City of Shadows

by Celia Rees

"Davey's grandmother always told him he had 'the gift'--Second Sight, some call it. But it never seemed real...Until now..." These three compelling ghost tales from Celia Rees, author of the highly praised Witch Child, are sure to fire the imagination.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 034081800X
• ISBN13: 9780340818008
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Quite different

City of Shadows by Celia Rees is undoubtedly well worth the read. It is a ghost story to make you really think about what might come to be if this book holds some credence. None of us knows exactly what happens after death but the way this story is told most certainly makes me look over my shoulder now. Whew! The first part of the book takes us on a Haunted Ghost Walk on Midsummer's Eve. There is a powerful pull of realities and worlds that make this night one in which you should definitely stay home. Going down the wrong street, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can have terrifying results. It will make you question your sanity and really wonder if you are dead or alive. Davey is an intelligent boy and has a gift of sight into the world of ghosts. Unknown to him he also has a powerful magic that comes to fruitation when he puts his mind to it. Luckily for him he remembers things his grandmother told him about concentrating and that he only has to really want to do it for it to happen. Davey, Kate (his older sister), Elinor and Tom (their twin cousin's) go on the Haunted Ghost Walk as part of Davey's 12th birthday wish. Little do they know what is about to take place and what they do find on the other side is terrifying. What happens is similar in the beginning to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The difference is instead of a wardrobe it is a mirror in a room used for ritual magic. The Second part of the story takes place on Samhain (Hallow's Eve or All Soul's Night). It starts out at Davey's school and the setting up of the Hallowee'n Disco and carving of pumpkins. As the pumpkins are lit Davey gets a bad omen. As the night progresses things go from bad to worse while trick or treating and Davey's little sister Emma gets involved. I found this part of the story to be a wee bit slow and most of the action was in the last 50 pages. I really must say I liked the first story better as it was more detailed and action throughout. Not a bad book but not sure if I would like to continue with the series or not. The one thing that may make me try another in the series is I like the author. Her books Witch Child and Sorceress were quite good.

A good read - make your read the whole trilogy

Celia Rees is one mf my favourite authors and I believe this book is a godd example of her talent. If you read this book you HAVE to read the next 2. The story did remind me a little of the lord of the rings, and harry potter, maybe it was just me????!!! But if you feel like buying a Celia Rees book, or are just after a good read, definately consider this!