her place in a dangerous world. Along the way, she learns that all is not comfort and prestige outside her glorious city.
Imaginative, intriguing, unique and Susie all rolled up in a beautifully created and “magical” story.
Imaginative, intriguing, unique and Susie all rolled up in a beautifully created and “magical” story.
July 11, 2021
A brave young princess with special powers is lost at sea and after years returns to her kingdom to find that her powerful position has been given to another, younger, one. She hopes to be restored and agrees to take on a new role in the realm discovering that not everyone is looking after her welfare. She discovers a dastardly plot. Does she save the day? This book was easy to follow and the powers raging against her well shaped.
June 25, 2021
I enjoyed reading Shimmerdark. It might start out a tad slow but give it a few pages and it will liven up.
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