King of Shadows by Susan Cooper

King of Shadows by Susan Cooper is about an 11 year-old boy who is part of the Company of boys, a group of boys who are rehearsing to perform Shakespeare’s plays. It is first set in the late 20^th century but after Nathan gets the Bubonic plague, he goes back in time to 1599. He works with William Shakespeare and makes new friends, but he still misses his life in the 20^th century. He also wonders if he will ever be able to return to his old life. Everything is so different in the 16^th; no light bulbs or television and very brutal punishments. So how is he supposed to act like a boy from the Elizabethan Era?

The first few chapters of the book were too long and this made it boring. It was just too descriptive and the plot wasn't going anywhere. I understand that the author was introducing us to the book and the characters and describing the surroundings but I still think it should have been briefer. 

King of Shadows is historical fiction and deals with themes such as friendship and individual vs. society. It says what life would be like in the Elizabethan Era although some of it is made up. It is mainly written in first person and is very detailed and has a vivid description. It is also written in third person but only in a few chapters. I found the parts written in third person confusing and tedious. 

Overall, it was an interesting and descriptive book. There is a nice plot and an unexpected bit right at the end. It allows the reader to use their imagination because there are no pictures but good descriptions of the places Nathan sees.