by
Genres:
Tropes: Abandoned Place, Band of Misfits, Book of Spells, Born Hero, Chosen One, Conspiracy, Cross-Species Friendships, Dark Enemy, Dark Lord, Dragonriders, Enemy to Ally, Evolving Powers, Fallen Hero, Farmer to Hero, Farmer to Royalty, Fated Mates, Fellowship, First Contact, Fish Out of Water, Found Family, Here Comes the Cavalry, Hunted, Inaccessible Magic, Library of Secrets, Lost Civilization, Marooned, Modern Human in Fantasy World, Parallel Worlds, Person in Distress, Portals, Prophesy, Quest, Reluctant Hero, Secret Heir, Secret Royalty, Secret Society, Superpowers, Training, Villain to Hero, Wise Mentor
Setting: Delaware, US Present day
Languages Available: English, Spanish
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
Tropes: Abandoned Place, Band of Misfits, Book of Spells, Born Hero, Chosen One, Conspiracy, Cross-Species Friendships, Dark Enemy, Dark Lord, Dragonriders, Enemy to Ally, Evolving Powers, Fallen Hero, Farmer to Hero, Farmer to Royalty, Fated Mates, Fellowship, First Contact, Fish Out of Water, Found Family, Here Comes the Cavalry, Hunted, Inaccessible Magic, Library of Secrets, Lost Civilization, Marooned, Modern Human in Fantasy World, Parallel Worlds, Person in Distress, Portals, Prophesy, Quest, Reluctant Hero, Secret Heir, Secret Royalty, Secret Society, Superpowers, Training, Villain to Hero, Wise Mentor
Setting: Delaware, US Present day
Languages Available: English, Spanish
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
amazon reader on amazon wrote:PILLYWIGGIN: The Lost Shadow Boys is one of those stories that grabs you right away and doesn’t let go. It takes you deep into the Mantelrealm, where Jayce and a group of fairy boys are stuck working for a wicked witch in a blazing hot mine. They can’t even use their wings because of the heat, but they don’t give up. Instead, they come up with clever ways to survive, building gadgets and holding onto the dream of escaping.
The world-building is absolutely amazing. From dragons guarding the mines to the eerie Oddizens watching their every move, everything feels vivid and exciting. And then there’s the prophecy about a girl who’s supposed to save them, but it’s been so long that no one believes in it anymore. The only glimmer of hope is Tashuhunka—the one boy who escaped and secretly helps them from the outside, keeping the tension high.
This book really stands out because it’s not just about magic or adventure; it’s about courage, hope, and sticking together no matter what. If you’re into stories with heart and imagination, this one’s a must-read!
literary titan on literarytitan.com wrote:5.0 out of 5 stars!!! A lovely and delightful book. This is a wonderful book! Highly recommended! The characters are engaging, the story line is good, and it is a nice change from so many other genres out there. - amazon reader
In the perilous world of Mantelrealm, survival is a formidable challenge, particularly for Jayce, who leads a group of young boys captured by a malevolent witch during a massive battle. Despite possessing fairy magic, their escape from the blistering prison is not an option through flight. Instead, they are forced to craft makeshift tools to mine fairy dust under the vigilant eyes of mercenary dragons and enigmatic creatures known as Oddizens. Their only hope for freedom lies in a boy who managed to escape and smuggled in supplies. However, with past escape attempts having failed and time running out, they anxiously await the fulfillment of a prophecy that foretells the arrival of a girl destined to save them. But will she arrive in time?
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys by Debbie Bishop strikes a perfect balance between the fantastical and the relatable, making it both enjoyable and profoundly meaningful. The young protagonists, despite their age, bear the weighty responsibilities and challenges typically associated with adulthood. This stark contrast between their youth and the burdens they carry evokes a deep sense of empathy. Their struggles with loss, responsibility, and survival in an unforgiving world mirror the real-life challenges many young people face today, who are forced to mature too quickly. This unexpected depth adds a compelling layer to the story, transforming it into more than just a fantastical escape. The language used in the book is highly accessible, broadening its appeal to readers as young as twelve. Though firmly within the fantasy genre, the plot remains easy to follow. This accessibility is particularly evident in how Bishop introduces and develops the story’s prophecy. Complex themes are distilled into simple, captivating explanations that younger readers can easily grasp. This simplicity does not diminish the story’s richness; rather, it ensures that even profound ideas are conveyed in an engaging and thought-provoking manner, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative. The book’s ending left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. With just a single sentence, Bishop masterfully sets up a cliffhanger that raises numerous questions about the characters’ futures and the unfolding plot. This clever narrative choice keeps readers hooked and invested, reflecting the unpredictability and open-ended nature of our own stories.
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys excels in blending relatable, real-world experiences with its fantasy elements, making it a compelling read. Themes of youthful burdens, accessible yet profound storytelling, and cliffhangers that resonate with real-life uncertainties ensure that the narrative remains grounded in reality while offering an escape into a richly imagined world. I highly recommend this book to tween readers who enjoy high fantasy, such as The Lord of the Rings, as it serves as an excellent introduction to more complex reads. Its accessible language and relatable characters make it the perfect gateway to the high fantasy genre, preparing young readers for more challenging books in the future.
