Shadowmagic is one of those books that just gives you the feeling of adventure and makes you want to scavenge around your home or neighborhood looking for a portal to another and certainly more magical world than our own.
In this entertaining quest novel, the first of the Shadowmagic series, the main character Conor is just an average teenager concerned only with everyday adolescent difficulties, aside from his eccentric, one handed father who speaks in dead languages and keeps various medieval weapons around the house that is. But otherwise, all was normal for Conor until he is attacked by two armor clad and cloak wearing riders on horseback. The riders literally lead their massive horses straight into Conor’s home and a fight ensues. It is after this incident that Conor begins to understand all his dad’s eccentrics and learns that he is actually the son of the one-handed prince of Tir Na N’Og, and a prophecy had been foretold that he would one day die in order to save the Land. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good prophecy especially when it’s misinterpreted.
Having been brought to the otherworld of Tir Na N’Og Conor takes a journey through a land filled with faeries, leprechauns, imps, banshees, and magic. He meets many highly interesting characters including one of my favorites. The moment a relationship is struck between Conor and his new friend Fergal, it is instant magic. I loved Fergal and the dynamic between the two. Conor not only finds these new friends but happens upon old ones as well, some of them who want him dead.
Lenahan weaves a world rich in Irish-like mythology with an abundance of humor. Conor, who is hilariously unpredictable, frequently makes jokes evolving our world that no one in Tir Na N’Og understands. This prevents some of his jokes from landing as he intends which is part of the humor that is Lenahan’s personal style.
I listened to this book on Librivox which probably made it all the better given that it is read by the author and has little bits of scene setting Irish music on occasion. If you’re looking for a fun, easy read that promises to transport you the another more magical world than your own, I highly recommend Shadowmagic.
A Lord of the Rings for the 21st century. Only a lot shorter. And funnier. And completely different.
Conor thought he was an average teenager. OK, so his father only had one hand, spoke to him in ancient languages and was a bit on the eccentric side but, other than that, life was fairly normal. Until, that is, two Celtic warriors on horseback and wearing full armour appear at his front door and try to kill him. After that, things get pretty weird.
Shadowmagic is a fantasy adventure for young adults (although grown ups will like it too). Written by one of the most popular magicians in the country it brings a fresh approach to the genre and will have a broad appeal beyond the fantasy sections.
