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Shadow Jumper #1
Shadow Jumper
A thrilling mystery adventure story with contemporary themes, for boys and girls aged 10 and above.
The truth is out there somewhere . . . but how far is Jack willing to jump to find it?
Jack Phillips's allergy to sunshine confines him to the shadows, leaving him lonely and at risk of life-threatening burns every time he steps into the light. Shadow jumping on the rooftops at dusk makes him feel alive. And free.
But Jack's condition is suddenly worse than ever and only his missing scientist dad can save him. As Jack and his new friend, Beth, begin their frantic search and delve into his dad's past for clues, they have no idea what they are about to uncover. Shocking rumours and dark secrets bombard them at every turn.
Jack is brave on the roofs. But can he find the courage to face the truth?
The truth is out there somewhere . . . but how far is Jack willing to jump to find it?
Jack Phillips's allergy to sunshine confines him to the shadows, leaving him lonely and at risk of life-threatening burns every time he steps into the light. Shadow jumping on the rooftops at dusk makes him feel alive. And free.
But Jack's condition is suddenly worse than ever and only his missing scientist dad can save him. As Jack and his new friend, Beth, begin their frantic search and delve into his dad's past for clues, they have no idea what they are about to uncover. Shocking rumours and dark secrets bombard them at every turn.
Jack is brave on the roofs. But can he find the courage to face the truth?
Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2014
About the author
J.M. Forster
3 books35 followersA potted history:
Born in Sussex
School in Surrey
Live in Gloucestershire
Two sons and one husband, to date.
Born in Sussex
School in Surrey
Live in Gloucestershire
Two sons and one husband, to date.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
May 19, 2020
May 9th- May 16th
One thing I don't like about this book is that the whole plot isn't exciting. Jack and his friend Beth went to find Jack's father, a scientist who can cure Jack's skin problem. In the middle, they secretly went to the lab company where Jack's dad had worked before, but they didn't find that much clues. In the lab, Jack got injured and was sent back to his mom who said that Jack's dad just called her. The events in the book were too boring and it didn't make me feel nervous, excited, etc. I hope the author could add more conflicts and details in the conflicts.
One thing I don't like about this book is that the whole plot isn't exciting. Jack and his friend Beth went to find Jack's father, a scientist who can cure Jack's skin problem. In the middle, they secretly went to the lab company where Jack's dad had worked before, but they didn't find that much clues. In the lab, Jack got injured and was sent back to his mom who said that Jack's dad just called her. The events in the book were too boring and it didn't make me feel nervous, excited, etc. I hope the author could add more conflicts and details in the conflicts.
October 29, 2024
The book had so much potential yet the ending was a bit disappointing
October 30, 2014
My first thoughts? What a great cover, it isn't often you find such attention to detail on the back as well as front cover of a book.
Not just the story of one young man's struggle with a condition that sees him allergic to sunlight. Whilst Shadow Jumper does of course delve into the impact photosensitivity has on Jack's every day life and relationships this is just as much Beth's tale as she, like Jack, a bit of a loner, struggles to come to terms with life without her parents.
An adventure come mystery story - just where is Jack's father and what is the truth about the research laboratory where he last worked? Because of its two protagonists perfect for readers both male and female, it is marketed at those aged ten and upwards and for good reason. With some of the action (albeit it brief and not too graphic) set in a research laboratory, I thought this quite a grown up setting for a children's book.
A very modern story, intriguing, fast paced and with engaging characters who despite/because of the lack of any romance between them had 'great chemistry'. Very cleverly written in that whilst much of the book may well revolve around issues not encountered by many of its younger readers there is much they will relate to and perhaps even learn from in in its central themes of friendship, loss and courage despite all the odds being against you. After all what better an inspiration than Jack who despite his debilitating condition rises above it all?
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
Disclaimer: Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.
Not just the story of one young man's struggle with a condition that sees him allergic to sunlight. Whilst Shadow Jumper does of course delve into the impact photosensitivity has on Jack's every day life and relationships this is just as much Beth's tale as she, like Jack, a bit of a loner, struggles to come to terms with life without her parents.
An adventure come mystery story - just where is Jack's father and what is the truth about the research laboratory where he last worked? Because of its two protagonists perfect for readers both male and female, it is marketed at those aged ten and upwards and for good reason. With some of the action (albeit it brief and not too graphic) set in a research laboratory, I thought this quite a grown up setting for a children's book.
