The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson

This week brings another review installment of the Shades of London series by Maureen Johnson. This review is from our guest reviewer Miss Shayne.

This is the third book in the Shades of London series. Since I read the first two, I had to get my hands on this one. I was really excited for this book. The author left us with a big cliffhanger to draw us back in once again. I had to continue reading to find out the fate of one my favorite characters.

In this book, our protagonist Rory has to go into hiding because she knows people are looking for her. She cannot be found because of her involvement with a secret organization. There are things going on that the public can’t know about due to their supernatural nature. In the midst of all of this madness, Rory also has to aid in the search for her kidnapped classmate. If all of this wasn’t enough, Rory’s therapist is crazy and is trying to resurrect some old friends—some very, very bad friends.

My favorite part of this book is Rory. She is the kind of friend everyone should aspire to be. She goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of her friends, even when she is unaware if she will be okay in the end. She is funny, smart, and thoughtful. I just hate how she has to put up a façade to keep her friends safe, even when they beg her to tell them the truth. She wants to, but she legally can’t.

On the other hand, this book confused me. There was a lot going on, and I found it hard to keep track of it all. Before reading this book, I would recommend brushing up on some Greek mythology. Everything is explained eventually, but it was confusing at first. The author also spends too much time telling us street names and giving us directions from one part of London to another. This is irrelevant and makes no difference to me because I have never been to London.

This book wasn’t the best in the series, but that won’t deter me from reading the next one when it’s released. As long as the final book is good, all will be well. I can’t wait for the conclusion of this series.

--Reviewed by Miss Shayne

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