Sometime after the fall of the Roman Empire, Britain is populated by small, independent tribes. Indi, son of the chieftain of the horse-people, begins to questions his belief in his pagan gods. Guided by a missionary from the mainland, both Indi and his sister trade the kingship of the god Tir for the salvation of the True God. When Indi's father dies and his best friend challenges him for the chieftain's place, Indi must show the whole tribe what embracing the Cross really means.
Morality
As a struggle between the gods of this world and the God of the Cross, The Shadow Things is written from a Christian perspective. Some of the characters act sinfully, but it is obvious that they are unbelievers and that their behavior is condemned.
Spiritual Content
Indi's struggle with his beliefs and his subsequent portrayal of a Christian living among unbelievers is well written and encouraging. The tribe's pagan beliefs appear in detail. One character is a pagan priest.
Violence
Because of the time period and the culture in which the book is set, there is a good deal of violence in The Shadow Things. Children are killed in heart-wrenching situations. However, the violent actions of many characters are held in sharp contrast to the peace of the Christians that are being persecuted.
Drug and Alcohol Content
As would be expected in a pagan culture, some alcohol is consumed. One character tends to drunkenness, but his actions are not condoned.
Sexual Content
Sexual misdeeds are condemned, and are not described in any detail. In contrast to this is the love shown by Indi to his wife.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
The story is set in a mainly pagan village, so many pagan rituals are described in detail. They are set in contrast to the truth and light of Christianity.
Conclusion
The Shadow Things is well written and engaging. The struggles of a young Christian in a pagan community are touchingly described, and the action will keep you guessing until the last page. Though short, the message carries a powerful weight for all believers and illustrates what it means to suffer for Christ.
