Title: The Shadow Cabinet
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: Penguin Putnam
Publication Date: February 2015
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Paranormal
Series or Stand Alone: Series, Book Three
Synopsis can be found here.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for nan honest review.
Review:
I’ve been waiting a while for this third book in the Shades of London series and it does not disappoint! Rory and her friends, after reeling from a horrible event in the last book, have to push forward and try to save her school friend Charlotte from an evil cult.
I don’t want to give too much away as this is a continuing plot from the previous book.
The Shadow Cabinet surprised me. It wasn’t a contained story, which I thought it would be. The first book in the series was a contained story with a lot of introduction to the system and characters. This third installment is different. It is a smart, continuation of the series where so much more is exposed about the setting and plot, I felt like – NOW we’re getting somewhere! While the first book in the series felt like a solid, yet contained, story, book two begins the overall bigger picture arc and book three does not let up! I love where this series is going. Bigger bads, bigger picture, bigger questions.
Rory continues to be a multi-layered character whose struggles and obstacles continue to show what a tough cookie she is. Her friendships and romantic interests are strained and twisted in a natural, growing up way. I like how unsure the future is, how so much of the book is of her coming to terms of the events in book two and how each of her friends deal with the fallout.
The series reminds me a little bit of Buffy, the dynamic of friends coming together to battle paranormal activity. But also because of the heart and relationships of the main characters, how strong their bonds are and how an overall season (or in this case series) arc can really draw you in, grasping you for a cliffhanger.
I really want to talk spoilers but I don’t want to ruin it for everyone. But let me tell you – there is evil out there. There is evil out there in a very creepy and dark and twisted form that seems unkillable. There is darkness and ghosts trying desperately to get out. There may be something too great for them to come back from, too scary to catch, too powerful to hold.
And then the book ends!
WHAT???
Write faster, Ms. Johnson.
I need to know what happens.
Rating 8 Cookie Worthy
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Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.
I have never been to London, but I hope that I have the chance to go soon!
Oh my gosh! I absolutely love this series, and Maureen is amazing. 😀
I’ve never been to London but I’ve always wanted to visit Euorpe.
I’ve never been but desperately want to!
Great review! I need to look into the series!
I do love this series. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. I see where you say Buffy vibe. I get that too. Its a great series. I hope there will be plenty more.
I’ve been to London and my favorite place to visit is the main Waterstone’s bookstore. I read that it is the largest one in Europe.
I have never been to London before. It would be a wonderful place to visit however, so much history and culture to take in.
I haven’t ever been, but I used to be obsessed with the idea of going. I still hope to get there one day.
I haven’t but I would love to go to London! It would be amazing to see London!
I haven’t been to London, but I would love to go. Thanks for having the giveaway.
I wish! It’s always been a big dream of mine to go over there.
I have never been to London, but I would love to go someday.
I’ve never been to London but I’d LOVE to go.