A very modern story, intriguing, fast paced and with engaging characters who despite/because of the lack of any romance between them had 'great chemistry'. Very cleverly written in that whilst much of the book may well revolve around issues not encountered by many of its younger readers there is much they will relate to and perhaps even learn from in in its central themes of friendship, loss and courage despite all the odds being against you. After all what better an inspiration than Jack who despite his debilitating condition rises above it all?
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
Disclaimer: Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.
February 25, 2024
Great book loved it and it had some great relationships between characters
July 16, 2026
The novel revolves a young boy who suffers from photosensitivity and enjoys shadow jumping from roofs when the sun goes down. He is trying to find his father (a scientist) to get additional cream that will help with his condition. However the father has disappeared and he cannot locate him.
July 22, 2026
Muy bien
March 14, 2024
The shadow jumper had me hooked in the start but then it just slowly progressed and made me a little uninterested. But it is a really good book
October 11, 2019
Jack has photosensitivity, which causes his skin to become sore if exposed to too much sunlight, therefore he goes to roof tops to jump between shadows. This is where he met Beth. Beth has a lot going on with her own life but instead helps Jack to find his vacant father to get treatment for his skin. We see their friendship yo-yo throughout this adventure. Jack struggles to empathise with Beth and becomes selfish, I'm surprised Beth stuck around and always accepted his apologies. They travel to another village on their own to find answers to his fathers whereabouts, they become like private investigators, they break into a lab and have a roof jumping chase away from the bad guys.
This is a well written story with lots of tension building moments. There was a point where I said out loud 'No way!'
However, this was then followed by anticlimax. I wont give any spoilers but the final conclusions were lacking imagination after the effort put into everything else. I saw it going in so many directions and unfortunately, it fell short. It would be a great opportunity to re-write the ending with a year 6 class though!
This is a well written story with lots of tension building moments. There was a point where I said out loud 'No way!'
However, this was then followed by anticlimax. I wont give any spoilers but the final conclusions were lacking imagination after the effort put into everything else. I saw it going in so many directions and unfortunately, it fell short. It would be a great opportunity to re-write the ending with a year 6 class though!
October 26, 2020
Ok I am gonna be honest I love and hate this book. I am the only one who thought Jack was so rude to Beth about her DEAD PARENTS?! He said that she needed to forget about her parents and stop using him as a distraction like what!!. She literally thinks it her fault for there death. She can’t just forget about the people who gave birth to her.Also I was disappointed in the end that Jack wasted his time and turns out everything he did and found out was just some silly rumour? and that’s how it ends?. Also did anyone else find it weird that Beth carry’s her parents dead remains around in a rucksack like what the heck...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2017
Boring! Boring! Three quarters the way through and still not much progression in this story. Very slow. Not one that I would recommend.
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February 28, 2023“It was not the time for words. Instead, he put an arm across her shoulders and hugged her.”
January 31, 2025
I have a lot of thoughts about this book, but I'll try to keep it quick.
This book is about the mysteries that unravel for a lonely boy named Jack who has photosensitivity. He has to use a special lotion which was invented by his dad, who has mysteriously disappeared. He eventually embarks on an adventure around his and neighboring towns looking for his dad. Joining him on his quest is his new friend. She is a girl named Beth who holds strange secrets behind her dark, gothic makeup ridden eyes.
Now, I’ll explain the main character first. His name is Jack, and in my opinion is that he is selfish. He is a selfish boy about a multitude of things. He expects too much yet too little from Beth and criticizes everyone for everything. His only concern is getting the medicine and seeing his dad again. While, admittedly, he is going through a lot, he hurts Beth’s feelings, snaps at his mom, and jumps to assumptions about his dad far too quickly.
Now, who is Beth? Beth is a girl who meet Jack at the beginning at the book. She wears dark and brooding clothing, lots of eye makeup, and white face paint. The reason she did that is because she had recently lost her parents and thinks it’s her fault, so she is avoiding all people, and wants people to avoid her. Jacks end up finding out that she carried two mysterious wooden boxes in her backpack. The boxes contain separate parts of her parents ashes. (I’m not entirely sure that’s legal actually.) Now, we have found yet another thing that Jack is selfish about. He and Beth later get into a large argument about how her carrying around the ashes is stupid and is slowing them down. While Jack does apologize, the things that end up being said in that argument are not the kind of things that you can forgive someone for as quickly as Beth does.
