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The Undulating Shadows
ππππππ π¨π ππ‘π ππππ π
π’π«πππ’π«π ππ¨π¨π€ πππ’ππ§ππ π
π’πππ’π¨π§
Silent misery haunts the Scott residence at night...
A paralysis-inducing shadow has caused a chain reaction of traumatic events that lands the youngest boy, Justin, in a dilapidated orphanage in South Carolina. There, Justin's friendship with two equally traumatized children provides temporary solace from his painβuntil the shadows stir once more and leave everyone lucky enough to survive the onslaught with a shattered psyche.
33 years later, Justin stumbles upon an incident involving a similar paranormal phenomenon. His investigation reveals an unsettling truth dating back to 8,212 BC that has slowly been growing into an imminent threat to the entire planet.
Can Justin connect with his past to find the answers in time, or will he, along with every other soul on the planet, succumb to the shadow's insidious power?
"π΄ ππππ-πππ‘πππ ππππ-π‘π’ππππ π‘βππ‘ πππππ π¦ππ’ ππ’ππ π πππ πππβπ‘ π’ππ‘ππ π‘βπ πππβ¦." ARC Reader
Silent misery haunts the Scott residence at night...
A paralysis-inducing shadow has caused a chain reaction of traumatic events that lands the youngest boy, Justin, in a dilapidated orphanage in South Carolina. There, Justin's friendship with two equally traumatized children provides temporary solace from his painβuntil the shadows stir once more and leave everyone lucky enough to survive the onslaught with a shattered psyche.
33 years later, Justin stumbles upon an incident involving a similar paranormal phenomenon. His investigation reveals an unsettling truth dating back to 8,212 BC that has slowly been growing into an imminent threat to the entire planet.
Can Justin connect with his past to find the answers in time, or will he, along with every other soul on the planet, succumb to the shadow's insidious power?
"π΄ ππππ-πππ‘πππ ππππ-π‘π’ππππ π‘βππ‘ πππππ π¦ππ’ ππ’ππ π πππ πππβπ‘ π’ππ‘ππ π‘βπ πππβ¦." ARC Reader
268 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 21, 2023
In The Undulating Shadows by DC Eastman, readers are thrust into a world filled with enigma and longing as they follow the lives of three orphansβJustin, Raven, and Albertβunited and then divided by fate but ever tethered by the haunting presence of a deadly specter.
From the outset, the tragic circumstances that land Justin and Raven in the orphanage offer a compelling foundation for the narrative. When they encounter Albert, who has spent his entire life within the institution's walls, friendship blossoms. Eastman deftly captures the innocence of their childhood bond, as well as the complexities of growing up, as Albert and Raven's adoption drives an inexorable wedge between the trio.
What really sets this novel apart is the slow unraveling of the mystery surrounding the specter. Eastman masterfully withholds key details, inviting readers to join the characters on their journey to discovery. This journey is one filled with twists and turns, and the realization that Albert is not who they believed him to be adds an unexpected layer to the story.
Eastman's character development is particularly praiseworthy, particularly during the characters' youth. His ability to make readers connect with these characters is skillful, playing on universal experiences and empathetic understanding.
The transition from childhood to adulthood, I feel, is somewhat abrupt, a jump that, while understandable, could have been smoothed for better narrative flow. Raven's 'other sense' is an intriguing element that I would have liked to have seen explored more before becoming a key tool in solving the mystery. Still, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel. Eastman's vivid imagination and skillful storytelling make The Undulating Shadows an entertaining read that is sure to satisfy fans of thrillers and mysteries.
The science fiction elements add another layer of intrigue, and although the beginning may seem slow, the patient reader is rewarded with a rich and interconnected story that unfolds beautifully. For those interested in a thrilling tale filled with mystery, suspense, and profound human connection, The Undulating Shadows is a compelling recommendation. I look forward to diving into more of Eastman's work in the future.
From the outset, the tragic circumstances that land Justin and Raven in the orphanage offer a compelling foundation for the narrative. When they encounter Albert, who has spent his entire life within the institution's walls, friendship blossoms. Eastman deftly captures the innocence of their childhood bond, as well as the complexities of growing up, as Albert and Raven's adoption drives an inexorable wedge between the trio.
What really sets this novel apart is the slow unraveling of the mystery surrounding the specter. Eastman masterfully withholds key details, inviting readers to join the characters on their journey to discovery. This journey is one filled with twists and turns, and the realization that Albert is not who they believed him to be adds an unexpected layer to the story.
Eastman's character development is particularly praiseworthy, particularly during the characters' youth. His ability to make readers connect with these characters is skillful, playing on universal experiences and empathetic understanding.
The transition from childhood to adulthood, I feel, is somewhat abrupt, a jump that, while understandable, could have been smoothed for better narrative flow. Raven's 'other sense' is an intriguing element that I would have liked to have seen explored more before becoming a key tool in solving the mystery. Still, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel. Eastman's vivid imagination and skillful storytelling make The Undulating Shadows an entertaining read that is sure to satisfy fans of thrillers and mysteries.
