Shadow Runners by Daniel Blythe
Shadow Runners series, Book 1. Chicken House, 2012. 243 pp
(Ages: 10-16) In this story we go on a journey into the
supernatural with our at times reluctant teenage heroine, Miranda
May. Set in a small English seaside town the book is distinctly
English in many of its references but still accessible for
Australian audiences. The scene is set when Miranda moves to a new
town after a family tragedy. It isn't long before strange things
start happening, not just around her but also to her. Finding it
hard to fit in Miranda is soon torn between two friendship groups, a
girl who has similar interests to her, and a mismatched group who
seem to know much more about the odd things happening in the town
than she does. Soon drawn into their mysterious group Miranda starts
to question everything and everyone she knows and is soon caught in
the middle of a mission to track down the dangerous shadowy evil
that threatens to destroy them all.
Themes of friendship, special abilities and the hidden paranormal
activity hiding in dull towns abound in this fast-paced and
intelligent book. The last chapter names the group of teens as 'the
shadow runners' and sets the scene for a plethora of follow up
titles for this new series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story
especially as it was full of believable teenage voices, wit and
banter. This is primarily achieved through the set up of the book as
the diary of Miranda which allows for her attitude and personality
to shine though in the text.
Although at times corny, implausible and overly exacting in its
explanation (perhaps not giving the reader enough credit) the book
is engaging and keeps suspense high with many twists, turns and
surprises. This story has little or no potential for classroom use
but will be enjoyed by younger readers who enjoy supernatural
stories set in the everyday world. The very subtle incorporation of
a hint of boy-girl adoration and the incorporation of some complex
ideas unnecessary for plot understanding make the book appealing to
a broad age range.
Nicole Smith-Forrest