Why don’t I like this book? That’s the question that I’ve been trying to answer for a few days. And honestly, I don’t know. There isn’t anything inherently very wrong with this book, I suppose the dislike is in the eye of the beholder in this situation. I suppose it felt like every situation was formulated to surprise you. Like Beth’s parents being dead, her carrying the ashes, Jack not only has photosensitivity but his dad, the only person who can make the lotion which heals his skin, has disappeared. While there are many other books that are even more far-fetched, those books seem to accept it more than this book. It always was trying to make things relatable, and make you feel sorry for them, when actually, you become shocked at the lack of realism. Another example, right after Beth and Jack decide to embark on a giant quest to save Jack’s dad, they get in a bus crash. Said bus crash was caused by a dog which was experimented on in Jack’s father’s lab. Yes, coincidences exist, but that seems more than a little far-fetched. I’m not trying to insinuate that this book was badly written, the way it was written was actually very good, yet the plotline made me have to put the book down a few times in pure astonishment.
Next, what was the ending? And why do I think they could’ve done better. So what happened. Well, Jack gets a new lotion, him and Beth have found a (wonderful??) new wave of friendship, and Jack’s parents are considering getting back together. This isn’t a bad ending, let me make that clear, but it is not what I wanted. I don’t know what I wanted, but the ending was not it. It didn’t feel climactic, and it easily could have. It was lacking the small amount of imagination that the rest of the book held.
This book felt flat. There were too little internal conflicts, and the ending didn’t hold that specialness. The edge of your seat, you simply must know what happens quality. The books and the ending didn’t hold the pizzaz and the sparkle I was looking for. This book had potential, but it just didn’t make jump.
This book is about the mysteries that unravel for a lonely boy named Jack who has photosensitivity. He has to use a special lotion which was invented by his dad, who has mysteriously disappeared. He eventually embarks on an adventure around his and neighboring towns looking for his dad. Joining him on his quest is his new friend. She is a girl named Beth who holds strange secrets behind her dark, gothic makeup ridden eyes.
Now, I’ll explain the main character first. His name is Jack, and in my opinion is that he is selfish. He is a selfish boy about a multitude of things. He expects too much yet too little from Beth and criticizes everyone for everything. His only concern is getting the medicine and seeing his dad again. While, admittedly, he is going through a lot, he hurts Beth’s feelings, snaps at his mom, and jumps to assumptions about his dad far too quickly.
Now, who is Beth? Beth is a girl who meet Jack at the beginning at the book. She wears dark and brooding clothing, lots of eye makeup, and white face paint. The reason she did that is because she had recently lost her parents and thinks it’s her fault, so she is avoiding all people, and wants people to avoid her. Jacks end up finding out that she carried two mysterious wooden boxes in her backpack. The boxes contain separate parts of her parents ashes. (I’m not entirely sure that’s legal actually.) Now, we have found yet another thing that Jack is selfish about. He and Beth later get into a large argument about how her carrying around the ashes is stupid and is slowing them down. While Jack does apologize, the things that end up being said in that argument are not the kind of things that you can forgive someone for as quickly as Beth does.
Why don’t I like this book? That’s the question that I’ve been trying to answer for a few days. And honestly, I don’t know. There isn’t anything inherently very wrong with this book, I suppose the dislike is in the eye of the beholder in this situation. I suppose it felt like every situation was formulated to surprise you. Like Beth’s parents being dead, her carrying the ashes, Jack not only has photosensitivity but his dad, the only person who can make the lotion which heals his skin, has disappeared. While there are many other books that are even more far-fetched, those books seem to accept it more than this book. It always was trying to make things relatable, and make you feel sorry for them, when actually, you become shocked at the lack of realism. Another example, right after Beth and Jack decide to embark on a giant quest to save Jack’s dad, they get in a bus crash. Said bus crash was caused by a dog which was experimented on in Jack’s father’s lab. Yes, coincidences exist, but that seems more than a little far-fetched. I’m not trying to insinuate that this book was badly written, the way it was written was actually very good, yet the plotline made me have to put the book down a few times in pure astonishment.
