Xor: The Shape of Darkness

Lewis Nash always knew he was different from other boys, but he didn’t realize how different until he awoke on his twelfth birthday in the shape of a bedbug. Then he turns into a dinosaur while brushing his teeth. Clearly Lewis, who’s always known he’s adopted, is more different than he realized. Lewis returns from school that day to find his house burned to the ground, his father dead, and a bizarre creature waiting to capture him. He learns that he is Lord Shaper from Xor and that his home world is in crisis. He alone can stop the darkness that is engulfing Xor with his power to shape reality.

Xor: The Shape of Darkness carries the cadences of a bedtime story. Sipper’s simple, straightforward narrative and frequent explanations of words lend the book an oral feel and make it perfect for shared reading. Lewis is the quintessential hero: brave, smart, a quick learner, and undaunted by the challenges that face him. His quest teaches him to master his own abilities and to be an astute judge of character. Children will admire his fearlessness while learning life lessons (not to mention vocabulary) while adults will enjoy the classic adventure story.