3 Nov 2014

SHADOW JUMPER.




SHADOW JUMPER by J.M. FORSTER.

SOURCE: Received for review from the author.

BACK COVER BLURB: Jack'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.

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 discover. Shocking rumours and dark secrets bombard them at every turn.

Shadow Jumping takes courage. But when it comes to the truth, just how far will Jack jump to find it?

FIRST SENTENCE {Chapter One}: Jack was trying hard not to die.

MEMORABLE MOMENT {Page 87}: He didn't like the idea of becoming a sinister stalker. Say it wasn't her? He'd be tailing an innocent old lady round the town. On the other hand, Tom from the cafe had spooked him with all his talk of spies. What if she was spying on him?

MY THOUGHTS: 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 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?


10 comments:

Kelly said...

I enjoyed this review for a variety of reasons. Like you, I love the cover and it reminds me a bit of that puzzle I worked not long ago, though it had bright colors for its skyline.

It also brings to mind two books by Dean Koontz that deal with a character who can't be exposed to sunlight. (I forget the medical term...starts with an x or z, I think)

Lastly, I read a book several years ago, that I believe took place at either Oxford or Cambridge, where the characters did a lot of rooftop jumping.

It sounds like you enjoyed this.

Suko said...

This sounds like a fascinating story, Tracy, and your review is of course wonderful. I've heard of being allergic to sunlight--what an interesting way of presenting this! I am intrigued.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

This sounds interesting. I like that he has a rare disease and still conquers all. I might have to check this one out.

Literary Feline said...

Great review, Tracy. I like the sound of this book. The themes in particular make me want to read it.

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

I think the words Kelly was trying to think of were Xeroderma Pigmentosum, or XP and I think I am hard done by when I don't enjoy being out in the sun particularly!

You obviously enjoyed this book and it seems as though it was really well written and articulated by the author.

I have to agree that the cover art is amazing, although Kelly is quite welcome to a jigsaw puzzle with all that same colour in it!

Thanks for sharing and glad that you enjoyed it.

Yvonne

Chrys Fey said...

This books sounds interesting. I love the premise, and the cover art is great! Thanks for sharing!

Stephanie@Fairday's Blog said...

I agree with you that the cover is excellent. Amazing details on the front and the back. The story sounds unique and I am definitely curious. I watched a show once about a girl who could not go out during the day because she was allergic to sunlight, so this is a book I think I will enjoy reading.

Great review!

Romance Reader said...

Sounds fascinating. I'm adding it to me reading list. Thanks for sharing your review of it.

Melliane said...

Oh it sounds interesting! Even the topic and you're right the cover is also really fun. It's a new one for me but I'm happy to see you had a good time.

Brian Joseph said...

The subject matter of this one is so very different.

It seems interesting that the author did not include a romance between the characters. As this is also different I think that it is a good thing.