Next, what was the ending? And why do I think they could’ve done better. So what happened. Well, Jack gets a new lotion, him and Beth have found a (wonderful??) new wave of friendship, and Jack’s parents are considering getting back together. This isn’t a bad ending, let me make that clear, but it is not what I wanted. I don’t know what I wanted, but the ending was not it. It didn’t feel climactic, and it easily could have. It was lacking the small amount of imagination that the rest of the book held.
This book felt flat. There were too little internal conflicts, and the ending didn’t hold that specialness. The edge of your seat, you simply must know what happens quality. The books and the ending didn’t hold the pizzaz and the sparkle I was looking for. This book had potential, but it just didn’t make jump.
April 3, 2024
More of a 3.5/5. This is an interesting YA novel that has a sort of anti-twist near the end. I appreciated that angle, which made this different than the typical YA fair.
Jack is a young man with severe photosensitivity, meaning that for him, the sunshine is deadly. As a middle school student, this difference has made him a lonely kid, especially in the summer...especially now that his dad has disappeared from home. Add to that complication the fact that Jack's dad has been treating him for his skin condition, and he's almost out of the special lotion that makes it possible for him to live in the outside world. All of these complicated issues lead to a morning when Jack is engaging in his favorite pastime, shadow jumping - which is exactly that, jumping from shadow to shadow on the roofs of houses in his city - when he encounters someone who is just as interesting (and lonely) as he is.
Beth has lost both of her parents and is living with family who love her, but don't know how to reach her in the middle of her grief. Beth and Jack become begrudging friends and find common ground on the roofs, jumping in the shadows and avoiding people who become (perhaps understandably) upset when random kids jump onto their poolside patios.
The story takes a turn when Jack decides he has to find his dad so he can get some skin cream, before it's too late. This sets Jack and Beth out on an adventure to break into laboratories, take sneaky bus rides, and encounter a cast of interesting characters as they try to solve the mystery. The rest of the book works out that mystery and leads to the anti-twist. If you read it, you will see what I mean.
It's an engaging novel, and one that I will enjoy adding to my middle schooler's shelf. The 3.5 rating really isn't about the qualify of this book. It's about me, my struggles tolerating YA, and the fact that I am just struggling in general with being trapped in a room with middle schoolers all day right now... :)
Jack is a young man with severe photosensitivity, meaning that for him, the sunshine is deadly. As a middle school student, this difference has made him a lonely kid, especially in the summer...especially now that his dad has disappeared from home. Add to that complication the fact that Jack's dad has been treating him for his skin condition, and he's almost out of the special lotion that makes it possible for him to live in the outside world. All of these complicated issues lead to a morning when Jack is engaging in his favorite pastime, shadow jumping - which is exactly that, jumping from shadow to shadow on the roofs of houses in his city - when he encounters someone who is just as interesting (and lonely) as he is.
Beth has lost both of her parents and is living with family who love her, but don't know how to reach her in the middle of her grief. Beth and Jack become begrudging friends and find common ground on the roofs, jumping in the shadows and avoiding people who become (perhaps understandably) upset when random kids jump onto their poolside patios.
The story takes a turn when Jack decides he has to find his dad so he can get some skin cream, before it's too late. This sets Jack and Beth out on an adventure to break into laboratories, take sneaky bus rides, and encounter a cast of interesting characters as they try to solve the mystery. The rest of the book works out that mystery and leads to the anti-twist. If you read it, you will see what I mean.
It's an engaging novel, and one that I will enjoy adding to my middle schooler's shelf. The 3.5 rating really isn't about the qualify of this book. It's about me, my struggles tolerating YA, and the fact that I am just struggling in general with being trapped in a room with middle schoolers all day right now... :)
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April 5, 20194/5 Stars!
J.M. Forster's Shadow Jumper is filled with adventure. You will be guessing what happens next with every page you turn. This novel is friendly for almost all ages. I strongly recommend this book to teens. Due to the interest level, I give Shadow Jumper a solid four out of five stars.
Parents should know the book is good for almost everyone. There is little to no inappropriate content. It also stays clear of controversial topics. I believe both boys and girls would enjoy Shadow Jumpers the same amount.
