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The Shades

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One late September day, the entire population of the United States vanishes, leaving behind nothing but empty streets. For the rest of the world, there's no explanation for how 300m people could simply vanish in the blink of an eye. While international organizations dither over what to do next, a powerful company pays for a small team of investigators to head to the U.S. and learn the truth. Once they're there, however, it becomes clear that a massive cover-up is already in place. Who left warning messages behind, why did a powerful storm hit the city with perfect timing, and what are the Shades? Originally published in serial form, The Shades is an apocalyptic tale of powerful technology being placed in the wrong hands.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2013

82 people are currently reading
178 people want to read

About the author

Amy Cross

662 books1,677 followers
Amy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.

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5 stars
107 (42%)
4 stars
97 (38%)
3 stars
34 (13%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,395 reviews80 followers
August 2, 2017
A ripping 5 star read!

This has been one of the most thrilling novels I have read and by far the best Amy Cross book I have come across.
The plot held me entranced from the first till the last page and I had to slow my reading down as I was stumbling so quickly over the pages to literally find out was happening next.
It's very hard to explain more without giving things away and that's the point of the story - what is happening and what's going to happen next?
Highly, highly recommended.
Profile Image for Chrissie.
38 reviews
August 28, 2017
I love this authors books and she tells amazing stories. This is the lowest I've ever rated one of her books and it kind of pains me to do so. I rated it so low because there were a lot of typos, way more than usual. It kind of took away from the book at some spots. There were a couple of continuity errors as well. And the name of one of the main characters kept changing. This won't stop me from reading her books, I have a ton of them. I just wish there was a bit more proofreading involved in these.
Profile Image for Kady Monroe.
Author 6 books27 followers
November 6, 2017
Although I enjoyed this book, sometimes I was confused by the plot and character actions. It didn't put me off continuing to read as I was rooting for one of the characters. The others not so much. This was the first novel I've read by Amy Cross and would certainly read some of her others.
4*
Profile Image for Tolk.
291 reviews
March 19, 2018
Too many story lines

That rarely works and definitely stopped me from really enjoying this book as much as the premise promised.
Also, it lacks some editing.
Profile Image for David Greenlee.
76 reviews
July 1, 2014
Review of The Shades

As I have mentioned in previous reviews of Amy Cross, I am a relative newcomer to her books. I must admit that I have become addicted to her books now. This was a good read. I truly enjoyed this book, at least as much as The Library. I hope to read many more books from Amy Cross.
Profile Image for Amy.
90 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2017
Amazing read!

This has to be one of Amy Cross's best work so far. If you can ignore the odd typo here and there it really is an amazing read. Different from her usual horror type storylines but I loved it. I was addicted from start to finish. The storyline is one of those that make you think of strange things that could happen in the world. Would definitely recommend giving it a read!
Profile Image for Mary Johnson.
40 reviews
January 15, 2018
Scary stuff

Really interesting and enjoyable book. A little different from her usual stuff. It's scary in the way that it could be non fiction. The whole is changing so fast that, who knows, nano technology could be right around the corner. I think I will stick to ghost and haunted houses. I'll sleep better.
Profile Image for Chris Bullock.
Author 69 books12 followers
March 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book - it had me wondering all the way through as to how the situations could be explained. There were a number of typing errors, but these would probably have been corrected in the latest version. The style, layout and storyline were excellent and it kept me glued to the page. Well done.
Profile Image for Helen Lancaster Lancaster.
486 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2017
Great book👍

Love Amy's books. This one was terrific more of a science fiction than horror a great story. I won't give any spoilers just buy it you won't be disappointed. Thanks Amy for a great read📔👍
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
October 24, 2018
Wow and hmmmm

I had to read this twice. First time I was confused. You know when you watched the movie Sixth Sense or Inception? It took two times to figure it out? That said this was a really good book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I.
130 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2018
Another brilliant book

What can I say about Amy Cross apart from a brilliant author, now a story about a global company that makes people vanish and a few mad scientist thrown in. Definitely a book to read.
Profile Image for Brenda.
370 reviews14 followers
June 7, 2023
This book is an example of a great premise that gets spoiled after attempts to explain it. One day, the population of the US disappears. Just like that. Intriguing, right? It is, until they try to explain this in ways that don't make sense. Meh.
4 reviews
July 30, 2017
Best Amy Cross book i have read so far.

Great story line keeping you reading to the very end. Loved it best by far of Amys books i have read
Profile Image for Nancy.
119 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2017
Very good!

A bit different from Ms. Cross. Book is more sci-fi than horror but it's a unique and very enjoyable read nonetheless.
Profile Image for Louise Child.
258 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2017
Loved it

A well paced and very different sci-fi novel . Needed a bit more editing . I really enjoyed it .
Profile Image for carol.
6 reviews
November 19, 2017
It took me awhile with this book

It turns out Amy cross did it again a very good book as always love her writing I hope there's a part two to this book
555 reviews8 followers
February 6, 2018
Wow, what a story. I really enjoy Amy Cross books this is one of my favorites. Great story line.
29 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2018
Excellent

I loved this book, its , a bit different to the usual books written by the author. Definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Teena Renken.
368 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2019
Creepy

A very chilling story, what would you do if suddenly no one remembered you. Your family, friends and work associates all see you as a stranger.
Profile Image for Annette.
118 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2021
DNF 49%. The premise was interesting, but I found it didn't keep my attention, and I found one aspect so unsettling I couldn't keep reading.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
April 6, 2024
Another excellent read from this author - I am always impressed by the originality of her stories.

This time it follows two enigmas, from two first person points of view, both equally fascinating and we can only suspect they are connected.

It's difficult to say too much so as not to give spoilers, but this is a chilling and very clever tale - well written for its fast pace and style (despite the numerous typos), and I would highly recommend this to those who enjoy thrilling suspense.
Profile Image for Tammy K..
586 reviews
December 15, 2015
I must say that this one keep me in the dark longer than previous books by this author. It wasn't until 77% the way through that I was able to begin to piece the pieces together.
There is plenty of suspense and edge-of-your-seat action.
As with most of the books by this author, this book contains several typing errors but none that pulled me out of the book.
Profile Image for Alannah.
52 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2014
slow to get started, but persevere and it's not a terrible book. very strange, in a good way.

read this as i came across her other book, asylum, which again was very strange but amazing. if you liked this, try asylum. it's much better!
Profile Image for Chad.
621 reviews6 followers
Read
March 15, 2019
It’s a pretty cool premise that I thought was executed pretty well. The mystery and intrigue definitely kept me hanging in throughout the book and Cross has her usual deft touch at interweaving multiple plots and perspectives into a great story. The ending was a bit too neat for me and I would have liked a little more explanation of the technical details but overall the story was good.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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