The Shadow Prince

By: David Anthony Durham

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Hardcover | 19 October 2021

At a Glance

Hardcover
400 Pages

Age
9 - 12

Grade
4 - 7

Dimensions(cm)
13.5 x 19.9 x 3.7

Hardcover

$42.75

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In this middle grade solarpunk novel set in an alternate Egyptian universe, twelve-year-old Ash must compete to become the Shadow--and protector--of the prince.

FIVE DEADLY TESTS, ONLY ONE SHADOW PRINCE

Growing up as an orphan in a remote village in the Egyptian desert, Ash's life is pretty ordinary--sort of. He spends most of his time working in irrigation canals and avoiding bullies, but he is also being secretly trained by his mentor Yazen for some great purpose. Yazen has never said what that is, until now: the night before Ash's twelfth birthday. According to Yazen, Ash was born on the same day as Prince Khufu, which makes him eligible to compete to be the prince's shadow, a lifelong confidante and bodyguard. Ash doesn't really believe Yazen, but when a floating royal barge, driven by solar-powered sails, arrives to take Ash and his mentor to the bustling, magical, and solar-powered capital, things get real.

What awaits Ash is deadly--five days of dangerous tests, each overseen by a different Egyptian god. Unfortunately, they've been told, not all will survive. On top of the tests, Ash is up against Set, the devious god of chaos, secretly working toward the candidates' demise. If they fail, a different prince will inherit the throne, one Set can manipulate for his evil schemes. Ash finds two friends willing to fight by his side, but he's been warned. Some candidates lie, cheat, and even try to harm others to win. Can Ash and his friends do what it takes to save the kingdom? And will there be anyone left to become the Shadow Prince?

Industry Reviews

"David Anthony Durham never disappoints. I can't wait to read whatever he writes next." -- George R.R. Martin

"Wildly imaginative and thoroughly thrilling, The Shadow Prince is a Hunger Games for a big, strange, magical new world." -- Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians Trilogy

"Durham is a master of the fantasy epic." -- The Washington Post

"Durham's story is rich in detail and imagination. . . A rousing romp that shows kindness as a strength and power as a chance to improve our world." -- Booklist

"Durham offers up an action-packed, magic-filled adventure made all the more fun by its evocative world building. . . Ash's narrative voice is distinctly contemporary, full of endearing snark and self-deprecating wit, and readers will appreciate both his happy ending and the unresolved mysteries that leave the door open for sequels." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A fantastical, solar-powered Egypt complete with solar chariots and kiteboards is original. . . Solid and earnest." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Inventive. . . Well-rounded characters infuses the narrative with warmth. Bolstered by an accessible voice, Durham's middle grade debut weaves the power of renewable energy into a rollicking tale of gods and monsters." -- Publishers Weekly

"Durham's middle grade debut is full of action, political intrigue, inventive solar powered gadgets, and quirky creatures. Ash is a sympathetic character who discovers his own self-worth and a surprising talent while competing in the grueling competition. An exciting, magical series opener perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Kwame Mbalia's Tristan Strong, and Jonathan Stroud's 'Bartimaeus' series." -- School Library Journal

Maine Student Book Award Nominee 2022-2023 - Maine Library Association
Truman Readers Award Nominee 2023 - Missouri Association of School Librarians

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