The story involves a teenage boy named Jack. He has been diagnosed with a rare skin disease that has increasingly gotten worse. His dad is the only one that can cure it but has gone missing. Jack' disease doesn't allow him to be in the sun for long periods of time. That's why Jack loves sneaking out of his house before sundown to jump through the shadows of his town. During one of his jumping sessions, he meets a girl named Beth. Jack and Beth go on an action filled adventure to find his dad and help his skin.
Throughout the journey, Jack and Beth become good friends and uncover many mysteries about his dad and the organization he used to work for. There are many twists that keep the book interesting and unpredictable. You will never guess what happens on the next page and that's why young teens will like this book.
Due to the interesting, action filled plot, I give Shadow Jumper a four out of five star rating. The book only lacks in character development but otherwise it a fantastic book to pick up this next summer. I encourage all teens to read this book because of the message it gives off. I hope you enjoy!
J.M. Forster's Shadow Jumper is filled with adventure. You will be guessing what happens next with every page you turn. This novel is friendly for almost all ages. I strongly recommend this book to teens. Due to the interest level, I give Shadow Jumper a solid four out of five stars.
Parents should know the book is good for almost everyone. There is little to no inappropriate content. It also stays clear of controversial topics. I believe both boys and girls would enjoy Shadow Jumpers the same amount.
The story involves a teenage boy named Jack. He has been diagnosed with a rare skin disease that has increasingly gotten worse. His dad is the only one that can cure it but has gone missing. Jack' disease doesn't allow him to be in the sun for long periods of time. That's why Jack loves sneaking out of his house before sundown to jump through the shadows of his town. During one of his jumping sessions, he meets a girl named Beth. Jack and Beth go on an action filled adventure to find his dad and help his skin.
Throughout the journey, Jack and Beth become good friends and uncover many mysteries about his dad and the organization he used to work for. There are many twists that keep the book interesting and unpredictable. You will never guess what happens on the next page and that's why young teens will like this book.
Due to the interesting, action filled plot, I give Shadow Jumper a four out of five star rating. The book only lacks in character development but otherwise it a fantastic book to pick up this next summer. I encourage all teens to read this book because of the message it gives off. I hope you enjoy!
February 10, 2023
This book wasn't anything like I thought it would be when I first downloaded it but I'm not disappointed in the slightest.
***
From early on I was hooked with the story and it was full of twists and mystery and action and well written characters. I was on the edge of my seat for a great deal of pages.
***
I will say that the shadow jumping aspect confused me. I've never been great with visualizing super long action scenes, so that's probably a me thing. I enjoyed Beth and Jack's pursuit to uncover the truth behind Bioscience Discoveries but the final reveal was disappointing. It had the potential to really shock the reader but the author took the easy, less controversial way out.
***
I also wished we'd learned a bit more about Jack's skin condition. It almost struck me as an afterthought, though it affected so much of his life.
***
Beth and Jack took turns being extremely self centered and immature but Jack irritated me just a twinge bit more and at times, he even struck me as manipulative. Maybe I read into certain parts too much.
***
Overall, this book was super entertaining and chock-full of thrilling moments. I would definitely recommend it to reluctant readers. A very solid read!
***
From early on I was hooked with the story and it was full of twists and mystery and action and well written characters. I was on the edge of my seat for a great deal of pages.
***
I will say that the shadow jumping aspect confused me. I've never been great with visualizing super long action scenes, so that's probably a me thing. I enjoyed Beth and Jack's pursuit to uncover the truth behind Bioscience Discoveries but the final reveal was disappointing. It had the potential to really shock the reader but the author took the easy, less controversial way out.
***
I also wished we'd learned a bit more about Jack's skin condition. It almost struck me as an afterthought, though it affected so much of his life.
***
Beth and Jack took turns being extremely self centered and immature but Jack irritated me just a twinge bit more and at times, he even struck me as manipulative. Maybe I read into certain parts too much.
***
Overall, this book was super entertaining and chock-full of thrilling moments. I would definitely recommend it to reluctant readers. A very solid read!