The science fiction elements add another layer of intrigue, and although the beginning may seem slow, the patient reader is rewarded with a rich and interconnected story that unfolds beautifully. For those interested in a thrilling tale filled with mystery, suspense, and profound human connection, The Undulating Shadows is a compelling recommendation. I look forward to diving into more of Eastman's work in the future.
September 26, 2023
Review of eBook
Sleep is difficult for a young Turkish girl in 8,212 BC . . . the dark shadow with deep, dead eyes haunts her nights. Now, in 1991 South Carolina, Emily sees the quiet man that comes at night. Over the years, the dark shadow ghost appears . . . and then, a mysterious death occurs.
What is the dark shadow ghost . . . and can it be stopped?
=========
Friendship and loyalty play a large part in the telling of this tale. Intriguing characters and a positively terrifying plot keep the pages turning as the setting alternates between time periods and characters. There are some truly difficult moments, especially with the bullying, that readers are sure to find harrowing, but they lead to a denouement that readers simply wonβt see coming. Readers who enjoy their science fiction with a bit of horror tossed in will find much to appreciate here.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sleep is difficult for a young Turkish girl in 8,212 BC . . . the dark shadow with deep, dead eyes haunts her nights. Now, in 1991 South Carolina, Emily sees the quiet man that comes at night. Over the years, the dark shadow ghost appears . . . and then, a mysterious death occurs.
What is the dark shadow ghost . . . and can it be stopped?
=========
Friendship and loyalty play a large part in the telling of this tale. Intriguing characters and a positively terrifying plot keep the pages turning as the setting alternates between time periods and characters. There are some truly difficult moments, especially with the bullying, that readers are sure to find harrowing, but they lead to a denouement that readers simply wonβt see coming. Readers who enjoy their science fiction with a bit of horror tossed in will find much to appreciate here.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2023
The story revolves around a shadow that has been around for thousands of years, terrorising children in South Carolina, North Carolina, and California, appearing at night. There are various characters to follow with a change of perspectives in every chapter but the book is predominantly from Justin's point of view. The book is written in the present tense so readers read the narrative in real-time. A personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters. This is a complex horror science-fiction story and not a casual read.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
August 2, 2023
After having beta read this book, I couldn't wait to jump on Amazon and buy it the second it became available! I loved the horror vibe of the shadow that appears just before a loved one mysteriously dies, and the plot twist of what that shadow ends up being at the end of the book will forever be one of my favorite plot twists in fiction. Talk about some M. Night Shyamalan stitching to tie up those loose questions! I'll never forget the unveiling of who it had been all this time... With a cast of unforgettable, heart-wrenching characters, a plot you never saw coming, and a jaw-dropping reveal at the end, Undulating Shadows will be on replay in your head for days after finishing! A great sci-fi thriller and the book that tied for my favorite publication of the year!
August 15, 2023
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
A well crafted sci-fi thriller with an unexpected end.
A well crafted sci-fi thriller with an unexpected end.
July 27, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A unique take on the shadows we see lurking in dark corners. It steals your breath and paralyzes you. From the prehistoric era to modern day, this story takes place in multiple time periods and begs the question: "Can this dark tormenter ever be stopped?". The majority of the book follows three young outsiders in an orphanage in the 1980's, that form a bond due to a common enemy. As if their past traumas are not enough, they are forced to tolerate a bully and his two henchmen that torment them relentlessly. All have had experiences with the shadow figure with the black eyes, though none are willing to discuss it for fear of causing it to re-appear. After a terrifying incident one night, the three friends pray that all is put to rest and the nightmare is over. But is it?
There are some great themes of friendship and loyalty among the three orphans. They have normal disagreements but still seem to accept one another, faults and all. I can't say I have much to say about the adults in the book that is positive. The vast majority of them have no redeeming qualities whatsoever. And even those who are not horribly violent or neglectful, are weak or cartoonishly straight laced.
That being said, I loved the originality of the story. It's so unique that I'm having a hard time deciding what category to put it in. Horror? Sci-fi? Thriller? Paranormal? Yes to all! It's a story that will pull you in and keep you guessing to the very twisty end.
A unique take on the shadows we see lurking in dark corners. It steals your breath and paralyzes you. From the prehistoric era to modern day, this story takes place in multiple time periods and begs the question: "Can this dark tormenter ever be stopped?". The majority of the book follows three young outsiders in an orphanage in the 1980's, that form a bond due to a common enemy. As if their past traumas are not enough, they are forced to tolerate a bully and his two henchmen that torment them relentlessly. All have had experiences with the shadow figure with the black eyes, though none are willing to discuss it for fear of causing it to re-appear. After a terrifying incident one night, the three friends pray that all is put to rest and the nightmare is over. But is it?
There are some great themes of friendship and loyalty among the three orphans. They have normal disagreements but still seem to accept one another, faults and all. I can't say I have much to say about the adults in the book that is positive. The vast majority of them have no redeeming qualities whatsoever. And even those who are not horribly violent or neglectful, are weak or cartoonishly straight laced.
That being said, I loved the originality of the story. It's so unique that I'm having a hard time deciding what category to put it in. Horror? Sci-fi? Thriller? Paranormal? Yes to all! It's a story that will pull you in and keep you guessing to the very twisty end.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews