Shadowman

by Howard Gardos

Shadowman is story #5 in "The Bethesda Wars" There is a secret Compound in Bethesda, Maryland. Agents from the Compound scour the world looking for children with special talents. Talents that can be fostered, and shaped...and used. They knew Subject Kelly was different the moment he was born. He did not cry in the delivery room, but when his unfocusing eyes drifted toward a nurse she gasped, and her nose started to gush blood. Kelly, his brother Atticus and their mother had to go deeper into hiding. Their mother knew what was at she had been born on the Compound, a 'potential', and when she had not blossomed into a Talent they had let her go. Now the Scouts are right on their heels, looking to take her children. We see the story through the eyes of Subject Atticus, an autistic Talent who has a compulsive need to grade things. He watches with a detached eye as his brother is shaped and trained to be a figure that strikes terror throughout the Compound. But when his brother starts to become unstable, it is Atticus who must help save his brother, or watch him be destroyed. Shadowman is the first story in the Bethesda Wars, and characters who will have a great impact on the series are prevalent throughout the story. In addition to Subjects Kelly and Atticus there is the malevolent Damian Alan Kay, who recognizes Kelly's abilities and wants to use them for his own nefarious ends. There is Subject Roberta, who recognizes the evil of the Compound and wants to stop it. And there is Father Black, the ominous leader of the Compound, who terrifies everyone...except Atticus. Shadowman is a graphic thriller, but at the same time it is touching and moving. The characters may do extraordinary things but in many ways they are ordinary people, trying to find their way. Shadowman is the first story in The Bethesda Wars, and introduces the readers to a terrifying and thrilling world, one hidden just beneath the surface of our own.

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2012

Reviews

[Pankush Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay Howard Gardos, I'm in.

A very quick but engaging read. Kelly's descent into madness is equally terrifying and heartbreaking. Seeing all of this through the point of view of Atticus is unique as well - him rating everything around him, from the movies he watches to Shadowman's murder schemes, provide lots of insight into his character and how he thinks despite his relatively flat affect. There are enough nuggets to keep you intrigued with lots of leads left open, particularly with Damien and the mysterious leader of the compound. The writing here takes a "less is more" approach to the villains and it works really well.

Looking forward to seeing where the rest of the story goes.

[Noah Markewitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atticus is such a great character. I love the way he is written. As someone who personally loves ranking things, I relate! I love his relationship with Roberta. It is extremely cute. “Subject Atticus did you just make a joke” and
I do not like being touched, but I do not mind when Roberta touches me are stand out lines.

Also, incredible introductions to Shadowman and Damien.
This was originally the first novella in the series. But the author changed it, I think this should be read first. It really sets up everything nicely.
The slow and methodical world building of this series is brilliant.

[Andrew Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended by a friend and it freaked me out. Just a novella so I finished it in a sitting, but really strong and creepy. Definitely recommended