The Boy with the Living Shadow (MIriwan Academy 1) by Anas Hakeem

What worked:

Adam’s character will generate sympathy, as he’s remained unadopted for ten years. He’s bullied by the “tall boy”, insulted and singled out by the nasty director, and is forced to live alone in the orphanage’s dismal attic. Then, a gnome transports him into a new life of magic. He’s adopted by a woman who once knew his mother, but no one knows anything about his father. Readers will anticipate that his father’s identity will become significant sometime in the future. Also, Adam displays unusual abilities with his new power, after he infuses some of his energy into a non-living companion he creates and calls Jumperjeans. Not to mention, his shadow seems to have a mind of its own when Adam feels strong emotions. This adds unpredictability to the story.

The book uses vocabulary that probably won’t be familiar to most readers. The story opens in Algiers, so the author incorporates words that reflect the culture and religion there. In addition, he creates words that are necessary to describe the magic in the story. Young readers should be able to understand the meaning by using the context in the story and sentences. Adam and others with magic are called Gushmars, and the magic itself is called Gushoolah. Adam’s adopted brother, Daniel, manifests his Feranimus on his Sunderday. Most of the Gushmar students at Miriwan Academy have already welcomed their animal companions, but readers must wait for Adam Feranimus to emerge. The Gushoolah in some students will never be strong enough to celebrate a Sunderday. Adam’s lack of a Feranimus will have readers wondering what animal he will have, or if he will ever get one.

The author incorporates aspects of fictional and real schools to keep the setting familiar, but adds his own twists. Adam attends a school for magic, but the Gushmars’ powers boil down to three areas. They can manipulate objects and perform telekinesis, they can create illusions, and they can make objects and themselves invisible. Adam’s shadow tends to do things without his control, and this can be frustrating, confusing, and sometimes helpful. Some magic is conjured with concoctions, but most of the magic in the story comes from the Gushmars exerting their powers. An underlying conflict with sundering and feranimi is brewing throughout the plot and eventually comes to a head in the climax.

What didn’t work as well:

There are quite a few characters with uncommon English names, so readers may mentally double-check their memories when the characters pop up. This is not a huge concern, but it’s something young readers might experience as they read.

The final verdict:

The author presents some innovative ideas about magic, but keeps everything familiar enough for young readers. Adam’s kindness and empathy for others are admirable qualities, and he’s determined to uncover secrets and save all Gushmars. I recommend you try this book for yourself!