The Seer of Shadows by Avi

The Seer of Shadows Reviews

• 
  Shelley

  3.5, really. Parts of it were really interesting (if you like photography, anyway, which I do) and parts were really creepy, but parts were also kind of annoying. Like ending all the early chapters with those super obnoxious, "But I never guessed what would happen next!" lines, or the ending that created a new story without an ending. Characterization could have been deeper, the ghosts/belief in them could have been delved into a little more and the climax could have been less rushed, but I thought the setting and atmosphere were well done.
• 
  Sandra Deaconu

  Am citit-o acum mult timp, dar mi-a apărut în newsfeed și mi-am amintit că mi-au plăcut atmosfera și suspansul.
• 
  Abbi Adams

  Cool ghost story with a cool early-photography period twist! There isn't actually much from the ghost, the focus being more on the main character and his friendship with Peg, but I still enjoyed it.
• 
  colleen the convivial curmudgeon

  2.5
  
  This book starts off slowly, as we spend a bit of time being introduced to Horace - a boy raised by parents who believe in logic and reason, and who is apprenticing to the photographer, Middleditch - and a good deal more time learning about the technical specifics of making a photograph in 1872.
  
  Since this is a middle-grade book, I'll say that while some children might be interested in the technical details, several will probably gloss over it a bit more than I did, since I, at least, had a passing interest.
  
  Anyway -
  
  While Horace does much to "assist" Middleditch, he has not yet been allowed to take a photograph, but that changes when Middleditch needs him to aid in a scheme.
  
  It was interesting the way the story touches on the history of spirit photographs - the many frauds perpetuated with double exposures as a way to capitalize on the rising Spiritualism movement and the grief of those who had lost loved ones both within and without the Civil War.
  
  Speaking of the Civil War, the story also touches on race relations. Horace is remarkably progressive, being raised in such a family, but the Von Machts' and Middleditch have less enlightened viewpoints. While this aspect plays an important role in setting up the story, I felt it was handled a touch lightly - but, then, it is a book aimed for younger people, so perhaps the author wished to focus primarily on the message of equality.
  
  
  But I digress -
  
  When Horace takes his pictures, he sees something odd in the negative - a picture he didn't take. And the more pictures he takes, the more real the image becomes, as he pulls the ghost Eleanora, the departed daughter, back into the world.
  
  But there is more to Eleanora's death than the Von Machts' claim - and Eleanora wants revenge!
  
  Duh duh DUH!!!
  
  
  Sounds like it should be a thrilling story, and it has it's moments... but the characters aren't really very developed, and Avi spends more time detailing the techniques of preparing and taking photographs than he does in setting up the ambience of the story.
  
  Then, when we do get to the crux of the story, a lot of it is drawn out needlessly by making Horace and Pegg unable to talk to each other except in drips and drabs, so Eleanora's story comes out in chapters when it could've easy been pages.
  
  
  A slow* build wouldn't have been bad if there was a big payoff at the end, but the climax was a bit rushed and seemed a bit too easy.
  
  Also, I didn't care for the epilogue at all. It simultaneously manages to make things too pat, and yet to leave an unnecessary open-ended ending relating to Horace's child. (I'm being a bit coy so as not to leave spoilers, though I'm not sure why I'm bothering since several other reviews have sort of given it away. Ah well.)
  
  
  Anyway -
  
  It might work for its targeted age-group, at least if they don't get bored before the ghost stuff really starts, but I wouldn't say it has much crossover appeal.
  
  
  
  * Slow, of course, is relative. It's a very short book, and I read it in a few hours. Still, one reviewer said it felt like it could've been better as a short-story, because much felt like filler, and I agree with this. It could've either been more deeply developed, or cut down.
• 
  Mary

  In nineteenth century New York, 14 year old Horace has been raised to think scientifically and logically. So what is he to do when he is apprenticed to a photogapher who fakes "spiritual" pictures of his clients' deceased loved ones and real ghosts start to appear in the photographs that Horace takes?
  This was a quick, informative ghost story meant for 8-12 year olds. Although it is filled with historical facts, the story is mysterious and thrilling enough to hold their attention. The vocabulary is somewhat lofty for this age range, so I'd reserve this one for strong readers - but I think that's true of many Avi books. It would be particularly good in the classroom for students studying this time frame (1872).
• 
  Brooke Baker

  I loved the book it was really good.Its about a girl named elenora she dies from getting abandon from the vonmashes they didnt feed her and stuff and they were only watching her and taking care of her because elenora was rich and all they wanted was her money they didnt care if she was sick or anything.
  And elenora attends to show up i every picture that the peopple have taken and it turns out that elenora wants to get a seeking revenge on the vonmashes.I recomend this book to anyone its a really good book so read it to find the real memory. :))))))))))))))))))))!!!!!!!!!!!!
• 
  Stephanie

  Steven Boyer is the narrator for this audiobook. 3.5 stars
• 
  Nathalia

  3.5
  
  Este libro habla sobre varios temas:
  -Fotografía antigua.
  -Espírtus.
  -Desigualdad.
  
