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kotep's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
shrikekali's review against another edition
3.0
I definitely enjoyed this book, but it needed to be expanded into a full-length novel in my opinion. Give it room to grow and flesh out the characters and story a little more.
I am already a Brian Keene reader and now I will have to check out some of Geoff Cooper's work.
I am already a Brian Keene reader and now I will have to check out some of Geoff Cooper's work.
rock_n_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Stick with me as I begin this review with a tidbit on my bookish interests. Coming-of-age tales have truly been hit or miss for me. I think this is because I can’t always connect with the characters or relate to elements of the story. When I do find it relatable, then the story definitely hits the mark and sticks with me long after I’ve finished reading. So, when I tell you that Shades is a great story, and a solid coming-of-age tale, I really mean it.
I had a great time reading this novella—I finished it in one sitting, eager to discover what was next. There were many elements of this story that worked for me. One was the fact that it’s set in the 1980s, so that automatically drew me in. I really enjoyed the references to that frame of time. I also loved the characters. I’ve got a soft spot for stories about kids with a troubled home life, so I was immediately interested in the protagonist, Danny, and where his story would lead. Gustav was another favorite character. He has some of the best lines in the book, ranging from insults and jokes to well-intentioned nuggets of wisdom. There were several times I laughed out loud, mostly due to the dialogue. I loved the developing relationship between these two characters. There are heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout the story, and the authors have a way with words that gave me warm feelings and nostalgia. There are specific lines I’d love to point out, but I won’t give away any spoilers regarding these bits of the story—it’s best for the reader to experience it firsthand.
I thought the premise of the story was very creative. I liked the concept of the shadows or “shades” of the dead, and what happens with them as part of Michael's plan. Michael is the villain of this story, and his actions were very unnerving and sinister. There are plenty of supernatural and magical elements to this tale, and we also get glimpses of real life horror. The reader watches Danny struggle through not only the typical discomfort of adolescence, but also family issues and his search for a role model.
With Shades, Cooper and Keene deliver a well-rounded story, complete with solid characters, setting, and dialogue. It was my first introduction to Cooper's town of Brackard's Point, and to Keene's Labyrinth mythos, and I'm eager for more of both. This one left me wishing for a sequel, and while I'm not sure that's in the cards, I can guarantee I'll be adding more books from both authors to my TBR list.
I had a great time reading this novella—I finished it in one sitting, eager to discover what was next. There were many elements of this story that worked for me. One was the fact that it’s set in the 1980s, so that automatically drew me in. I really enjoyed the references to that frame of time. I also loved the characters. I’ve got a soft spot for stories about kids with a troubled home life, so I was immediately interested in the protagonist, Danny, and where his story would lead. Gustav was another favorite character. He has some of the best lines in the book, ranging from insults and jokes to well-intentioned nuggets of wisdom. There were several times I laughed out loud, mostly due to the dialogue. I loved the developing relationship between these two characters. There are heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout the story, and the authors have a way with words that gave me warm feelings and nostalgia. There are specific lines I’d love to point out, but I won’t give away any spoilers regarding these bits of the story—it’s best for the reader to experience it firsthand.
I thought the premise of the story was very creative. I liked the concept of the shadows or “shades” of the dead, and what happens with them as part of Michael's plan. Michael is the villain of this story, and his actions were very unnerving and sinister. There are plenty of supernatural and magical elements to this tale, and we also get glimpses of real life horror. The reader watches Danny struggle through not only the typical discomfort of adolescence, but also family issues and his search for a role model.
With Shades, Cooper and Keene deliver a well-rounded story, complete with solid characters, setting, and dialogue. It was my first introduction to Cooper's town of Brackard's Point, and to Keene's Labyrinth mythos, and I'm eager for more of both. This one left me wishing for a sequel, and while I'm not sure that's in the cards, I can guarantee I'll be adding more books from both authors to my TBR list.
bobmetal's review against another edition
5.0
This was really good, a magic filled coming of age horror. I really enjoyed spending time with Danny and Gustav. There's some very nasty horror here as well, the part where Danny tries to save his friend is particularly memorable. Its always nice to see some references to Keene's Labyrinth Mythos as well
The ending leaves you on a cliff-hanger and I would love to know what the future holds for Danny and the town of Brackard's Point
The ending leaves you on a cliff-hanger and I would love to know what the future holds for Danny and the town of Brackard's Point
mrfrank's review against another edition
3.0
Brian Keene delves into Fantasy with Geoff Cooper in SHADES. Either a long novella or short novel, SHADES is a straight forward fantasy tale with the trademark Brian Keene touch. A great read for adults and very accessable for younger readers this would be a great way for parents who enjoy Brian Keene to introduce their kids to his work.
