Out of shadows by Jason Wallace has an astonishing impact, one of the most memorable books I have ever read. It gives you a real insight into how war-zones still destruct peoples lives, even though the violence has stopped. It taught me about how the racial conflict that has happened in the past, still affects families now. This book creates a magical atmosphere that is sustained throughout the whole story which I really loved. It worked with mature themes, but had a great fictional story-line that really made me enjoy it.
The story is set in the hot, summer haze of Zimbabwe, 1980s. The president Robert Mugabe has promised and prophesied peace across the nation, however for some people the war isn't over. For Robert Jacklin, he is in a new continent, new country and new school, and has sworn to Nelson to look after each other "like brothers". The saintly Nelson and Robert bond rapidly, however the scheming, clever but angry Ivan takes a serious interest in the new boy.

Soon enough Robert has adapted to Ivan's evil and racial way of thinking, and he has deserted poor Nelson, who is vulnerable without him. Roberts confidence builds, unfortunately for the worse. Robert soon realizes he has turned into the unreasonable bully he used to despise; yet he struggles to escape Ivan's brutal web of inequality. He is bribed and tempted but will he stand strong and barricade Ivan's final master plan? Or will he avoid courage and let his arch enemy ruin his life forever? I absolutely adored this book, and I think it deserves no less than 5/5!

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