  Es una novela histórica y social con trama de misterio paranormal.
  
  A través de un relato paranormal que por momentos nos puede causar un escalofrío, el autor nos transporta a la Nueva York de un momento histórico de cambio, donde la sociedad estaba todavía muy dividida y no terminaba de establecerse la equidad legal de los antiguos esclavos, ahora libres.
  
  Lejos de ser solo un libro paranormal para asustarnos, esta novela me gustó mucho porque coloca lo paranormal como excusa para hablarnos de un montón de temas más importantes. Ahora bien, eso no quiere decir que los elementos extraordinarios sean apenas un “extra”, sino que forman parte de un todo.
  
  Este no es un libro escrito solo para darnos miedo, solo para que nos asustemos. Es un libro que narra una historia paranormal colmada de misterios en la que es muy importante el escenario social. Esto, claro, es algo que quizá un lector muy joven no notaría, pero que está presente con suficiente intensidad como para volverse indivisible.
  
  El eje central gira en torno a la niña que murió y a sus circunstancias. Esto abre la puerta a un montón de misterios que el lector deberá descubrir: ¿en qué sentido miente su madre? ¿Por qué lo hace? ¿Qué es lo que mantiene al espíritu en nuestro mundo? ¿Cuáles son sus objetivos? ¿Por qué Horace puede capturar en su cámara lo imposible? ¿Qué es un Seeker?
  
  Las respuestas, obviamente, no se las daré yo. Tendrán que descubrirlas ustedes.
  
  Ahora bien, tengo mis quejas, y no puedo dejarlas fuera.
  
  Los primeros capítulos son un tanto tediosos. El lector puede predecir la base de lo que ocurrirá en apenas unas páginas, pero la narrativa se toma su tiempo con nimiedades antes de llegar a ello. Además, por algún motivo, todos los primeros capítulos terminan con un cliffhanger barato del estilo: “o eso es lo que creía”, “pero el resultado no fue lo que esperaba" y demás. Por fortuna, luego desaparecen cuando la historia comienza a trazar su rumbo.
  
  Otra cosa. Yo estudié bastante sobre fotografía antigua en la universidad, pero, para el lector que no sabe nada del tema (o no le interesa), sobran elementos técnicos y explicaciones sobre química, cualidades de los metales y similares que pueden resultar muy confusos y aburridos para algunas personas. Ciertas cosas son necesarias para la trama, pero otras sobran y estorban más de lo que aportan. Creo que la pasión del autor se pasó un poco de la raya acá.
  
  Por último, siento que el final fue un poquitín absurdo. No fue malo, pero no me convenció. Y creo que a la explicación sobre por qué Horace muestra espíritus en sus fotos podría haberse ampliado. Daba pie para mucho más. Y no, no hay segunda parte. Respeto la decisión del autor de dejar espacios en blanco (porque yo también lo hago en mis novelas), pero me quedé con ganas de un poquitín más.
  
  El libro me dejó con muchas ganas de leer más obras del autor. Su narrativa no es espectacular en calidad, pero atrapa. La historia está bien planeada y logró mantenerme interesada de principio a fin.
  
  En resumen, lo recomiendo. Es una buena historia en su contexto y construcción social. Los aspectos paranormales están muy buenos, aunque no apuntan a darnos un gran susto. Hay misterio y alguna que otra escena que nos da un pequeño escalofrío a los lectores miedosos como yo. Lo único malo es que solo está en inglés. El ebook no es costoso, lo encuentran en Amazon y en otros lados.
  
  Pueden leer la reseña completa en mi blog:
  http://pardonmispanglish.blogspot.com...
• 
  Mike Mullin

  A masterfully written novel. I found myself paying particular attention to Avi's chapter endings. He uses them to propel the reader into the next chapter, raising questions or suspense with nearly every one. His plotting is also excellent. For a while, I thought the ending would be too predictable. And it did end in roughly the way I predicted, but Avi threw in a surprising twist. Also, the final chapter, which is sort of an epilogue, adds another satisfying dimension to the ending. I'd highly recommend
  The Seer of Shadows to other writers interested in learning from Avi's expert plotting and use of chapter breaks.
• 
  Evan

  this is the best book I've read so far it was great!!!!This book had good detail also it had happy and scary parts!!I would recomend this book to people who are ok with being freaked out before I forget DONT READ UNDER THE COVERS IN THE DARK!!!!!!
• 
  StarMan

  [YA/juvenile book, Adult reviewer]
  
  VERDICT: Passing grade, if you're in school grades 4-7.
  
