Shadow Run by Michael Miller

Abstract

Reviewed by: Shadow Run by Michael Miller Kate Quealy-Gainer Miller, Michael Shadow Run; by Michael Miller and AdriAnne Strickland. Delacorte, 2017 [400p] Library ed. ISBN 978-0-399-55255-7 $20.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-399-55253-3 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-399-55254-0 $10.99 Reviewed from galleys Ad Gr. 7-10 The substance known as Shadow fuels the most cutting-edge facilities in the galaxy, but the process of obtaining it is a dangerous—and poisonous—job. Seventeen-year-old Captain Qole and her crew on the Kaitan Heritage are some of the best Shadow “fishers” around, but she’s starting to feel the substance’s toxic effects. Meanwhile, Nev, prince of Dracorte, is certain Shadow can be reined in safely and successfully, and he’s snuck on to Qole’s ship in order to prove just that. Of course his identity is soon discovered, and Qole is about to kick him to the space curb when the appearance of an enemy fleet forces Qole to chance a trip to Nev’s home planet on his promise of protection. Something’s fishy upon their arrival, though, and Qole has to use her suddenly discovered Shadow powers while Nev employs his political savvy to get them off the planet, if not to safety. Nev and Qole are certainly likable, but they share so many similar (and somewhat generic) traits—they’re bold, witty, rebellious—that their voices become indistinguishable as they alternate narration throughout the book. Information about the galaxy, its history, and current events come in large and awkwardly placed infodumps, and several story threads get lost in the load. The action picks up in the final act and the themes become clearer, as Nev is confronted with his family’s true intentions and faces the decision of saving one life over thousands of others. Despite its flaws, this still might make for an entertaining intergalactic ride while providing some food for economics thought during the journey. Copyright © 2017 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois