Murals Weep and Fade

Sierra Santiago, a young artist in Brooklyn, notices something strange: the murals in her neighborhood are fading and even weeping. Her grandfather, Lázaro, who has been incoherent since a stroke, mutters about shadowshapers and warns her of impending danger. Sierra learns that her family is part of a secret tradition of shadowshapers, who can infuse art with spirits. As she grapples with this revelation, she realizes that an evil anthropologist, Jonathan Wick, is targeting her family and their legacy.

Secrets of Shadowshaping

With the help of Robbie, a fellow artist and shadowshaper, Sierra delves deeper into her family's history. She discovers that shadowshapers can channel spirits into art, giving them form and power. Robbie teaches her the basics of shadowshaping, and Sierra begins to understand the depth of her connection to this mystical world. However, Wick's sinister plans threaten to destroy everything she holds dear.

The Domino King's Warning

Manny, the Domino King and a family friend, warns Sierra about the dangers lurking in their community. He reveals that Wick is using binding magic to control spirits and create throng haints—monstrous entities made from enslaved spirits. Manny's sudden disappearance and the appearance of more throng haints push Sierra to take action and protect her family and friends.

The Haunting of Coney Island

Following cryptic clues, Sierra and her friends venture to Coney Island, where they believe Lucera, the key to their salvation, is hidden. There, Sierra encounters her grandmother's spirit, who reveals that she is the new Lucera, destined to lead the shadowshapers. Empowered by this knowledge, Sierra returns to confront Wick and save Robbie, who has been captured to create vessels for the throng haints.

The Sorrows' Revelation

Sierra seeks out the Sorrows, ancient spirits who granted Wick his powers. They reveal that Wick has been watching her all along and is using Robbie to create an army of throng haints. Despite their warnings, Sierra refuses to join the Sorrows and instead uses her newfound powers to confront Wick and his creations.

Battle at the Tower

Sierra and her friends storm the Tower, where Wick is hiding. They face off against his throng haints and chalk-dust phantoms. With the spirits' help, Sierra taps into her full potential as Lucera, using her powers to dismantle Wick's army and save Robbie. In a final confrontation, she strips Wick of his powers, ensuring he can no longer threaten the shadowshapers.

Legacy of Lucera

With Wick defeated, Sierra embraces her role as Lucera, uniting the shadowshapers and spirits to protect their community. She honors the memory of those lost and looks to the future, determined to preserve her family's legacy and the magic of shadowshaping.

Characters

Sierra Santiago

Sierra is a confident and talented artist who discovers her family's secret legacy as shadowshapers. As she learns to harness her powers, she becomes a fierce protector of her community, determined to stop Wick and preserve her heritage.

Robbie

Robbie is a talented artist and shadowshaper who helps Sierra understand her powers. His deep connection to the spirit world and his unwavering support make him a crucial ally in the fight against Wick.

Lázaro

Sierra's grandfather, Lázaro, is a former shadowshaper whose stroke has left him unable to communicate clearly. Despite this, he provides cryptic warnings and guidance to Sierra, helping her uncover her family's legacy.

Jonathan Wick

Wick is an anthropologist who seeks to control the shadowshapers' power for his own gain. His use of binding magic to create throng haints makes him a formidable enemy, but his hubris ultimately leads to his downfall.

Manny

Manny is a family friend and former shadowshaper who warns Sierra of the dangers posed by Wick. His disappearance and transformation into a throng haint serve as a catalyst for Sierra's journey.

Mama Carmen (Lucera)

Mama Carmen, Sierra's grandmother, is revealed to be the previous Lucera, a powerful spirit who guides Sierra in her journey. Her legacy and wisdom empower Sierra to embrace her role as the new Lucera.

Plot Devices

Shadowshaping

Shadowshaping is the ability to channel spirits into art, giving them form and power. This unique magic is central to the story, as Sierra learns to harness it to protect her community and defeat Wick.

Throng Haints

Throng haints are entities made from enslaved spirits, controlled by Wick through binding magic. They serve as a major threat to Sierra and her friends, highlighting the dangers of misusing spiritual power.

The Sorrows

The Sorrows are powerful spirits who granted Wick his powers. Their cryptic warnings and refusal to help Sierra emphasize the complexity of the spirit world and the challenges Sierra faces as Lucera.

Analysis

"Shadowshaper" explores themes of cultural heritage, identity, and the power of art. Through Sierra's journey, the story highlights the importance of embracing one's roots and the strength found in community. The novel also addresses issues of gentrification and the erasure of cultural history, urging readers to recognize and preserve the magic in their own lives. By blending elements of fantasy with real-world challenges, "Shadowshaper" offers a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.

Last updated: March 14, 2025