This book is a solid 3 - 4 star book for its genre/age range.

It is my first encounter with Susan Cooper's works, but it is evident that she is a highly competent children's fantasy author.

Although I was slightly deterred by the scarcity of female characters (and I couldn't care less about the so-called "historical accuracy" arguments, which are often inaccurate anyway - I simply don't enjoy reading books with limited female characters), I took a liking to the main character Nat and relished the story.

It was both poignant and humorous, and it has kindled in me a desire to revisit the Globe Theatre!

I haven't assigned an official rating to the book because, as an adult, I find it increasingly challenging to properly review and rate children's/YA books that I read for the first time as an adult.

I worry that any tendency to rate them lower might stem from the fact that I am no longer part of the target audience.

I often refrain from rating rather than awarding an unjustly low score to a book that is likely a prime example of its genre/age range.

So, even though I enjoyed this book and believed it to be a solid 3 - 4 stars, I don't trust my own internal biases to select the most accurate rating. Oh, how I long for the ability to give half stars!

OK book, but it had a lot of language. :(

This book, on the whole, is just okay. It does have some redeeming qualities, but unfortunately, one major drawback stands out. That is the excessive use of language. There are so many words and phrases that seem a bit over the top or perhaps not entirely necessary. It sometimes makes the reading experience a bit cumbersome as you have to wade through all that verbiage to get to the essence of the story or the message. It's a pity really, because if the language had been more streamlined and concise, the book might have been a lot more enjoyable and engaging. As it is now, it leaves a bit to be desired in that regard.

The relationship between Nat and Will is truly lovely.

It's a heartwarming connection that adds a special charm to the story. While there might not be an overwhelming amount of culture shock for the switch to a previous century, we must remember that children are highly malleable.

They can adapt and embrace new experiences more easily than adults. So, in that regard, I can accept the premise.

The way in which the switch occurs and the amount that Arby knows about it is a little bit fuzzy.

There are some aspects that could have been explored in more detail. However, ultimately, perhaps it's not that crucial to the overall enjoyment of the story.

Although this may not be Cooper's best work, it is definitely worth reading.

It offers an engaging plot, interesting characters, and a unique setting that will keep readers entertained.

So, if you're looking for a light and enjoyable read, give this book a try.

Well, it's clearly for younger readers.

My younger self would have absolutely adored it.

As a mature adult, I also found great enjoyment in it.

The story likely has elements that appeal to a younger audience, such as vivid characters, exciting adventures, and simple yet engaging language.

However, it also manages to hold the interest of more mature readers with its deeper themes and well-crafted plot.

Perhaps it offers a sense of nostalgia for those who remember their own childhoods, or it provides a fresh perspective on life and its challenges.

Either way, it's a testament to the power of good storytelling that it can appeal to readers of all ages.

Whether you're a child just starting to explore the world of books or an adult looking for a lighthearted read, this is definitely one that's worth checking out.

I'm an absolute sucker for time slip novels, and this particular one is truly outstanding. It tells the story of an American boy actor who, during a visit to London, undergoes a remarkable transformation. He switches places with a boy actor of the same name from Shakespeare's era and finds himself acting on the stage of the Globe Theatre, side by side with Shakespeare himself.

This novel is likely targeted at readers around the age of 12. While I'm not entirely certain that most kids would fully grasp the emotional impact of the father-figure aspect within the story, I, for one, adored it. The concept of穿越时空 and experiencing a different era is both thrilling and captivating. It allows readers to step into the shoes of the characters and immerse themselves in a world that is both familiar and yet so different.

The vivid descriptions of the Globe Theatre and the performances add an extra layer of authenticity to the story. It makes you feel as if you are right there, witnessing history unfold before your eyes. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves time travel and Shakespeare.

OH.

This is one of those books that didn't seem to have the potential to be a 5-star read right from the start. The beginning might have been a bit slow or perhaps not as captivating as one would expect. However, as the story progresses, it gradually unfolds and reveals its true charm.

By the time you reach the very end, you are completely hooked and realize just how wonderful this book truly is. The author has managed to build up the tension, develop the characters in a remarkable way, and bring everything together in a conclusion that leaves you in awe.

It's those kinds of books that make reading such a rewarding experience. You might have had your doubts at first, but in the end, you are glad you stuck with it and discovered a hidden gem.

