The Shadow Prince

September 27, 2021
In an inventive alternate Egypt where technology is solar-powered, dark brown–skinned orphan Ash, 11, has resigned himself to a prosaic life of bullying and drudgery in his desert village. On the eve of his 12th birthday, however, the discovery that he shares a birthday with Prince Khufu shatters his unexceptional existence, as it enables him to compete to become the future pharaoh’s shadow, occupying the position of confidante, friend, and bodyguard. To win, Ash must overcome nine other highly trained candidates in a divine tournament filled with demons, magic, and deadly tasks proctored by gods. Though Ash befriends fellow competitors Seret, a talking lioness, and small, wavy-haired boy Gilli, not everyone he meets can be trusted. Set—god of chaos—harbors nefarious plans for the candidates, forcing Ash and his newfound friends into a battle to save Egypt itself. Though the story is hampered by tropes and limited descriptiveness, rapid plot progression smooths over any unevenness, while a cast of mostly well-rounded characters infuses the narrative with warmth. Bolstered by an accessible voice, Durham’s middle grade debut weaves the power of renewable energy into a rollicking tale of gods and monsters. Back matter includes a glossary of the gods, as well as online resources. Ages 8–13. Agent: Tina Dubois, ICM Partners.

August 1, 2021
Grades 4-7 Ash has never known his parents or a life outside his small desert town. For years, he's been training for some mysterious purpose, though his mentor has never divulged what that might be. Then Ash's twelfth birthday comes with an incredible reveal: he is one of very few children raised to audition to be the prince's Shadow, a lifelong bodyguard, confidante, and friend. Ash has to survive five days of grueling physical tests proctored by various Egyptian gods, one of whom is working to sabotage the process and seize power. Ash must trust his training and newly forged friendships in order to endure the trials and save the kingdom. Durham's story is rich in detail and imagination: in this ancient Egypt, solar energy powers flying ships, gods mix freely with men, and fantastical creatures engage in conversations with humans. Repetitive dynamics in the trials are occasionally frustrating, but a compelling story arc will keep readers engaged. A rousing romp that shows kindness as a strength and power as a chance to improve our world.

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August 15, 2021
In a solarpunk Egypt, a young boy seeks to win a dangerous competition and secure a coveted role. Ash's life in his Egyptian village leaves much to be desired--bullies pick on him, and though he could easily fight back, his mentor, Yazen, makes him keep his abilities secret. Ash has never understood why Yazen teaches him how to fight, read hieroglyphs, and defeat demons. That is, until the eve of his 12th birthday, when the mentor reveals all: Ash is one of several children born on the same day as an Egyptian prince, and this allows him to compete for a spot as the prince's shadow--his confidant and personal guard. Ash rushes to meet his destiny head-on, relishing in the escape from his isolated village and contemptible peers. The set of trials meant to weed out the unworthy is daunting--the royal family seems to have no qualms about children dying in the name of finding the prince's shadow--and includes everything from academic tests and physical fitness challenges to battling deadly demons. Thankfully, Ash gains some friendly allies along the way. The plot is quite conventional, relying on perennially popular genre tropes such as an orphaned chosen one protagonist and children engaged in potentially lethal competition. However, its setting of a fantastical, solar-powered Egypt complete with solar chariots and kiteboards is original. Solid and earnest. (list of gods, resources) (Fantasy. 8-12)

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August 1, 2021

Gr 3-7-This entertaining fantasy, set in an alternate solar-powered ancient Egypt features Ash, a poor orphan boy of unknown parentage, whose skin tone is described as "the same red-brown as Egypt's." Picked on by other village boys, Ash is secretly being taught demons' traits and fighting skills by his mentor Yazen-for what, Ash doesn't know. On Ash's 12th birthday, Yazen confesses he's been mentoring Ash because he is one of the children born on the same day as the prince. Ash is destined to become one of the candidates in a multiday contest where the winner becomes the shadow to Prince Khufu, the future pharaoh of Egypt, charged with keeping the prince safe. Ash and the other diverse candidates (including a lioness) have to fight magical demons and monsters commanded by different Egyptian deities. A few candidates befriend Ash; others are hostile, like arrogant Sutekh and snotty red-headed Kiya. Prince Khufu's unscrupulous older brother Rami has also enlisted the deceitful god Lord Set to sabotage the candidates, so the rule of succession reverts back to him. Adult author Durham's middle grade debut is full of action, political intrigue, inventive solar powered gadgets, and quirky creatures. Ash is a sympathetic character who discovers his own self-worth and a surprising talent while competing in the grueling competition. VERDICT An exciting, magical series opener perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Kwame Mbalia's Tristan Strong, and Jonathan Stroud's "Bartimaeus" series.-Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Lib., Trenton

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