What a breathtaking read. A tender story about loss, friendship and hope. Kai suffers a family loss that shakes the family to the core and causes shadows to fall and everyone to shatter. Kai loses his way, but childhood friends Orla and Zak seek to help him find his way back. A story with such heart and emotion, with such beautiful poetic prose that seemlessly runs into poetic form in places. The hard copy is such a stunning Copt with amazing illustrations by Natalie Sirett. Definitely a book to hold in your hands and pour over every word and picture; a sheer delight that will run you through a rollercoaster of emotions. #whenshadowsfall #sitabrahmachari

Unfortunately I had problems with access and was unable to read this before it was archived which is a real shame.

This was one of those books that sucked me in from the beginning and didn’t let go until I finished! I thought it was well written.

I'm so sorry - I only had this title as an acsm file, and it expired before I got around to reading it. My apologies!

I have given a 5-star rating by way of apology, and because I can't Give Feedback without giving a star rating.

Apologies again, and best of luck with your publications!

Such a perfect book for teenagers right now. The main plot is about a teenage boy who’s life falls to pieces, he’s not sure he can carry on. But he does. This beautifully written book really sells the success of the boy as he works his way out of his troubles .

This is a novel about four friends - Kai, Orla, Om, and Zak, and although I was intrigued by the blurb and the prospect of the plot, I found it didn't, somehow work for me. Although, of course, when writing a multi-narrative, writers are encouraged to use different 'voices', I found the switches between form grating and disturbing to the flow, which, in turn, made the reading of the novel a bit of a grind. This probably wouldn't have been so bad had the narrative drive been a bit stronger or perhaps more consistent, by which I mean there seemed to be flares of narrative drama followed by periods of, well, nothing much. I don't want to be too discouraging, because I'm sure this is just my personal taste, and it's a massive project, writing a novel, but, for me, it just didn't work so well. I'm grateful to Netgalley for the copy.

When Shadows Fall touches on some ugly truths of life, especially grief, that monster of an emotion that no one is ready for until it slams down on us and lead us on a disastrous path, just as it did with Kai.

The beginning of the book felt full of bittersweet hope, a slight foreshadowing of all the worst that was to come, and then it just kept getting more and more heartbreaking. Though the writing style and the combinations of poetry, art, and prose were a bit confusing at first, once I got used to it I realized it actually works beautifully. I loved all of the characters, and how human they felt.

All in all, this was a gorgeous read, though I'd advise potential readers to be wary of the content warnings, as it does touch on some heavy topics.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was instantly drawn to the description of this book and couldn't request it quickly enough. I expected a heartwrenching coming-of-age story, packed with grief, bad decisions, and consequences. And while I got a version of that, it didn't grip me the way I had hoped.

WHEN SHADOWS FALL centres around four friends - Kai, Orla, Om, and Zak. Each falls into one or more of the following categories throughout the story: school friend, neighbour, love interest, foe, confidant, saviour. When Kai and his family suffer a devasting loss, Kai becomes lost, pushing his friends away, and turning to the ravens and weed for company. The story pieces together the events leading up to, during, and after his breakdown, with insights from Orla and Om who witnessed the downward spiral and Rain and Bow, Kai's closest ravens.

I can't really put my finger on what didn't work for me in this novel. Maybe it was the various perspectives with each voice portrayed through a different writing style; or the unexpected switches between diary, poetry, and art; or maybe it was just Kai's pent-up angst and conversations with ravens that I struggled to connect with. Either way, I found this one hard to get through. The story was a bit too much of a slow burn and my attention kept drifting. Some parts felt too dramatic/over-done which altered the realism for me. And as much as I felt Kai's grief, I just didn't warm to him. The other characters felt a bit two-dimensional as well, making it hard to get into their heads. I know others have loved this one but unfortunately, it wasn't for me.

An illustrated novel where the picture are as important as the text. Part verse, part prose.
Kai, Orla and Zak grew up together in a tower block with a small piece of green wilderness important to their childhood explorations.
When baby Sula is born Kai’s parents are so grateful after years of disappointment, but when they suffer her loss this pushes Kai’s Dad to his limit. Without either in his life, Kai makes some bad decisions, skipping school and messing up his studying.
Om had moved into the same tower block some time before but was unnoticed by Kai and his friends until Kai drifted away from Orla and Zak and found he relied more on Om.
Only after a devastating event which could have been worse than it was was Kai’s situation recognised by his friends and family, but was it then too late?
The writing in this book is lyrical, the pictures so simple yet effective. This is the best, most moving, yet difficult book I have read this year.

This is a wonderful little book, equally sad and hopeful. I really don’t want to give away too much of the plot itself because I feel the book will be best enjoyed as a blank slate but to break the content down simply: It is a story that shows how darkness may be overcome through friendship and loyalty – which really is a classic tale. This book put it into a more modern setting. At the same time large parts of the book had very nostalgic vibes to me because it very much depictures the relationships between kids rather than adults. There is a different intensity and feeling to the bonds we form with other when we are young, and this story really did a good job of conveying that feeling and triggering the memory of my own childhood/teen friendships.
The story is told from different perspectives, which I found keeps the pace fast. This is also a good way to keep a younger and less experienced engaged. However, whilst I personally really enjoyed the poetic language used in some parts of the book and segments that used symbols and allegories, I have been wondering whether this sort of writing might also alienate part of the young target audience as it's not as straightforward and simple. The wording itself remains simple but I would still recommend the book to slightly more experienced young readers. If someone is not used to full length books, this one might be too much for the start. In terms of age appropriateness, I am struggling to make a final judgement. To be honest, I would say: It depends. There are some heavy topics discussed in the books so please do check trigger warning before picking up this book. The topics discussed will not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, as raw as it may be, I found the content was handled with sensitivity.