May 19, 2025
What would you do if you had a rare skin condition but the only person that can save you is missing and it's your own dad? Shadow jumper is an adventure novel mixed with friendship, suspense and science. The story follows with a teenage boy named Jack who has a rare skin condition that forces him to avoid the sun, but this doesn't stop him from embracing his unique talent which is jumping across rooftops from shadow to shadow. When his dad suddenly goes missing, he teams up with a girl named Beth to go on a journey to find his dad. Along the way, the suspense builds as they uncover secrets from the past which leaves them shocked. I personally believe the author is good at building the suspense leaving the reader to wonder and wanting to find out what happens next. Something I do dislike is that I wish that there was more chapters where we could see Jack embrace his unique talent since it is titled "Shadow Jumper", but this does not affect my 5/5 star rating in any way. If your the type of person who loves when the story builds suspense and later find out the truth, I suggest you read this book because it only makes you want to uncover the secret like the main character the more you dive deeper into the chapters.
September 9, 2026
Shadow Jumper included many of the elements I find appealing in a story. Struggling with a debilitating sun allergy left protagonist, Jack, lonely and afraid. But that was not his only problem; his father who held the key to his recovery was no where to be found. I enjoy rooting for the underdog and a good mystery and this book consisted of both. Jack mistakenly stumbles upon Beth, a goth-girl with troubles of her own. This book follows their complicated relationship as they head out on an adventure to find Jack's mysteriously missing lab scientist father. While this book had me drawn in at one point, wanting to read until I knew the answers to the mystery, I cannot help but feeling somewhat disappointed in the outcome. Overall, though I really did enjoy this book and would recommend it to my students.
April 13, 2019
Now and again a book can surprise a reader. This did in a pleasant way.
There are various parts of the plot where it looks as though the story is going to go to very dark places. Probably darker than the audience this book is aimed at should be reading. Then, it doesn't end that way. The ending works, is appropriate and is also one that the book needed.
The book is a good example of how you can write suspenseful scenes for a young reader without making them horrifying or terrible.
I enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to readers aged 8-13.
There are various parts of the plot where it looks as though the story is going to go to very dark places. Probably darker than the audience this book is aimed at should be reading. Then, it doesn't end that way. The ending works, is appropriate and is also one that the book needed.
The book is a good example of how you can write suspenseful scenes for a young reader without making them horrifying or terrible.
I enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to readers aged 8-13.
March 6, 2023
Shadow Jumper is a very interesting book about overcoming adversity and learning how to make new supportive friends. The vocab isn't very big and is straight-forward. J.M Foster did a great job by keeping the text on a normal linear story plot instead of going all over the place. As well, the book isnt very long.
I would recommend this book for kids AND adults who like childhood adventure stories. I really enjoyed how each main character listened to each other's stories and expressed a moment of grief for each other. It's like they felt each other throughout the entire story.
I would recommend this book for kids AND adults who like childhood adventure stories. I really enjoyed how each main character listened to each other's stories and expressed a moment of grief for each other. It's like they felt each other throughout the entire story.
April 19, 2024
I like this book but I don’t think it was the best book I’ve ever read, I think some kids might like it. Recommend for people who just wanna start reading more, super fast to get through when you don’t take breaks. there was just no anticipation no will to wanna sit for hours and read this book. It’s pretty good you guys should still read this book. The author is a good writer and the book started out good but I was just hoping for more towards the end. It took long to read cause I kept taking breaks after getting bored:)
October 12, 2017
(audiobook)
4 1/2 stars!
Jack and Beth are incredible young children, who exhibit sound judgement and decision making.
I really liked them and this book reminds me of the Newberry Awards books I used to read as a child. It was difficult to believe this was an Indie author and not one who is signed!
Although it drags in areas (it could have been the narrator - he's good, but I'm not sure if he was the best choice for a children's book) it's very solid. The characters evolve, have differences, and resolve conflicts. Loose ends are tied up eloquently, but we can hope to see Jack & Beth again!
I would definitely recommend this wholesome mystery/adventure for youngsters or to be shared as a family.
4 1/2 stars!
Jack and Beth are incredible young children, who exhibit sound judgement and decision making.
I really liked them and this book reminds me of the Newberry Awards books I used to read as a child. It was difficult to believe this was an Indie author and not one who is signed!
Although it drags in areas (it could have been the narrator - he's good, but I'm not sure if he was the best choice for a children's book) it's very solid. The characters evolve, have differences, and resolve conflicts. Loose ends are tied up eloquently, but we can hope to see Jack & Beth again!
I would definitely recommend this wholesome mystery/adventure for youngsters or to be shared as a family.
