Review: Shape Shifters of the Suburbs review
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 29, 2014
Mary, a middle-aged woman who has tried unsuccessfully to adopt for many years, finally gets  aboy of her own. Breccan, who at first seems a little shy, soon warms up to her and inadvertently reveals that he can transform into animals. Mary displays admirable, relatable traits of perseverance in adversity and having a kind and understanding heart. Breccan lives a sheltered childhood, since his shape shifting can be triggered easily. Still, he manages to make close friends at school and even discovers that he's not the only shape shifter.Essentially, Breccan must use his powers and rely on his friends to help save their neighborhood from encroaching villains. The story is fairly action packed, and the characters are distinct (like gentle, determined Serenity and courageous Sabel).Sometimes the writing tells more than it shows, such as with Lucinda. It's kind of a weird setup, because despite not having interacted with Mary until after her introduction, we're told about how she feels and given her whole backstory in a few pages. She is bitter and jealous and afraid of rejection, so she torments Mary using black magic to cause problems in her life. Lucinda is an interesting character and capable villain, but I wish her introduction was less rushed. There is also an overuse of "close calls" and characters being saved by timely coincidences. Such devices can be good when used once or twice, but when used too much it feels unrealistic.Shape Shifters isn't very deep, but it's enjoyable enough. At its core it's a story of acceptance, perseverance, and finding one's place. It's a fantastical adventure of kids with strange powers. I think teenaged readers might find it more enjoyable, but the writing fell short of impressing me.