This is a historically intriguing read that truly captivated my attention.

As soon as I finished it, I immediately thought of my high school daughter. She has also had the experience of acting in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, so I believed this book would hold a special appeal for her.

However, I would not hand it to my late elementary son for several more years. The reason for this is that the story contains a rather heavy and complex theme of a parent who commits suicide. Additionally, there is a smattering of coarseness in the language of the characters.

These elements make the book more suitable for older readers who have the maturity and emotional capacity to handle such topics. It is important to consider the age and development of our children when choosing reading materials for them.

The Magnificent Book King of Shadows

King of Shadows is an extraordinary book penned by the remarkable Susan Cooper, an award-winning author renowned for her captivating "mystery" novels.

Nathan Field, an American teenager leading a challenging life, is a passionate theatre lover and a budding acting star. He truly shines among the other boys in his acting company, which unfortunately leads to some unkind treatment from them at times.

He travels to London to perform with the acting group. However, just before their crucial play, he falls dreadfully ill with the first case of Bubonic plague in centuries. He drifts off to sleep and wakes up the next day in a different century and on a strange bed. If you're eager to uncover more about Nathan's thrilling adventures, then you must purchase this book!

This is an outstanding book, not merely because I have a penchant for novels filled with numerous plot twists. Sincerely, I am enamored with the way Susan Cooper painstakingly describes every single detail, such as the vivid smells and the enchanting views. I simply adore it!

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to you if you're a teen who loves to devour pages and can't bear to stop reading. (It's also suitable if you're a bit older!)

I'm being completely honest when I say that I know I will repeatedly read this book with great enthusiasm!

A book that tells the story of a boy in modern-day London who exchanges places with a boy from Elizabethan England, Susan Cooper’s novel offers an interesting exploration into the world of William Shakespeare and the society in which his plays were staged.

Although it may seem a bit contrived and simplistic at times, it remains an engaging read that has taught me several new facts about Shakespeare that I was previously unaware of.

The concept of the two boys swapping lives is an imaginative one, allowing the reader to experience both the modern and Elizabethan worlds through the eyes of the characters.

The descriptions of Elizabethan England are vivid and detailed, painting a picture of a society that was very different from our own.

Overall, this novel is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Shakespeare or historical fiction.

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

"The King of Shadow" by John Doe is truly a masterclass in disappointment. As an avid lover of fantasy adventures, I had high hopes for this book. However, it turned out to be a colossal letdown in nearly every aspect.

The plot and pacing are major issues. The story is filled with clichés and predictability, feeling like a patchwork of every generic fantasy trope. It offers nothing new or innovative. The pacing is erratic, with some parts dragging on forever while others rush through important developments, leaving the reader confused and disengaged.

Character development is also lacking. The characters are one-dimensional and forgettable. The protagonist, who should be a heroic and complex figure, comes across as a bland caricature. His motivations are unclear, and his actions often don't make sense. The supporting cast is no better, with stereotypical roles that fail to evoke any real emotion from the reader.

World-building is another area where the book falls short. A good fantasy novel requires a well-constructed world, but this one is poorly done. There is little detail and no sense of immersion. The descriptions are dull and don't paint a vivid picture of the setting. It seems the author thought just naming places and adding a few magical elements would be enough, but it's not.

The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, often feeling forced. Characters speak in a way that is unrealistic, breaking the immersion. Conversations that should be intense and exciting end up being awkward and cringeworthy.

The writing style is overly simplistic and lacks any eloquence or flair. The prose is full of repetitive phrases and awkward sentence structures, making the reading experience tiresome. Instead of being captivated by a masterful narrative, I was constantly distracted by the book's flaws.

In conclusion, "The King of Shadow" is a disappointingly underwhelming fantasy novel. It lacks originality, depth, and the engaging qualities that make a book memorable. If you're a fan of the fantasy genre, I would strongly recommend avoiding this book. There are many other great titles out there that offer a much more enjoyable and enriching experience. Save your time and money and don't waste them on this one.

A historical fantasy novel to absorb you

This captivating fantasy/realistic historical book has the power to completely absorb you.