The artwork – both on the cover and inside the book is stunning and makes it an absolute eye catcher, which I believe should be enjoyed in a hard copy and not in digital format. Speaking of which… when I requested the book, I didn’t pay attention to the formats available but only to the content. Personally, I found it incredibly difficult to read & enjoy the book on a computer the same way I would have on my Kindle. That’s my bad but would have loved to have option for that (but it does, of course, not impact on my review).

Content warning: Loss of a family member, grief, mental health issues/depression, suicide, addiction.

A beautifully written and thought-provoking book that stays with you after long after the last page is finished. It touches on a number of issues including friendship, families, love, bereavement and refugees and would make a great book club read for year 9 and above - some more mature content e.g. the devastating effects of drugs mean it would not be appropriate for younger year groups, That said, I will be be buying a copy for my school library and I will be recommending it. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my proof copy.

When Shadows Fall follows the ups and downs of three friends growing up together: Kai, Zak and Orla. All is well and life is abundant with happiness, until a tragedy befalls Kai’s family and so the cruel hand of fate throws his life into turmoil. Wrong choices and decisions follow and Kai is on a path of self-distruct, until Orla, Zak and a new friend Om reach out to him and show the true meaning of friendship. Beautifully written by Sita Brahmachari, if you’re someone who has at some time, doubted whether you will do well in life, due to past choices you have made, then you will enjoy reading this and can empathise with the topsy, turvy pressures of life as a teenager.

I don't know what this book was really about. Should I focus more on the events or emotions? Are there symbols, allegories or situations are real and should be interpreted this way? Gosh, I was so confused and find it really hard to cope with.

I understand that this book is designed to bring some wisdom, truth about the world, living, but it is written in such a manner that I'm pretty sure many would understand it differently and have their own vision and explanation of this story.

Not really my cup of tea.

This is, by far, the most heartbreakingly beautiful book I’ve ever had the pleasure to read.
I will start by asking you all to please check the trigger warnings. This book doesn’t just touch on sensitive issues, it shows you, unapologetically, the ugly truth of how 1 devastating event can snowball and, before you know it, life isn’t sweet, innocent & carefree, but dark, lonely and engulfed in pain!

When starting this book even with its poetic prose and the exuberance of youth, I had a sense of foreshadowing. I knew that innocence & hope would soon be snatched away and in the blink of an eye, the honest rawness of grief would force me to follow Kai, into the shadows. Lost. Numb. A shell of the person he use to be.

You seamlessly view the world through Kai’s eyes & his friends. Understanding his torment, troubles & journey as much as theirs. Knowing, even when Kai couldn’t see it, they were fighting for him. Willing him back. That through all the darkness, there was hope. There was light and there was unconditional love.

A powerfully emotive story. One that will break you before putting you back together.
One that shows the strength that can be found in the bonds of friendship, music, art & love.

I cried. I had tears falling. And as someone who is on her own mental health journey, this made me believe in hope again!
I use to say hope is paralysing, but hope is light. Hope is knowing that there is a Little Low Heaven.

Finally, the illustration is expressive, stunning & connects beautifully with the story.

I can’t thank NetGalley & the publishers enough for sending me an ARC eBook in return for an honest review.

#mentalhealth #death #grief #poignant
#bookrecommendations #bookreview #whenshadowsfall #bookworm #bookish

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This book was so raw and emotional that I feel like it should come with a warning. It's rare to read YA books about grief, death and mental health that deal with the subject matter in such a rounded and sensitive manner. The illustrations really made it come alive as well. It's also a love song to growing up in a council estate and the friendships that are formed through adversity. I think this should be in every public and school library (and adults would do well to read it too!).

What's the book about?

Kai, Orla, and Zak grew up together. They have big plans for the future - until Kai's family suffers a devastating loss.

Trying to cope with his own grief while also watching it tear his family apart, Kai is drawn into a more dangerous crowd. His dreams for the future become a distant memory. Orla, Zak, and Om, his classmate, are determined to help Kai in finding his way back before it's too late.

Will you read this book?


My thoughts:
A beautifully written and moving story. Everything about this book was a delight to read - the prose, the illustrations, the plot.

When Shadows Fall is a beautifully poignant story of loss, grief, loyalty, hope and friendship. The writing was beautiful and I loved the addition of the illustrations! I read it cover to cover in just one sitting. I would definitely recommend!

4 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a story that will shatter your heart into tiny fragments before carefully piecing them back together. A tragic tale of loss, grief and a life spiralling out of control, that ultimately shines with hope and the power of friendship. Such a moving story that highlights inequality and the ease at which society lets people fall through the cracks. Delicately crafted, Sita Brahmachari mixes verse and prose beautifully, and the illustrations compliment the story wonderfully. Honestly, it’s a genuine masterpiece! I loved it.

Beautiful story equally heartbreaking as it was hopeful. A strong reminder of how friendships can help you get through anything, and the power of loyalty even through the hardest times. A brilliant book that everyone should read.