Shadow

by Anne Logston

Book Overview

Never trust an elf, a thief, or a woman. Shadow is all three... Shadow, a light-hearted (and light-fingered) elven thief, returns to her homeland after several centuries' absence only to find that a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0441759890
• ISBN13: 9780441759897
• Release Date: November 1991
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 185 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.1" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Fantastical Adventure

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (8/06) Shadow, trouble in the form of an elf, a thief and a woman, returns to her homeland after being absent for a few centuries. But things are not as she left them. A human city has appeared nearby the woods and within the city, humans and elves struggle daily to co-exist. When Shadow returns, she immediately discovers there is more wrong with the city than first meets the eye. Instead of a calm, average city, Allanmere is a strange place, filled with surprises and danger for this wily elf. Even the "token" she expected to purchase from the Guild is odd. Instead of one token which covers all, she discovers there are three separate tokens a thief can choose from - copper, silver and gold - and instead of the Guild protecting its members, it routinely turns its back on those who are in need. Being a master thief, Shadow purchases her gold token, but not after she has an encounter with Ganrom the local Guildmaster, an encounter she soon regrets. It is this encounter that sets the stage for more trouble than Shadow ever expected. And in fact, Shadow's travels throughout the city become even more interesting when she learns a silver bracelet she has acquired attracts more than its usual share of attention from many, including an assassin who seems determined to kill Shadow. Early on, Shadow is deeply embroiled not only in the day to day trials of a thief, but in a fight for her life as well. She finds a long lost friend in Donya, the High Lord's daughter with whom she has a previous history, as well as Cris and Aubry, two fellow thieves who prove to be more help than she ever imagined when the final encounter with Ganrom occurs. "Shadow" was very different from the type of books I usually read and I was hesitant at first as to whether I'd find it to my liking. But by the second chapter, I was drawn into the mysterious Shadow and her lifestyle and by the end of the book I was so involved in Shadow's life, that I found myself wanting to know more about this magical elf. "Shadow" is a fantastical adventure that is sure to mesmerize any young reader who is interested in fantasy and lore. It is filled with interesting characters, engaging dialogue and a storyline that keep the reader wanting more. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in a story that is "out of the norm" or simply "out of this world". For like its main character Shadow, this book promises, and delivers, a new adventure around every corner.

A favorite of almost 12 years

I remember buying this book when I was 12 at my local bookstore for 50 cents. Since then I'm surprised it hasn't fallen apart. Shadow is a lively, thrilling and entertaining book. You won't want to put it down. I know I haven't, I've read it at least twice a year ever since I bought it and I never get tired of it.

A fun read!

I have read this book more than a few times, each time being just as enjoyable as the time before. Anne Logston's vision of what an elf really is matches mine almost perfectly. She gives her characters depth, not from over-lengthy descriptions, but from behaviors and actions the characters take. This is a relatively short book, but it is engaging and full of life: not as depressing or angst-ridden as many novels out on the market. The only issue I have with her writing is the way she spells 'elven' as elvan'. Aside from this minor detail, however, Shadow is a wonderful book! I would recommend it to anyone wanting a fun, light fantasy story that the imagination can build upon endlessly.

This book is rich in detail and intrigue

Shadow is a wonderful mischevious character who is caught up in a mystery that is out of her league. she is an intriguing matriarch of the elves of the heartwood, and she is a most cunning trickster. This book is rich in detail and intrigue. a reader who loves a mischevious fantasy with a lot of dry humor and action will love Shadow and the other books in this series.

Shadow is possibly the coolest "elf-book" around...

"Never trifle with an elf, a theif, or a woman... Shadow is all three!" How incredibly accurate. Here's a good read about a cocky, mischevious theif who steals what she wants, when she wants, be it a purse, or a kiss from a cute fellow... Nobody would mind a life like that! However, there's a slight problem within the Guild of Thieves, mainly involving the leader, who happens to be a corrupt, gluttonous, incompetant and generally MALE guy. Between running for her life and running for a good look at the random cute fellow she was following through the crowd, this book is darn amusing! The plot takes some great twists, especially with the appearance of her friends. Keep watch for the mysterious assassin Blade, and beware her price...