Shadowland (Unabridged)
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4.1 • 7 Ratings
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- $26.99
Publisher Description
First setting: an all-male prep school in Arizona, where two sensitive freshmen form a bond based on their interest in magic tricks. Second setting: the labyrinthine house of a weird magician uncle in New England, where the two boys spend a memorable summer being trained in the art of illusion. Or is it real magic? Third setting: an alternate world where dark forces are at play - forces that first show up at the school, but intensify their power the summer. Shadowland is a superb, under-recognized, early novel from a master of literary terror.
Customer Reviews
"When we all lived in the forest..."
Read for the first time 30 years ago and it definitely stands the test of time. Haunting, atmospheric, mythic, and lyrical. It provoked images of a "greater world" than I was familiar with as a young teen and motivated me to seek out places like Paris, London, Prague, and Florence. Beautiful prose and sensitive observations teamed with suspense and action that hits you like a jackhammer. One of my top favorite suspense stories.
An overlooked masterpiece!
I read this book when it was initially released, at the point where I was near the age of the protagonist. I never forgot about it, and have waited a long time for it to become available as an audiobook. In my estimation, it may well have influenced everything from George Lucas' characterization of Emperor Palpatine to Harry Potter. It absolutely should be made into a movie. Harry Potter without the childish trappings, or Return of the Jedi in a realm of sorcery. Purchasing this audiobook will definitely not be a mistake. The only flaw I've ever noted is the author's depiction of Phoenix/Arizona (which I'm guessing he must not have been familiar with!). Lastly, it has perhaps the most haunting, heartrending final scene and epilogue that a reader could ever hope to encounter.