The Shade

by Larry Gattis

ForeWord Clarion and doctor Larry Gattis reveals a highly tuned, vivid imagination in his debut novel. His well-written scenes of mayhem and fatal destruction may be best read during daylight hours, when lines like this one won’t result in “Joe clawed at the moss surrounding their hands. It was like cable, and the shears would not get underneath the bonds. The thorny plant lacerated Joe’s fingers as he pulled at the knots. There were so many tentacles coming through the window now that the origin was impossible to find.” One of my book comments for "The Shade"Shelly BerryhillDoc, just finished your book. Enjoyed it! What an imagination. I may keep you as my doctor, but I want a nurse present. I don't want to be alone with your mind!

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2011

Reviews

[Melissa Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

by Larry Gattis


The most original scenario in a book I've read was with the main character, Jules and the rare genetic disorder this character was born with. Add to that the very difficult decision the parents, Dr. Joe Sander's D.C. and his wife, Eileen, have to make in the best interest of their child. Always, no matter what topic, when it comes to our children every decision we need to make are the biggest ones we'll ever face and they most certainly had a huge one to make. So that made for a depth of the story I really liked.

Their decision did not come without it's repercussions of course as "The Shade" had much darker thoughts of it's own. Joe and Eileen's decision led to a race to find and fix the problem their decision created and must be done before Jules' eighteenth birthday and so the clock begins in this race for answers and survival before it's too late.

I found all the main character's were very likable while at the same time found myself on the edge of wanting to scream at others! The Police, to see and help this family before it was too late!! To open their eyes and start listening to what was going on!! Of course screaming at characters in a book doesn't help, because as your ripping your hair out thinking of what you want to yell to them, they can't hear you....it's a book!! Much the same way we find ourselves screaming at a T.V. which made the story exciting and fun. A definite good frustration with suspenseful parts in the story....not telling if, when or how they listened.....so don't ask, haha ;)

One of the most likable characters I've come across was Abe. I Loved this man. Abe Butters is the spirit catcher who also happens to be blind and I adored the way he spoke! He is most definitely one of those characters you just Love for who he is, what he does and his care for helping out this family. A very wise and very content simple man. One I'd call a cozy character. The one who warms your heart and has you waiting impatiently from the time he enters the story with hope and more nail biting that nothing happens to him as the problem that the Sanders' brings to him also puts Abe in the middle of the danger, but he doesn't fail in helping regardless.

Not all of the plot was extremely unique, but it was a good story, pretty fast paced and while not completely original besides Jules' disorder, it still made you want to read on to see how it all unfolds. Other books I've read with similar plots were more drudgery of just trying to get to the end for the sake of finishing the book while here I truly and anxiously wanted to know what happened to this family. I read another that was similar, but didn't thrill me nearly as much as this one did. The author was creative and made it original in how it all played out so praise and applause for that.

A very fast read and held my interest throughout. That being said for those it matters to, the editing was in much need of an overhaul. I always say editing errors don't bother me, and really didn't much here either because I just got lost in the story and looked over them because I feel this author has a great imagination and potential. (The editing issues may have been corrected since the time of this review)

I admit some frustration over a Chiropractor not understanding medical terms as their schooling is very extensive in medical terminology all the way down to dissecting cadavers on a long term basis throughout schooling. That may not seem to be something that should be in a book review, but as a reader that type of thing does bother me far more than any editing issues. Just as many use the terms "masseuse" instead of Massage Therapist grates on my nerves being that I am a Massage Therapist.

So to get past the editing issues, this book had it's moments of fast paced activity mixed throughout the story within the daily activities of this family's life. It had moments where you're biting your nails in suspense, great characters, real life things to question and think "what would I do?", a supernatural force fighting this family and reincarnation. The pace picks further and more heavily when Eileen is helping Joe out of his own dilemmas and then onto the attempt they take to beat the clock to escape "The Shade". The end, of which I will not divulge detail, is wrapped up nicely, unusual, satisfying, great climax and in the aftermath it's own humorous way of some characters explaining to others who weren't in the loop what exactly took place.

A good read completely worth my time. If you can overlook the editing, just want a good and interesting story than definitely give it a try and enjoy!! :)

This book was given to me for review from the author and Goodreads. Thank you

[Mindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I wanted to like it - but if I'm being honest - while the story had possibilities, the book was not well-written and is in desperate need of a good edit. An example: The author has the 8 year old boy speaking in language way beyond what would be age appropriate. Also, the 8 year old suffers a bad injury in summer camp. Suddenly the boy turns 12 and then 16. When he is 16, he is asked about the injury he suffered "last year" at summer camp. This is just one example of the disruptive flow in the author's writing. I think the author has a good imagination, and as I stated, the story itself and the twisty plot line had possibilities, but I would suggest some serious professional editing before publishing another novel. Sorry - I do appreciate the opportunity to be an early reader and wish I could have given it a better review.

[Carlene Pass · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story sucks you in as soon as you start reading. Was very happily surprised with the ending. Not the typical ghost story. Would recommend to others.