This particular book is definitely one that you would recommend to others, eager to share the journey and the amazing ending that awaits them.

This book is a beautifully written little adventure that takes us on a journey into the past.

The ending is truly captivating and leaves me pondering if there could be a connection with The Dark is Rising.

Although the plot may not be the most intricate, it is still interesting enough to hold one's attention.

I do think it could benefit from a bit more detailed description of the period in which it is set.

However, considering it is a children's book, the question arises as to whether the intended audience would really be that interested in such details.

Perhaps the simplicity of the story is what makes it appealing to young readers.

Overall, it is an enjoyable read that offers a unique perspective on history and imagination.

It makes me eager to explore more of the author's work and see what other surprises they have in store.

Whether or not the connection to The Dark is Rising exists, this book stands on its own as a charming and engaging tale.

I have a profound affection for Cooper's writing style.

She has an extraordinary talent for营造 mood and mystery.

She manages to create a highly realistic feel of the stage world, encompassing both the contemporary and Elizabethan eras.

I thoroughly enjoyed delving deeper into the life of Shakespeare, experiencing what it was like to live in 16th century London, and learning about the life of an actor in the Globe Theater.

Everything seemed so believable and delightful.

However, when Nat returns to the modern world, I find it hard to believe that the two adults simply accept his story of traveling to the past.

I would have preferred to see them grapple with this notion and demand evidence (and there was indeed sufficient evidence) to convince them.

Moreover, the ending was too simplistic for my taste.

I couldn't bring myself to believe that the modern Globe Theater was essentially a time portal.

If not for the unsatisfactory ending, I would have given this book a 4-star rating.

Regrettably, due to the lackluster conclusion, I had to downgrade it to 3 stars.

What an indulgent read this was for me!

It was truly a delight to immerse myself in the story of the boy traveling back in time. The idea of him getting to work with Shakespeare is simply fascinating.

As I turned the pages, I was transported to a different era, imagining the boy interacting with the great playwright. The details of their collaboration added an extra layer of magic to the narrative.

This is a great fantasy that allows readers to escape reality and embark on a thrilling adventure. It makes you wonder what it would be like to have the opportunity to meet and work with one of the greatest minds in history.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a vivid and engaging world that keeps you hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy story.

Five gazillion stars :)

~~~~~~~~~

Review from 16 y/o me:

Wow, this book is truly magnificent. It is just beautiful. In this story, a young boy who is a stage actor has the amazing opportunity to travel back to Shakespeare's time and play the role of Puck. Not only is this concept fascinating, but there are also numerous deep and meaningful aspects throughout the book. It is a wonderful story that is very well-written. Every time I pick it up, I find myself completely immersed and able to breeze through it in about an hour. It is one of the four or five books that have had such a profound impact on me that it has made me cry.

So, so good.

Highly recommended. I would encourage anyone who loves a great story, with elements of adventure, history, and emotion, to give this book a try. You will not be disappointed. It is a literary gem that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

When I was around 12 years old, I had the wonderful experience of reading King of Shadows with my mom.

Right from the start, I was completely immersed in the captivating world of Elizabethan England that the book presented. The bright and vibrant spirit of Shakespeare seemed to leap off the pages.

I could keenly sense Nat Field's intense longing for a family, for the freedom to be creative, for a sense of safety, and for love.

Don't be misled by the childlike cover and skip this book. It is truly a great investment of time for any young adult or even a full adult who wishes to experience the full spectrum of human emotions within the pages of a single book.

It offers a rich and fulfilling reading experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

I did not expect to love this as much as I did. In fact, I may have even shed a tear or two at the end.

Nat Field in the 20th century undergoes a remarkable transformation when he switches bodies with Nat Field of the 16th century. Interestingly enough, they are both actors, each playing the role of Puck in their respective timelines. We accompany modern Nat as he embarks on a journey through Shakespearean London, charming everyone in Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Nat experiences grief and loss in both timelines, which adds a layer of depth to his character.

I thought the concept was executed so cleverly, especially with the detailed explanation of what happens to Nat in the 20th century when his soul time travels. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nat's experiences in 16th-century London. Cooper's writing is truly beautiful and effortless to read. It has the power to transport the reader to another time and place. I absolutely adored this book, which was completely unexpected. It has left a lasting impression on me and I highly recommend it to others.