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?