Shock consolidation is a method that presents a bright potential but has been limited by inevitable cracking of compacts, especially for ceramics. In an effort to eliminate cracking while retaining the unique features of shock consolidation, three novel approaches have been implemented : (1) the use of local shock-induced reactions to increase the temperature of particle surfaces and to provide a bonding phase (reaction products); (2) shock densification at a low pressure (just above the threshold for pore collapse) followed by hot isostatic pressing; (3) shock consolidation of pre-heated specimens. These techniques were applied to silicon carbide. Reduction of cracking was observed with interparticle melting and reactions. Microstructural results, mechanical properties and advantages and limitations of these approaches are discussed. It is shown that shock consolidation of ceramics is inherently limited because shock-induced cracks are introduced into the process, damaging the particles. A criterion for the plastic deformation versus fracture of ceramic powders under shock consolidation is proposed.