The Shadow Arts

A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative child, who feels a bit like an outsider, is ready for a fantasy adventure with more depth and atmosphere than simpler stories. It's perfect for the reader who loves history, mystery, and the idea of hidden worlds coexisting with our own. The Shadow Arts follows Alex, a boy sent to live with his grandfather in 1960s Glasgow, who discovers he belongs to a secret order that fights monsters using shadow magic. The story explores themes of fear, courage, and finding strength in what makes you different. While it features scary monsters and moments of peril, it's a thrilling and empowering read for its target age, celebrating the power of friendship and facing the darkness, both literal and metaphorical.