This is the first Keene collaboration I've read as well. I must say it felt seamless. I couldn't much tell where Keene was writing as opposed to Cooper. There are parts of each's literary world woven into the story but knowedge of either or is absoultely unnecessary. If anything the story peaks my interest in further exploring Cooper's work which I have not yet read any of.
So the review will be as short and sweet as this darkish fantasy story. Read it, it's solid.
This is the first Keene collaboration I've read as well. I must say it felt seamless. I couldn't much tell where Keene was writing as opposed to Cooper. There are parts of each's literary world woven into the story but knowedge of either or is absoultely unnecessary. If anything the story peaks my interest in further exploring Cooper's work which I have not yet read any of.
So the review will be as short and sweet as this darkish fantasy story. Read it, it's solid.
motherhorror's review against another edition
4.0
Review originally published in SCREAM Magazine Issue 59 March/April
Poltergeist Press is a new publishing company with an emphasis on bringing quality horror fiction to a Russian audience. They also do English releases in a sleek mass market paperback size that I find highly collectible.
Shades is a coming-of-age, dark fantasy story told in a collaborative effort from Brian Keene and Geoff Cooper. A young man named Danny goes crab hunting to make a few extra bucks. One day, he discovers a motherload of crab swarming on the beach so he drags over a trash can to collect them all. Once some of the crabs are removed, Danny realizes the crabs were feasting on a corpse. In shock and wondering what to do, Danny meets an old Russian named Gustav and the two strike up a friendship that later develops into an apprenticeship. What kind of apprenticeship is totally up to the reader to discover. I enjoyed that part of the story the most so I don’t want to give it away.
I have read a few Brian Keene stories this year, GHOUL and CASTAWAYS and I loved them. I’m an instant fan. Longtime readers of Keene told me that this book, SHADES features a mythos from Keene’s Labyrinth Series, which I haven’t read. This story is also set in a fictional town from Geoff Cooper’s books--which I also haven’t read but I’m mentioning it because that knowledge is not a requirement in order to enjoy this novella but I’m sure fans of both authors will love the easter eggs peppered throughout. SHADES is an accessible, magical tale with supernatural elements that I believe readers of all ages will enjoy.
Poltergeist Press is a new publishing company with an emphasis on bringing quality horror fiction to a Russian audience. They also do English releases in a sleek mass market paperback size that I find highly collectible.
Shades is a coming-of-age, dark fantasy story told in a collaborative effort from Brian Keene and Geoff Cooper. A young man named Danny goes crab hunting to make a few extra bucks. One day, he discovers a motherload of crab swarming on the beach so he drags over a trash can to collect them all. Once some of the crabs are removed, Danny realizes the crabs were feasting on a corpse. In shock and wondering what to do, Danny meets an old Russian named Gustav and the two strike up a friendship that later develops into an apprenticeship. What kind of apprenticeship is totally up to the reader to discover. I enjoyed that part of the story the most so I don’t want to give it away.
I have read a few Brian Keene stories this year, GHOUL and CASTAWAYS and I loved them. I’m an instant fan. Longtime readers of Keene told me that this book, SHADES features a mythos from Keene’s Labyrinth Series, which I haven’t read. This story is also set in a fictional town from Geoff Cooper’s books--which I also haven’t read but I’m mentioning it because that knowledge is not a requirement in order to enjoy this novella but I’m sure fans of both authors will love the easter eggs peppered throughout. SHADES is an accessible, magical tale with supernatural elements that I believe readers of all ages will enjoy.
martinroberts's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this joint offering from Geoff Cooper and Brian Keene, great use of previous history, place, and mythos - though you don't need to have read anything else to understand the story.
My pitch to those dumb-fuck Armani skinned Hollywood weasels - Carrie Potter.
To the readers, Stephen King's Harry Potter edited by the shade of Richard Bachman!
Well done, guys!
My pitch to those dumb-fuck Armani skinned Hollywood weasels - Carrie Potter.
To the readers, Stephen King's Harry Potter edited by the shade of Richard Bachman!
Well done, guys!
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