Shadowland (The Mediator #1) Paperback – December 28, 2004

Susannah "Suze" Simon isn't your average teen: she can't drive, she wears a motorcycle jacket, and she's a mediator - a person who can see, speak and (if necessary) give ghosts that extra nudge (or shove) into the beyond. Giving up NYC life to go live in Carmel, California, Suze attempts to make the best of her new stepfather, Andy, and his three sons, Jake (Sleepy), Brad (Dopey) and David (Doc). But the moment she steps foot in her so-not-Suze bedroom, she realizes the move will be more difficult than she anticipated. Mostly because of the Spanish-speaking ghost that refuses move out of her bedroom. But in comparison to a ghostly Queen Bee named Heather waiting for Suze at her new school, he's the least of her problems. Being a mediator, it's up to Suze to deal with Heather, especially before someone gets hurt...or worse.Every time I reread this book, I'm reminded why I love Cabot's writing (especially her earlier work) so much. Cabot includes intriguing storylines, characters you can't help but to adore, a strong/realistic heroine, and an abundance of amusing moments to keep your spirits up. Suze isn't some weak protagonist - she's not afraid to defend herself and the people she cares about. This is also one of the few paranormal stories that manages to keep family/friendship at the heart of the story, and I love how Cabot writes a light paranormal story where the family is present and cares about our protagonist (instead of killing off the family/making her parents completely suck like other books do). There's enough to keep a reader pleasantly surprised as well. If you're looking for a lighter, amusing paranormal story for summer, then Shadowland is the perfect choice.HIGHLIGHTS: Suze's witticisms and attitude bring this story to another level. She is without a doubt one of my favorite book characters. Even her stubbornness makes her endearing. Many of the characters - from Father Dominic, Jesse, to the Ackerman family - are enjoyable and amusing because of how realistic and unique they are. I loved the California descriptions because it was a bit interesting to see Suze's reactions to the beach/palm trees/Cali life in comparison to NYC. By and far some of Cabot's best work, Shadowland (the first installment of the Mediator series) is witty, fun, and full of heart.LOWLIGHTS: Not quite enough is done with some of the supporting characters (especially Jesse, Ceecee, Father Dominic, and Adam), but it is only the first novel. Besides, I already know that all of these characters get more page-time later on.

I decided to test out reading some of Meg Cabot's books. She has a long list of books and different series. I decided to try out the Mediator Series because it sounded interesting enough for me. And I really enjoyed it.The story is about Suze Simon, a sixteen year old girl, who can see and talk to ghosts. She moves to Carmel with her mom, new stepdad and three stepbrothers.At a new house and new school, she of course, encounters ghosts. Interesting enough is that you follow her along her journey with trying to discover the mystery of the ghost that haunts her home as well as the ghost that haunts her school.I enjoyed the fact that she's a typical high school girl but with a chip on her shoulder. She's stubborn but also has a sharp tongue and doesn't let anyone push her around. She's a strong protagonist and does some serious butt kicking.I also enjoyed her relationship with her new stepbrothers especially the budding relationship she has with her youngest stepbrother. The story also builds her relationship with new friends as well as another mediator at her school.The story was an easy, fun read and definitely has the mystery and suspense thrown in along with the drama that comes with the everyday life of a teenage girl.Now on to the next book in the series ...

I read this series when I was younger and I had to make my first set on my new kindle. Its a beautiful love story with lots of action and a character I really relate to. Plus Jesse is like my soul mate haha I 100 percent recommend! I despise love stories but this one. Is just on another kevek

I read this in middle school from the library, then bought it in high school to keep. Unfortunately, that copy was lost so I got it again. Love this whole series.

3.5 Stars - A fun, light, easy paranormal read - this book is nice beginning in the Mediator Series. The main Character Suze is true to most teens - going her own way to deal with the ghosts she's trying to send to the "other side". She's head strong and knows just how she likes to do things, which maybe isn't always the right way. However, throughout the book it makes you question whether or not she'll be able to get the job done.With some mystery - ghost's and a head strong teen, I look forward to find out more and what's coming next for Suze, not to mention finding out more about Jessie and to see where his part of the story leads.If your looking for a light mysterious read with ghosts? Then this is the perfect series for you.

I thought this was a pretty good book. Parts of it were okay. But otherwise, I liked it. Some of it was kind of scary.

Suze can do more than just see ghosts. She's a mediator with the task of helping ghosts cross over. When she moves to California, she hopes to start fresh without the "crazy" stigma she has because of her talent (or curse as she sees it). Meg Cabot takes her easy reading style and creates a fun paranormal adventure. I loved Suze's New York attitude that makes her the next "IT" girl in her new NOrthern California home.

I love the mediator, it's been a while since I've read it but it's still as good as I remembered. Suze is an interesting character and I just loooove Jesse!