  Does the ghost of young Eleanora have a scientific explanation, or are true paranormal events afoot? Read and see, especially if you have interest in photography (circa 1872)--or ghosts.
  
  I wouldn't call this horror, but younger kids may find some parts a little scary.
• 
  Jim

  To my disappointment, this book did not help me unlock the esoteric mysteries of the universe, nor did it enlighten me to an elevated state of consciousness, nor did I have visions and speak with the spirits of my ancestors. But, hey, I learned a little bit about old fashioned photography, so there's that.
  
  An aspiring young photographer, Horace Carpetine, gets apprenticed to an experienced, but unscrupulous professional, the dastardly Enoch Middleditch! Predictably, Mr. Middleditch plays the cliched trope of the lazy, dishonest taskmaster who's perfectly happy to scam people to make a few extra bucks. One day he gets visited by a wealthy socialite, Mrs. Von Macht, who would like a portrait of her family taken. She tells the sad tale that her daughter, Eleanora, had recently passed away. Well, that crook Mr. Middleditch hatches an evil plot to take advantage of the spiritualism craze that was sweeping through society at the time, and make it appear that the Von Macht's dead daughter is captured in the photograph he takes. Only a capitalist would think of such a horrible thing. I digress. He hatches a plan that involves Horace violating his own ethics to help perpetrate the hoax, and hopefully gain Mr. Middleditch fame as a "spirit photographer." Before long, though, Horace learns some unsettling things about Eleanora's life from her best friend, the Von Macht's servant, Pegg. Horace comes to discover that this hoax has unexpected ramifications, and its up to him to make things right again.
  
  The book was just ok. The overall plot has real potential. Avi could have really explored the spiritualism craze of the late 19th century and come up with a fascinating story. Instead, he spends about half of the book describing boring, early photography techniques in tedious and repetitive detail, and spends an exorbitant amount of time having Horace and Pegg wandering around an old mansion without anything of much interest happening. I've read better. I've read worse. This is a middle-of-the-road story, with weak, undeveloped characters. If he had put Harry Houdini in it, then he'd have something. Houdini is well-known for debunking fraudulent spiritualists and mystics. I wanted Harry Houdini to show up to debunk Horace Carpetine's claim of being a "seer of shadows." Maybe Horace would try to capture him, but duh, it's Houdini.
• 
  Eshusdaughter

  I've heard really good things about Avi and the premise of the book was intriguing so I decided to give it a try. The writing was competent if lack-luster and the plot plodded along. The descriptions are okay, the dialogue decent but the characters have no depth and there just ins't much to this book. It's easily forgettable and not something I'd pick up again. I also disagree with the ending as the two characters that get together are highly unlikely given the prevailing prejudices of the times. Then again, plausibility didn't seem to be a highpoint with this book.
• 
  Esther Duhigg

  The year is 1872 and Horace Carpetine is the appretice of a photographer. Horace was raised to belive in science and reason, NOT ghosts and superstitions like that. But, when a whelthy lady orders a picture of her to be put at her daughters grave, Horace's empolyer decides to sell her more then just a picture... a picture with her daparted daughters ghost. Then when Horace takes the picture of Elenora's portrait, Elenora starts to come back to life. And sometimes when ghosts come back they can be bent on deadly revenge.
• 
  Kristen Harvey

  A ghost story that is a little more scary than I would have expected. A boy apprentice finds that he can capture ghosts in his photographs and finds one particularly angry ghost girl who is out for revenge. With the help of the servant girl in the family she seeks revenge on, the boy tries to stop what could be murder.
• 
  Betsy

  Wow. That was just great. I'm not actually much of an Avi fan, but I do love a good ghost story once in a while. This book definitely creates shivers up ye olde spine. Two thumbs way way up over here.
• 
  Donna

  I won't say this book had no good elements, but if I were to only judge the author by this book, I'd have to assume that being a Newbury Award winning author does not require being very good at writing.
• 
  E.S.

  Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)
  
  Do you ever see weird images in photographs? Especially in old ones from many years ago? Horace Carpetine, a photograph apprentice from the 1800s, indeed saw a strange image in one of the photographs he took. At first, he thought his eyes deceived him, but soon he discovered that he photographed a ghost with a vengeance. Can he overcome his own logic, with the help of servant girl Pegg, and stop this ghost before she wreaks havoc on the Van Macht family?
  
  In an interesting take on a ghost haunting, we enter the historical world of photography, and the way it can be manipulated. In this case though, while there is sinister human made manipulations at work, a deeper force is at work. When Horace takes a picture, suddenly the ghost of Eleanora – an abused adopted daughter of the Von Macht family – comes to life. This is done with suspense, and just like a developing photograph, the revelations come slowly, first viewed with skepticism, then astonishment.
  
  While Avi is no doubt a fantastic storyteller, the ending of this book was somewhat unsatisfactory for me. Rather than the winding problem solving ability that Horace displayed throughout the tale, the story ends with a bang, leaving a dark and sinister plume looming over Eleanora and her past. For a girl who Horace and Pegg wanted to help find peace, instead they are just witnesses of her ultimate vengeance upon her abusers. Also, for a children’s book, this is somewhat dark and foreboding.
  
  But the story is still extremely unique; we’ve heard about images of ghosts appearing in photographs at haunted homes before. But what if there was someone out there, a seer perhaps, who could call upon the ghosts through photography? Than it itself is an idea that pulls at realism and the imagination, whether you believe in ghosts or not.
  
  It’s actually amazing that this is one of the first books by Avi I ever read. I grew up seeing his books, but never picked them up. And while the ending of Seer of Shadows missed the mark for me, it was still an engaging tale that adults and children alike will enjoy. I will definitely be picking up another Avi book in the future.
• 
  Sheri

  I picked up this book at a thrift store. The cover was intriguing, as was the title. I did not realize this was a Scholastic Book, geared more for teens. The story itself was good, as well as the subject of photography in 1870's. I'd rate this three stars, but it's not the author's fault I didn't realize this was more of a teen book. The story held my attention, hence the 4 stars.
• 
  Elly Harris

  Not super impressed. 1, not super comfortable with the idea of vengeful spirits and all that rubbish. 2, not terribly well written, rather boring. Wouldn't recommend. Had some interesting stuff about old photography.
• 
  anjali

  read this book in elementary school and thought about it at least once a year in the decade since but could not recall the title for the life of me... but after two straight hours of searching and a draft email I was ready to send to my elementary school librarian I FOUND IT and now it will live on my goodreads so I never forget
• 
  Georgann

  Solid and not too scary ghost story for middle grades.
• 
  Rain Misoa

  It is definitely safe to say that I am a HUGE fan of Avi's novels. This is the fourth book I've read by him and I am so glad I did... despite not being a fan of the ending (more on this later). This story was engaging, had amazing characters, a fantastic setup, and all-around awesome atmosphere. I am definitely glad I decided to pick this up when I went to the library the other day.
  
  Avi's writing style is amazing, especially in this book! Everything is so nicely detailed and goes along in a nice pace. It's written for a younger audience but that doesn't take away from the reading experience. It's smooth, easy to understand, and captures the reader from the get-go. I love the way Avi writes. Some people think his writing is too simple, but I think it fits for the stories he is trying to tell. I think his writing is fantastic.
  
  His characters this time around were amazing! All of them were so enjoyable; they had such dynamics with themselves and others, I was blown away! Even the more annoying characters were entertaining. Horace is bright, caring, and sweet. He and Pegg, who is also such a wonderful character, are among my favorites. The Von Machts were a lot more annoying BUT! their presence in the novel was vital! They made for excellent antagonists and, even though I wanted to punch both of them, they really made the story move along.
  
  This book would have gotten a five-out-of-five... if it wasn't for the ending. Now, I can't say what the ending is because of spoilers... but I will say this: It doesn't have an actual ending. There's no closure. You think that things are going to end one way but then things are left up in the air. I am okay with open-ended endings, but this was NOT one of those GOOD open-ended endings. In fact, I don't even think this "ending" was necessary. It was more like a kick in the face than an actual ending. It's a shame because I was really enjoying this book... until that happened. Ugh... so disappointing.
  
  Do I still think you should read this book despite its ending? Yes. It is still an all-around great book to read. The plot is great, characters awesome, pacing fantastic, and setting lovely! Even though the ending is not conclusive, I still think it is worth the read. If you've read Avi's other works, then I think you should give this one a read as well. If you like ghost stories, then you should read this. If you really can't stand when a book doesn't have a real ending... then you might want to skip this... but you'll be missing out on all the positive aspects to this book! Give it a chance. You might like what you read.
• 
  Linda Lipko

  This is the first book I've read by this newbery award winning author.
  