‘King of Shadows’ by the highly acclaimed English author, Susan Cooper, offers a truly magical experience. If you have a penchant for time travel fantasies or realistic historical tales, then this book is an absolute must-read for you.

Once you embark on this literary journey, I guarantee that you won't be able to put it down.

The main character in this novel is an American boy named Nathan Field. He is an incredibly creative and intelligent lad, and I simply adore him! He has a passion for acting and is extremely talented in this regard. He is a member of an acting company of boys, having been chosen for this honor. The boss of the company is Arby, who wears many hats. He is not only the boss but also the director, teacher, and actor of the company. Essentially, he is the sole leader, making all the decisions regarding the company and the plays they perform.

The company was set to perform at The Globe in London and had traveled there for rehearsals a few weeks before the actual play was to begin. One night, in London, Nat suddenly fell ill and went to bed. When he next opened his eyes, he found himself in a completely different world…

Susan Cooper is a genius writer. She describes the world of the story with such vividness, including smells, noises, feelings, and tastes, that it makes you feel as if you are right there with Nat. (Although, there are times when some of the descriptions are a bit too vivid for comfort.) There are many scenes in this book that are difficult to imagine due to the old period it portrays, but Cooper's writing is so powerful that when you close your eyes, you can see the scenes unfold.

This book is filled with a diverse range of emotions and scenes. There are sad moments that tug at your heartstrings, mysterious scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat, happy times that make you smile, and funny episodes that will have you laughing out loud. It plays with your emotions in such a way that it keeps you engaged from start to finish, never allowing you to get bored. Before you know it, you'll have read a significant portion of the book and be amazed at how much you've devoured.

This story can be enjoyed by all age groups in different ways.

Without a doubt, I rate this book a perfect 10/10.

This was yet another 7th grade reading level book that I read simultaneously as my son. It served as a prime example of a book that, from a technical standpoint, he was capable of reading. However, due to his tender age, he didn't quite grasp the emotional essence of it.

During the initial 50 pages, I found myself wondering why we had chosen to read this particular book. But then, once Nat journeyed back in time to Shakespeare's era, the story took a significant turn and became a great deal more interesting.

The final third of the book was thoroughly enjoyed by both my son and me. In fact, I was so engrossed in it that I even took the book with me to the hospital. I was determined to finish it before my fourth baby was born. And the moment I completed it, I promptly ordered my epidural.

Overall, it was an interesting reading experience that we shared, and it showed how a book can evolve and capture one's attention in unexpected ways.

It has perhaps been a decade since I last拿起 this book. However, I vividly remember thoroughly enjoying it during my teenage years. This sentiment was not lost upon my second reading. The execution of this simple premise is truly excellent.

If you have an aversion to Shakespeare, this is not the book for you. If acting fails to pique your interest, this is not the book for you. I would venture to say that if historical fiction does not appeal to you, then this is not the book for you.

As a theatre kid myself, the games, the dynamics, and the banter established at the beginning really resonate with me. I adored the sense of found family within that troupe.

The wonderful, yet exhausting chaos of a show was also masterfully portrayed.

I have witnessed this book being accused of being rushed, and I have also seen it being criticized for being slow. Nevertheless, I found the pacing to be perfect for this type of story. Had we spent an excessive amount of time on his past relationships, the impracticality of truly befriending people with an entirely different worldview would have been exposed, thereby weakening the story. On the other hand, if the plot had advanced any more rapidly, we would have missed out on vital motivation and connection.

It is written for kids, so naturally, it does not deeply delve into the atrocities of the past; it merely hints at them.

Even so, it made me shed tears the first time, and it had the same effect on me this time around. I am a huge fan of this book, and I have no legitimate criticisms to offer.

I read this when I was around 12 or 13 years old and I absolutely adored it!

That was approximately 20 or so years ago, yet I can still recall significant portions of it.

The story had such a profound impact on me that it has remained etched in my memory all these years.

Even now, when I think back to that time, I can vividly picture the scenes and characters from the book.

It was truly a remarkable reading experience that has stayed with me throughout my life.

I often wonder if I would have the same reaction if I were to read it again today.

Nonetheless, the fact that I can still remember so much of it after all these years speaks volumes about the quality and significance of the work.

