In the Shadows is a gorgeous, gothic, paranormal tale that follows five children in a small mysterious sea-side town as they uncover a conspiracy, the breadth of which constantly astounded me. The book tells two parallel stories - one written and one graphic - that are connected in a way you will never guess until the end, when it will blow your mind. The characters are so unique and different from each other, and even though the story was quite short, I was invested in them and genuinely concerned about how they would get themselves out of trouble. It was a captivating tale that I couldn't put down.

As soon as In the Shadows arrived in the mail I knew it would be my favourite book on the shelf. It's a beautiful, cloth-bound hardback with magical artwork on the jacket. The story is printed on glossy paper, in sepia ink with ornamental borders. As if the book was beautifully illustrated enough, Jim Di Bartolo's art story is breath-taking. Although the first time I read it, I had more questions than answers about what was happening (all becomes clear in the end), I couldn't help but stop and admire the gorgeous illustrations he had created.

I recommend In the Shadows to everybody. If you have never read a graphic novel, this is the perfect way to start. You won't be able to help falling in love with Kiersten's beautiful children or Jim's stunning artwork.