March 31, 2021
Shadow Jumper
How far will Jack jump to find the truth?
This mystery book will give you the creeps, there are very scary bits in it but it makes you want to keep reading.
Could you imagine living your life thinking you were allergic to the sun? I wouldn't enjoy it, I'd only be able to cycle in the rain! Jack doesn't enjoy it either.
I was so happy when Jack found a friend.
You should read this book if you aren't easily scared and you like happy endings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
How far will Jack jump to find the truth?
This mystery book will give you the creeps, there are very scary bits in it but it makes you want to keep reading.
Could you imagine living your life thinking you were allergic to the sun? I wouldn't enjoy it, I'd only be able to cycle in the rain! Jack doesn't enjoy it either.
I was so happy when Jack found a friend.
You should read this book if you aren't easily scared and you like happy endings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 15, 2022
Jack must remain inside most days to protect his photosensitive skin. One day, as he is jumping on rooftops!?!, he comes across Beth. Beth is a girl that has a story she isn't willing to share quite yet. Jack and Beth become friends and go on a search for Jack's wayward father. They travel to many different places in search of him. What they find is terrifying and somewhat defeating all at the same time. A well written book!
September 5, 2023
An interesting read. This is for ages 9+, but I think the themes are not thorough enough in the novel without discussion, therefore it could be confusing for younger readers on their own.
However, if used in a group setting, this novel has many "morals" worth discussion! Outside vs Inside of a person, what is popular, judging without knowing, jumping to conclusions, misleading media, to name a few.
However, if used in a group setting, this novel has many "morals" worth discussion! Outside vs Inside of a person, what is popular, judging without knowing, jumping to conclusions, misleading media, to name a few.
January 14, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It ended not at all the way I would have guessed or chosen. But the story is well written and held our attention. It may be my first try at fanfiction. It made us feel like the problem wasn't really a problem. Guess that was the point but not a helpful or satisfying ending in our opinion x3.
Very skillfully written in all other respects. Just a little flat at the end and left us wondering what the point was or if it was worth our time.
Very skillfully written in all other respects. Just a little flat at the end and left us wondering what the point was or if it was worth our time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
This book was recommended to me by my father. I read it on Kindle. This book was very exciting because it kept me hooked and also kept me wondering what would happen next. The twist where Beth says that she has her dead parents ashes in her rucksack made me interested. And how Jack manages to live with his photosensitivity is also very amazing. This book is not only for kids and teenagers but also for parents. I hope that anyone who is reading it right now has a lot of fun!
April 12, 2021
Shadow Jumper is a thrilling story about a young teenage boy named Jack who is allergic to sunshine. Because of his allergy, Jack has to live in the shadows. However, his allergy gets worse throughout the book and Jack must go on a search for his cure. This is an inspiring and mysterious story that shows readers how far a good friend and a little bit of courage can take you.
February 26, 2023
It is a nice, easy to read book. I like the little mysteries, but summing it all up not too much happened. I like J.M Foster's way of writing, but the conclusion for this book wasn't too great and was quite plain.
I like that the chapters are quite short, so it seems you make progress through the book quite quickly.
So all in all, give this book a go if you are prepared to read an easy-going, relatively short book, but don't set your expectations too high. :)
I like that the chapters are quite short, so it seems you make progress through the book quite quickly.
So all in all, give this book a go if you are prepared to read an easy-going, relatively short book, but don't set your expectations too high. :)
October 27, 2024
The truth is out there…
Lots of action, character development, plot twists… you just don’t know what’s coming next.
With themes of overcoming adversity, friendship and teamwork, mystery and adventure, shadowy secrets, courage and bravery, isolation and loneliness, self-discovery, this book has something for everyone.
Lots of action, character development, plot twists… you just don’t know what’s coming next.
With themes of overcoming adversity, friendship and teamwork, mystery and adventure, shadowy secrets, courage and bravery, isolation and loneliness, self-discovery, this book has something for everyone.
January 10, 2026
Quick, fun story about a boy and a friend trying to find his missing scientist dad to help cure him of his skin allergy (photosensitivity). I got this book for my 12 year old son to read and wanted to read it before I gave it to him. Good messaging about friendships and coping. Not great messaging about running away without telling your parent/guardian… 🙃. But that’s the parent in me.
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