It is a testament to the power of great literature to leave a lasting impression on its readers.

Fiction, especially fantasy for children and young adults, is often unjustly criticized by some critics as being light, frivolous, or lacking in serious intent and literary worth. However, the concerns of young people are significant as they are the future adults shaped by their childhood experiences. This is evident in Susan Cooper's "King of Shadows."

The story follows Nathan Field, a talented orphan chosen to perform in Shakespeare's plays at the new Globe Theatre in London. After falling ill on the eve of rehearsals, he wakes up in 1599. Nathan must quickly adapt to the unfamiliar Tudor England, dealing with bullying, learning new skills, and wondering how he got there and how he will return.
The novel vividly brings to life the sights, smells, and experiences of Tudor England, along with Nathan's fears and questions. It is not just a historical fantasy but also a story about a parentless boy seeking a father figure. Nathan develops a relationship with Will Shakespeare, who may see in him a connection to his own deceased son, Hamnet.
The twists and turns in the story keep the reader engaged, and at its core is the theme of hero-worship and the hope of reciprocated fondness. Sonnet 116 is a key element, representing the unwavering parental love that guides Nathan through his adventures. "King of Shadows" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that challenges the notion that children's fantasy is not worthy of serious consideration.

“… Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
O no! it is an ever-fixèd mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken …”
Shakespeare, Sonnet 116

I volunteer at the library of my children's school. As a result, I have access to the "discard pile" of books at the end of the school year. These are the books that haven't been checked out in years or are damaged, and so on. I picked up this particular book from the pile because I absolutely adored Cooper's "Dark is Rising" sequence when I was in Jr. High School.

Finally, the other day, I got around to reading this book, and it was truly, really good. It would be an excellent read for a young person who is just starting to explore Shakespeare for the first time. This is because it does a remarkable job of bringing Shakespeare's world to life. It vividly描绘s the sights, the sounds, the smells (!!), and the inner workings of the original Globe theater.

Overall, it is thoroughly enjoyable and highly informative. It offers a unique and engaging perspective on Shakespeare's time and his works, making it a great choice for both young readers and those who are simply interested in learning more about this fascinating period of history.

I finished reading it in 1 day, so that says enough about whether it was interesting to read.

I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but I myself thought it was a nice story.

If I were to evaluate it critically, I would probably give it a lower score, but we don't do that nicely.

The book had its own charm and kept me engaged throughout the day.

Although it might not be everyone's cup of tea, it had some elements that I really enjoyed.

Maybe it was the unique plot or the well-developed characters.

Overall, it was a decent read for me, and I'm glad I took the time to pick it up.

However, I understand that different people have different tastes in books, and what I like might not be what others like.

So, it's really a matter of personal preference.

But for me, it was a pleasant experience.

Time Travelling Book

King of Shadows is an absolutely amazing book penned by the highly talented and award-winning writer Susan Cooper.

If you have a penchant for reading about time travel, historical fiction, or books that tug at your heartstrings, then you are bound to fall in love with this one. And I'm not joking!

This book delves into English history, specifically the era of the BLACK DEATH, and is set in Elizabethan times.

The story revolves around Nathan Field, a young and passionate American actor. Nat learns his acting skills in a company of boys and eventually leaves America with them to perform on stage at the Globe Theatre in London.

During a rehearsal, Nat suddenly feels dizzy and starts to smell strange odors. He then falls asleep and wakes up in another time...

All the characters' feelings in this book are truly extraordinary. They are so real that I could feel them in my own heart and understand all their problems.

Susan Cooper has masterfully described each character differently, endowing them with unique personalities. Shakespeare himself plays a role in helping Nat navigate through this strange journey.

My favorite character is Gill, Nat's friend, due to his wonderful personality and unwavering support.

I absolutely LOVED reading this book and would not hesitate to read it again. Through reading King of Shadows, I gained a deeper understanding of just how extreme sadness can be.

The underlying message of this book is to not let depression overcome you and always strive to find happiness.

I highly recommend this book to teenagers, although if you are older, it's still a great read. You have to discover for yourself whether this book is right for you. So, go ahead and read King of Shadows, and then let me know if you liked it or not.