King of Shadows
King of Shadows
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1999
Book Brief
316
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1590s
1999
Middle grade
10-14 years
1010L
Super Short Summary
King of Shadows by Susan Cooper is a historical young adult novel about Nathan Field, an orphaned boy who joins an all-boys acting company to perform in a Shakespeare play at London's Globe Theater. After falling ill, Nathan travels back in time to the Elizabethan Age, meets Shakespeare, and confronts his grief over his parents' deaths. This book addresses sensitive topics such as childhood bereavement, suicide, and illness.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
3,990 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Susan Cooper's King of Shadows immerses readers in a compelling time-travel adventure filled with rich historical detail and engaging characters. Critics praise its vivid portrayal of Shakespeare's London and strong emotional resonance. However, some find the pacing uneven and the historical context occasionally overwhelming. Overall, it is celebrated for its imaginative and educational narrative, making it a memorable read.
Who Should Read King of Shadows?
A reader who delights in historical fiction, particularly with a Shakespearean twist, will appreciate King of Shadows by Susan Cooper. Fans of Harry Potter and The Book Thief will enjoy its blend of magic, time travel, and poignant character development, appealing to both young adults and imaginative readers of all ages.
3,990 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
316
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1590s
1999
Middle grade
10-14 years
1010L
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