New Beginnings, Old Secrets

Sixteen-year-old Susannah "Suze" Simon relocates from New York to Northern California with her mother to live with her new stepfather, Andy, and his three sons. Suze is not thrilled about the move, especially since it means leaving behind her best friend and the city she loves. However, she tries to make the best of it, despite her new stepbrothers, whom she nicknames Sleepy, Dopey, and Doc. Suze's new home is a large, old house in Carmel, which she soon discovers is haunted by a ghost named Jesse. Suze is a mediator, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts, and it's her job to help them move on. But Jesse, a handsome ghost from the 19th century, is not like the others. He seems to have no intention of leaving.

Ghostly Encounters Unveiled

On her first night in the new house, Suze encounters Jesse, the ghost haunting her bedroom. Jesse is surprised that Suze can see him, as no one else has been able to for over a century. Suze is determined to get Jesse to move on, but he is equally determined to stay. Meanwhile, Suze starts her new school, the Junipero Serra Mission Academy, where she meets Father Dominic, the school principal, who is also a mediator. Father Dominic becomes a mentor to Suze, offering guidance on how to handle her unique abilities.

A Dangerous Revelation

Suze learns about Heather, a student who recently committed suicide after a breakup with her boyfriend, Bryce. Heather's ghost is angry and vengeful, blaming Bryce for her death. Suze realizes that Heather is a threat, not just to Bryce but to everyone at the school. Despite Father Dominic's warnings, Suze decides to confront Heather on her own, hoping to reason with her and prevent further harm.

The Unseen Threat

Suze's attempt to mediate with Heather goes disastrously wrong. Heather's ghost is more powerful than Suze anticipated, and her anger causes chaos at the school, including a near-fatal accident involving Bryce. Suze feels responsible for the damage and is determined to stop Heather before she can hurt anyone else. Father Dominic is injured in the chaos, leaving Suze to handle the situation on her own.

A Plan in Motion

Realizing that Heather won't leave willingly, Suze decides to perform an exorcism to force her to move on. Despite Jesse's warnings and Father Dominic's disapproval, Suze gathers the necessary materials and heads to the school at night. Jesse, concerned for Suze's safety, follows her, but she insists on handling the situation alone. Suze's determination to protect her friends and family drives her to take drastic measures.

Confronting the Past

As Suze prepares for the exorcism, she learns more about Jesse's past. Jesse was once a guest at the house when it was a boarding house, and he was murdered there. Suze realizes that Jesse's unresolved death is what keeps him tied to the house. Despite this revelation, Suze remains focused on her mission to stop Heather, knowing that Jesse's story will have to wait.

The Final Showdown

The exorcism begins, and Heather's ghost appears, furious and more powerful than ever. Suze struggles to contain Heather's rage, but with Jesse's unexpected help, she manages to complete the ritual. Heather is finally forced to move on, and the school is safe once more. Suze is exhausted but relieved, knowing she has done the right thing, even if it meant breaking some rules.

A New Dawn

With Heather gone, Suze can finally focus on her new life in California. She is elected vice president of her class, and her friendships with Cee Cee and Adam grow stronger. Suze also comes to terms with Jesse's presence in her life, accepting that he may never move on. As she watches the sunset over the Pacific, Suze feels a sense of belonging and hope for the future, knowing that she has found a place where she can be herself.

Characters

Susannah "Suze" Simon

Suze is a sixteen-year-old girl with the unique ability to see and communicate with ghosts. She is strong-willed and often acts impulsively, driven by a desire to help the spirits she encounters. Despite her tough exterior, Suze is compassionate and deeply cares about the people around her. Her move to California marks a new chapter in her life, where she learns to balance her responsibilities as a mediator with her desire for a normal teenage life.