Siempre he querido leer la saga The Mediator de Meg Cabot así que cuando lo vi en amazon no dudé en comprarlo, mucho menos por el precio que era una ganga, el libro llego en perfectas condiciones, viene en Inglés y está todo bien pero la calidad del libro es pésima. Uno creería que Por ser un producto americano tendría una mejor calidad pero ni los libros de bolsillo tienen tan mala calidad, el papel parece de periódico.Eso sí la historia increíble mucho mejor que El diario de la princesa a mi gusto

Susannah Simon ist ein Mediator, eine Vermittlerin zwischen den Toten und dem Reich der Lebenden. Das bedeutet, dass die 16-Jährige, die meist Suze genannt wird, Geister sieht, hört und fühlt. Als Vermittlerin versucht sie den Geistern, die aus irgendwelchen Gründen am Leben hängen und deswegen nicht 'weiter gegangen' sind, zu helfen und ihren Frieden zu finden. Da sich manch ein Geist aber gar nicht helfen lassen will, ist Suze nicht zimperlich und setzt auch ungewöhnliche Methoden ein, um der Geisterflut in ihrem Leben Herr zu werden.Ihre Mutter hat gerade frisch geheiratet und nun zieht Suze von ihrer Heimatstadt New York nach Carmel-by-the-Sea in Kalifornien. Sie schwankt zwischen Freude und Entsetzen: Freude darüber, nicht mehr der Schulfreak zu sein und in einem kleinen Ort mit neuer Schule noch mal neu anfangen zu können (weniger Einwohner = weniger Geister). Entsetzen, dass sie ihre beste Freundin zurücklassen muss und ihren Haushalt nun mit gleich drei Stiefbrüdern teilen darf. Sie beschließt, die Sache positiv anzugehen und möglichst geisterfrei in der neuen Heimat zu starten.Dieser gute Vorsatz hält nicht lange, denn kaum betritt sie ihr neues Zimmer, wartet dort schon der erste tote Bewohner. Jesse, ein jugendlicher Cowboy, der für einen 150 Jahre Alten Geist unverschämt gut aussieht, ist nicht gewillt, 'sein' Haus und Zimmer dauerhaft zu verlassen. Doch das ist nichts im Vergleich zu dem Ärger, der Suze an ihrer neuen katholischen Schule blüht. Dort hat sich nämlich eine der psychotischen Schulschönheiten das Leben genommen, weil ihr Freund mit ihr Schluss gemacht hat. Deren Geist ist nicht gewillt, den armen Knaben so einfach davonkommen zu lassen und trachtet ihm und bald allen, die ihn schützen, nach dem Leben.Überraschenderweise erhält Suze Unterstützung von Vater Dominik, Priester und Vorstehenden der neuen Schule, der ebenfalls ein Mediator ist. Seine und Suzannahs Auffassung wie man einen Geist überredet, ins Jenseits zu wechseln, unterscheiden sich zwar gewaltig, aber sie arbeiten trotzdem mit vereinten Kräften. Doch damit nicht genug, Suze bekommt Hilfe aus einer Richtung, die sie nie erwartet hätte...Meg Cabots The Mediator-Reihe umfasst 6 Bände, von denen Shadowland den Auftaktband darstellt. Das Buch ist unglaublich lustig und unterhaltsam, wenn auch etwas kurz. Suze als Icherzählerin ist eine extrem gute Beobachterin und wirklich nicht auf den Mund gefallen. Wollen die Geister nicht so wie sie sollen, bedient sie sich auch mal schlagkräftiger Argumente. Dabei bleibt sie aber immer sympathisch und kann selbst der krudesten Situation noch etwas positives abgewinnen. Ich habe beim Lesen wirklich viel und herzhaft gelacht. Deshalb freue mich heute schon auf ein Wiedersehen mit Suzannah in The Ninth Key oder darauf, eine der anderen Heldinnen aus Meg Cabots Bücherkosmos kennen zu lernen.Fazit: Viereinhalb Sterne für eine kurze, aber wunderbar kurzweilige Unterhaltung.

I L-O-V-E-D it! I couldn't put it down. I finished the book in like 1 day! I ordered the next one in the series and cant wait to get it. The main character in this book is really brave and loves to help. The ghost girl in the school is really mean and she handled her well. And I LOOOOOVE Meg Cabot's books. So to Meg Cabot, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!I would highly recommend this book.

Meg Cabot と言えば代表作は Princess Diaries シリーズだが、野郎が手を出すのは腰が引けるタイトルなのでこちらを選んでみた。死者とコミュニケートできる Mediator 能力をもつ、不良というわけではないがちょっとツッパった感じの１６歳、スザンナ（Suze）が主人公。Mediator とは、本来その名のごとくさまよえる幽霊と交渉して穏やかにあちら側に退去してもらう調停役なのだが、スーズは性格が性格なのでついいらぬことまで口にして相手を怒らせてしまい、結局エクトプラズムを素手でぶん殴る（！）ようなラフな手法をとりがちだ。このスーズが母親の再婚で心ならずもNYからカリフォルニアに引っ越すと、自分の部屋にはハンサムな幽霊が居着いており、柄でもないミッションスクールに編入すれば、そこにはふられた腹いせに拳銃自殺した女の子の幽霊が相手の男の子を取り殺そうと蠢動していて・・・といった感じ。思い込みが強すぎてストーカーが入っている少女の霊との対決を縦軸に、環境の変化や新たな人づきあい（生者・死者問わず）へのとまどいという「アメリカの女子高生の日常」をテンポよく描いていて読みやすい。普通の辞書には載っていないようなくだけた表現も出てくるが、ＰＢ初心者にとってそんなに苦労するものではありません。ただひとつ納得いかなかったのが少女の幽霊の始末の付け方。確かに思い込みの強さから人を傷つけていくのだが、手段を問わず排除しなければならないほどの悪とも思えなかった。「そこまでやるこたあるまいに」というのが正直な気持ちだ。このあたりは男と女の感覚の違いかもしれない。