  Part ghost story, part mystery blended with the historical back drop of New York City in 1872, I liked this book. This was the time of the Astors and the Van der bilts who built opulent mansions on Fifth Avenue.
  
  Told from the perspective of Horace Carpetine, an appretice to a sketchy photographer, the reader is transported to the NYC of long ago.
  
  When a wealthy woman commissions Horace's boss to photograph that can be placed on the gravestone of her daughter who passed away, Horace learns through the non-paid black maid that Mrs. Frederick Von Macht and her husband abused their "daughter " who actually was their neice and were the cause of her death in order to gain her fortune.
  
  What became a prank and ploy set in motion by the unethical photographer, soon gains momentum and becomes out of control.
  
  Horace learns that he is a seer and while his photography skills as not as advanced as his boss, when he develops the photo, he sees the ghost of the young girl abused by Mrs. Von Macht.
  
  Peg, The maid bonds with Horace and tells the truth regarding the terrible behaviour of the Von Machts.
  
  This is a time of distinct heirachtical strata when the rich are deemed untouchable and those beneath them are at the mercy of a society that deems them unworthy and unbelieable. Through Horace and Peg the sad tale is unraveled . ( )
• 
  Emma

  Summary: It's October 1872, New York City. Horace Carpetine believes in science and rationality. He's apprenticed to Enoch Middleditch, a photographer, he thinks of his trade as a scientific art. But when wealthy Mrs. Frederick Von Macht orders a photographic portrait, strange things begin to happen. Horace's first real photographs reveal the image of the Von Machts' dead daughter, Eleanora. He continues to see Eleanora, both in images and in life, and she slowly gets closer and closer to the real world, eventually emerging to wreak revenge on those who caused her to die, the Von Machts. Pegg, the Von Machts' black servant girl, leads Horace to the truth about who Eleanora really was and how she actually died. Pegg and Horace soon realize that Horace's photographs are evoking both Eleanora's image and her ghost. Eleanora returns, a vengeful ghost obsessed with punishing those who abused her, and Horace and Pegg must prevent her from murdering those who wronged her.
  
  I thought this book was OK. My main issue with this book is I felt like I knew what was going to happen all along, especially since the narrator repeatedly hinted what would happen next. To me, the end of the story felt a bit rushed and inconclusive. I liked the setting of this book and I think it was well-written, but I just didn't enjoy it very much.
  I would recommend this to anyone who likes short ghost stories or fantasy in historical settings.
  
  
  
• 
  Carrie

  I've wanted to read this book for a few years now, and I hate that I was not overly impressed with it. Story wise I found it creepy and interesting. But it didn't have my attention at all times. Parts just seemed to drag on as it would lead into other good bits. I don't think its unfair for me to want to be engrossed through out. And no it has nothing to do with the particular age group to which this book was written for. Because I can honestly say that if I read this back when I originally took interest in it it would probably taken me a little longer to complete.
  
  Set in 1872 New York we have Horace, a photographer apprentice. The man he is working for sees an opportunity to make himself more none in the upper class in his field and hopes to see more money come in. Playing on a "grieving" mother he sets in motion a scheme to photo the "spirit" of her daughter. It is Horace's job to capture the images of said spirits. Not knowing that he is treading in an area that could potentially cause great harm.
  
  I wish I wish that I didn't grow board at times, because truthfully the story-line was really good but I fair I can not rate it higher then 3.5 due to the fact that I did find it dragging. :(
• 
  Chantel

  If you're looking for a book to read on a gloomy afternoon, this would do the trick.
  
  The Seer of Shadows is not a complicated story to follow. I would say it's a great starter for those who are looking to begin exploring the world of literary paranormal. The characters do not hold a great deal of depth but, for the purpose of the plot, it worked well.
  
  This was a story that leaned on the shorter side & quickly followed the progression of a scheme that originated from a photographer who is followed by his young apprentice. Though I cannot say that the story had no plot holes or finished on a believable note, I think I was in an appropriate mood to endeavour into a simple story. For that reason, I didn't judge it too harshly.
  
  If you choose to read this book I advise not going into it thinking that you'll be reading the most extraordinary ghost story of all time. If you begin your read with the thought in mind that this story is short, sweet & attempts to be a little scary; you might enjoy it more than not.
  
  A seasoned reader of crime, mystery & the paranormal might not find this story riveting but, I think that every once in a while it's nice to read something that's not too complicated & ends on a high note, however unrealistic that note might be.