The Shadow Prince

By David Anthony Durham
Hardcover: $21.95

FIVE DEADLY TESTS, ONLY ONE SHADOW PRINCE

In this middle grade solarpunk novel set in an alternate Egyptian universe, twelve-year-old Ash must compete and survive to become the shadow–and protector–of the prince.

Audiobook Edition

Description

Growing up in a village in the middle of the desert, Ash thinks his future holds nothing but sand, sun, a few annoying bullies, and lots of boring chores. Boy, is he wrong!

On the night before his twelfth birthday, Ash learns that he was born on the same day as Prince Khufu, which makes him eligible to compete to be the prince’s shadow, a coveted position as the friend and bodyguard of the boy destined to be pharaoh of all of Egypt. At first, Ash can’t believe it, but when a floating royal barge takes Ash and his mentor to the bustling, magical, solar-powered capital, things get real.

What awaits Ash and the candidates is deadly–five days of dangerous tests filled with demon fighting, monster slaying, and magical spells–each overseen by a different Egyptian god. Ash finds two friends willing to fight by his side–the first friends he’s ever made. But there are candidates who will lie, cheat, and even harm others to win. Not all will survive, and only one can become the prince’s shadow.

To make matters worse, Ash is up against Lord Set, the devious god of chaos, who is secretly working to make the candidates fail. But if they do, the very survival of the kingdom is in peril. Can Ash and his new friends save Egypt? And will any of them survive to become the shadow prince?

About the Creators

David Anthony Durham

David Anthony Durham is a Caribbean novelist born in New York and raised primarily in the Mid-Atlantic area. He holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Maryland, and has taught at the University of Maryland, the University of Massachusetts, The Colorado College, the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation, Cal State University, and Hampshire College. David has written seven books for grown-ups and The Shadow Prince series for middle grade readers. You can find him at davidanthonydurham.com

Awards

  • Truman Readers Award Nominee 2023

    Missouri Association of School Librarians

  • Maine Student Book Award Nominee 2022-2023

    Maine Library Association

Reviews

  • "David Anthony Durham never disappoints. I can't wait to read whatever he writes next."

    - George R.R. Martin
  • "Wildly imaginative and thoroughly thrilling, The Shadow Prince is a Hunger Games for a big, strange, magical new world."

    - Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians Trilogy
  • "Durham is a master of the fantasy epic."The Washington Post

  • "Durham's story is rich in detail and imagination. . . A rousing romp that shows kindness as a strength and power as a chance to improve our world."

    - Booklist
  • "Durham offers up an action-packed, magic-filled adventure made all the more fun by its evocative world building. . . Ash's narrative voice is distinctly contemporary, full of endearing snark and self-deprecating wit, and readers will appreciate both his happy ending and the unresolved mysteries that leave the door open for sequels."

    - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
  • "A fantastical, solar-powered Egypt complete with solar chariots and kiteboards is original. . . Solid and earnest."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "Inventive. . . Well-rounded characters infuses the narrative with warmth. Bolstered by an accessible voice, Durham's middle grade debut weaves the power of renewable energy into a rollicking tale of gods and monsters."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "Durham's middle grade debut is full of action, political intrigue, inventive solar powered gadgets, and quirky creatures. Ash is a sympathetic character who discovers his own self-worth and a surprising talent while competing in the grueling competition. An exciting, magical series opener perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Kwame Mbalia's Tristan Strong, and Jonathan Stroud's 'Bartimaeus' series."

    - School Library Journal

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781643794280
  • Publication Date Oct 19, 2021
  • Trim Size 7.5 × 5 in
  • Weight 1.0625 lbs
  • Page Count 400
  • Word Count 66930
  • Interests

  • Audience Middle Grade
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Legends, Myths, Fables / African
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Monsters
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Fantasy & Magic
  • Themes Adoption, African / African American / Black, Collaboration, Conflict resolution, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Earth / Sun / Moon System, Environment / Nature, Fantasy, Fiction, Friendship, Heroism, Integrity / Honesty, Leadership, Mentors, Middle Grade, Mystery / Suspense, Nature / Science, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Science Fiction / Fantasy, Southwest Asian / North African / South Asian, STEM / STEAM
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 10 - 13
  • Grade Range Grades 5 - 8
  • Guided Reading Y
  • DRA 60
  • Lexile Level 650
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 107
      High-Low Books for Teens: Middle and High School
      Collection of 107 books: $1,639.70