As a counter to my insight into rejection, I thought I’d present the yin to yesterday’s yang, that is, the reviews Shadow Song has received from media and readers. I’ve made my own conclusions. I leave you to form your own.
Lorina Stephens has proven herself an engaging author.The (Hanover) Post
The book, Shadow Song is as diverse as the woman who wrote it.
Susan Doolan
The Barrie Examiner
It is often the case with contemporary Canadian authors that they have a tendency to punctuate their novels with long, psychological dissertations on mundane subjects. It’s as if they feel that each everyday occurrence is fraught with deep sociological undertones.
Shadow Song, fortunately, is free of such meanderings. It has a good economy of words and each paragraph contains vital information.
Dan Pelton
Orangeville Citizen
Superior writing backed by meticulous research and authentic characterization elevates this cultural fantasy to candidate for Great Canadian Novel. Historical romance has ten year old girl thrust into life in 1830s Upper Canada (after sheltered aristocratic upbringing in England) and eventually into learning from First nation’s shaman. Fantasy elements based on First Nation’s culture as convincing and riveting as any based on usual Celtic/Anglo traditions; historical detail so finely rendered you can reach out to touch the settings; and authentic voice of 1830s heroine gives narration fine Jane Austin feel– with maybe touch of Black Donnellys thrown in. Definitely in the best tradition of dark, slow Canadian fiction, book packs a powerful punch. Highly recommended.
Robert Runte
former editor Tesseracts
reviewer for NeoOpsis
Shadow Song is an entertaining book that reads like a Jane Austen novel that takes place in historical Upper Canada. Instead of Mr. Darcy, we have Shadow Song, a strong, silent shaman, and our heroine is Danielle, a former upper class girl whose family suffers tragedy and loss, and ultimately becomes a student of Shadow Song.
I was immediately drawn into the desperation and tenacity of Danielle as she struggles to make a life for herself after breaking ties with her spiteful uncle who she was forced to live with, in a time where there was little hope for a young girl on her own. I also enjoyed “watching” Danielle grow up in this book; she’s a strongly written character, as are the rest of the characters.
Meg Mather
Online Merchandising Manager
Indigo Books
Shadow Song, by Lorina Stephens is a beautifully written, compelling saga of a young girl, born into a privileged life, who suddenly – through no fault of her own – finds herself on the other side of the world, both physically and geographically, as well as mentally and spiritually.From there the story continues to command your attention as it ensnares your heart and mind, pulling you ever forward into the fantastic world of Upper Canada’s native people during the era of the 1830’s.The story that unfolds is so different from life as we know it, yet so believable in it’s telling, that we cannot help but become involved in this narration of one girl’s journey through the rigours, remorses, rejections and romances of her life. Lorina Stephens has obviously done a lot of research in writing this historical novel and the result is a beautifully written book, which is well worth reading. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading, and doesn’t mind becoming involved with the characters of a book.
Just one word of warning though, this book stays with you – in your mind and within your heart – long after you’ve finished the last page.
Marian Ritchie
Author of
The Long Way Home
Reviews from Chapters Community
Shadow Song was presented in an engrossing manner through the use of compelling characters, settings, and plot twists. I savoured the way the historical detail was presented, especially about the native culture. The descriptions of nature were beautiful, and I appreciated the respect for nature that was portrayed by the main characters. Shadow Song really made me think about the way the native people were treated by the white settlers. The Anishnabeg people had so much knowledge about nature, respect, and refraining from overindulgence in nature’s resources that the settlers would have been wise to heed.
There was a lot more action and suspense in Shadow Song than I would have expected. I found it very hard to put it down, resulting in quite a bit of missed sleep. I found myself genuinely concerned for the protagonist in her times of struggle and happy for her when she experienced moments of joy.
This story invoked a wide range of emotions from me because it was beautiful, tragic, and sensual all at the same time. I was delightfully astounded by the sensual nature to this story because it added a new element of depth to the characters, making them seem very real.
I would absolutely recommend this book, particularly to those with an interest in Canadian history or native culture. Shadow Song was well written and a joy to read!
Lady Ethereal Butterfly
I just finished reading Shadow Song, by Lorina Stephens. What a wonderful book! It is a MUST read. I could not put it down. Shadow Song is so detailed and spellbinding, I felt as if I was truly right there amongst the characters. I am look forward to reading many more books by Lorina.
Deb Rupcic
Compelling Story Set in Upper Canada in early 1800, Shadow Song deals with the clash between European and Native cultures. The novel finely details the prejudice against the natives and how they have been deceived by the white man; add a little fantasy and you have a compelling story based on historical facts. Ms Stephen has given us a terrific novel, the blend of fantasy and fact is seamless. The matters dealing with the Native beliefs are incredibly well drawn; it is evident years of research are the bases of this novel and that the author gave her heart writing it. What is amazing, rarely one can find a novel containing so much information written in a way not to burden the flow. In this sad and tragic epic, an orphaned English girl Danielle Michelle Fleming relates her life. Eventually sent to live with an abusive uncle in Upper Canada where she manages to escape and find refuge with Shadow Song an Ojibwa shaman adopting the customs of his people. Her uncle is relentless in his hunt for her, through another shaman of evil intent he manages to track her down.
The reader will admire both Danielle and Shadow Song’s strong personalities and the love and devotion they have for each other. The author has an artistic talent in describing the mystic and spiritual beliefs; you can hardly discern the lines between reality and fantasy, amazing writing. Ms Stephen has masterfully and respectfully created a tale during the time of early colonisation.
Toni Osborne