Jesse de Silva

Jesse is a ghost from the 19th century who haunts Suze's new home. He is handsome, with a mysterious past that Suze gradually uncovers. Despite being dead, Jesse is protective of Suze and often helps her in her mediations. His unresolved death keeps him tied to the house, and his presence becomes a comforting constant in Suze's life. Jesse's relationship with Suze is complex, filled with unspoken emotions and a deep connection.

Father Dominic

Father Dominic is the principal of the Junipero Serra Mission Academy and a fellow mediator. He becomes a mentor to Suze, offering guidance and support as she navigates her abilities. Father Dominic is kind and patient, with a deep understanding of the spiritual world. He believes in helping spirits move on peacefully and is often at odds with Suze's more aggressive methods. Despite their differences, he cares deeply for Suze and her well-being.

Heather Chambers

Heather is a ghost who haunts the school after committing suicide. Her anger and resentment towards her ex-boyfriend, Bryce, make her a dangerous presence. Heather's ghostly powers grow stronger as her rage intensifies, posing a significant threat to Suze and the school. Despite her actions, Heather is a tragic figure, driven by heartbreak and a desire for revenge.

Bryce Martinson

Bryce is Heather's ex-boyfriend and the target of her ghostly wrath. He is handsome and popular, but the events surrounding Heather's death leave him guilt-ridden and vulnerable. Bryce's interactions with Suze reveal a more sensitive side, and he becomes an unwitting participant in the supernatural events at the school.

Andy Ackerman

Andy is Suze's new stepfather, a kind and easygoing man who genuinely cares for Suze and her mother. He is a skilled carpenter and a loving father to his three sons. Andy's presence provides stability and warmth in Suze's new life, and he is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Sleepy, Dopey, and Doc

Jake (Sleepy), Brad (Dopey), and David (Doc) are Andy's sons and Suze's new stepbrothers. Each has a distinct personality: Jake is laid-back and often sleepy, Brad is athletic but not the brightest, and David is intelligent and curious. Despite their differences, the brothers care for Suze in their own ways, and their interactions add humor and warmth to her new family dynamic.

Cee Cee Webb

Cee Cee is a fellow student at the Mission Academy and quickly becomes one of Suze's closest friends. She is smart, outspoken, and has a sharp sense of humor. As the editor of the school paper, Cee Cee is always on the lookout for a good story. Her friendship with Suze provides much-needed support and camaraderie.

Adam McTavish

Adam is another student at the Mission Academy and a close friend of Cee Cee. He is easygoing and always ready for an adventure. Adam's lighthearted nature and loyalty make him a valuable friend to Suze, and he often provides comic relief in tense situations.

Plot Devices

Mediation and Ghosts

The central plot device in the story is Suze's ability to see and communicate with ghosts. This ability, known as mediation, drives the narrative and creates conflict as Suze navigates her responsibilities to help spirits move on. The presence of ghosts like Jesse and Heather adds a supernatural element to the story, blending mystery and suspense with Suze's personal journey.

Exorcism and Spiritual Conflict

The concept of exorcism is a key plot device, representing the ultimate confrontation between Suze and the vengeful spirit of Heather. The exorcism serves as a climactic moment in the story, highlighting Suze's determination and courage. It also underscores the theme of spiritual conflict, as Suze grapples with the moral implications of her actions and the responsibility that comes with her abilities.

Family and Belonging

Suze's move to California and her integration into a new family and school serve as important plot devices. These elements explore themes of family, belonging, and identity, as Suze navigates her new environment and relationships. Her interactions with her stepfamily and new friends provide a backdrop for her personal growth and development.

Analysis

"Shadowland" delves into themes of identity, responsibility, and the struggle to balance personal desires with duty. Suze's journey as a mediator forces her to confront her own fears and insecurities while helping others find peace. The story highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, as Suze learns to navigate the complexities of the spiritual world and her own life. The novel also explores the idea of belonging and the challenges of adapting to change, as Suze finds her place in a new family and community. Through her interactions with ghosts and the living, Suze discovers the strength within herself to face adversity and embrace her unique role as a mediator.

Last updated: February 25, 2025