My book review of 'Shadow Creatures' by Chris Vick

by Chris Vick
Recommended age: 9+
Shadow Creatures
by Chris Vick

A beautiful front cover and an intriguing story based on real life events experienced by the author's family, this is quite a special book.

Tove and Liva are children living in Norway with the usual joys and irritations of village life until German soldiers arrive. Without realising, the children show the soldiers a perfect island. This used to be where they had innocent adventures, picnics and sleepovers, but it is soon transformed into a prisoner of war camp. 

The book tells of friendships made and broken, families disrupted, lies and secrets, and lives changed forever. It's a powerful book exposing a little told story of a community affected by the war. 

Date of this review: January 2025
Book publication date: 3rd October 2024