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Shades of London #0.5
The Boy in the Smoke
On a cold night, Stephen Dene went to the Eton boathouse to perform a desperate act. But someone stopped him along the way, sending his life in a new and decidedly strange direction–leading him to London, to two new friends, and to a world of shadows and mystery.
86 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2014
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4010 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
January 11, 2016
Stephen and Regina protecting one another from their parents
Stephen having to live without his sister
Stephen's dad threatening him
Peter saving Stephen
Stephen saving Peter
Happy policeman Stephen
Suddenly remembering the ending of the Madness Underneath
Stephen having to live without his sister
Stephen's dad threatening him
Peter saving Stephen
Stephen saving Peter
Happy policeman Stephen
Suddenly remembering the ending of the Madness Underneath
September 11, 2017
5 Words: heartbreaking, sad, dark, wonderful, interesting.
It is not bad that I've called this book sad, dark and heartbreaking. It is good and it is necessary.
If you have ever read the Shades of London books then read this. If you plan to read the Shades of London books then read this. And if you don't plan to do either? Read this anyway.
This short broke my heart as I read it, and it made me understand Stephen so much more. I thought I'd read it in a flash, but I ended up reading it twice, and taking my time with it. It made me think and it made me desperately sad.
It is beautifully written, and subtly witty, and Stephen's character really comes to life. His voice stands out as quite different from Rory's, the narrator of the main Shades of London novels, and it's refreshing to hear a different voice speak out about the whole ghost-seeing thing.
If you're in the UK then get yourself to a bookshop and buy this. It's only £1 after all, and for a good cause. I know that Waterstones stocks it, but it may well go fast.
It is not bad that I've called this book sad, dark and heartbreaking. It is good and it is necessary.
If you have ever read the Shades of London books then read this. If you plan to read the Shades of London books then read this. And if you don't plan to do either? Read this anyway.
This short broke my heart as I read it, and it made me understand Stephen so much more. I thought I'd read it in a flash, but I ended up reading it twice, and taking my time with it. It made me think and it made me desperately sad.
It is beautifully written, and subtly witty, and Stephen's character really comes to life. His voice stands out as quite different from Rory's, the narrator of the main Shades of London novels, and it's refreshing to hear a different voice speak out about the whole ghost-seeing thing.
If you're in the UK then get yourself to a bookshop and buy this. It's only £1 after all, and for a good cause. I know that Waterstones stocks it, but it may well go fast.
December 12, 2014
Excuse me whilst I find a gif to properly represent my feelings.
One month later update:
I feel like I could do better.
One month later update:
I feel like I could do better.
June 25, 2025
Do bookcovers do justice to the contents they introduce? This prequel has a very different premise from the first novel, “The Name Of The Star”, which switches to Aurora Deveaux. Young Stephen Dene with whom we sympathize, is unmentioned in that synopsis. Unfortunately, the genre itself was also replaced, suggesting a serial killing plot, instead of the paranormal mystery I relished.
I wonder if “The Boy In The Smoke”, a novella Maureen Johnson made for a literacy program, is a fluke which does not match its Parent world. I hope I can trust that the remaining mysteries are going to be great. I bestowed this 86 page gem unhesitating, unequivocal five star praise.
Regina & Stephen were ignored by their shallow, cold Parents. A negative, false perception of class surprised me in a year as recent as 2014. Even though this was in England, these are our modern times. The way the Siblings rallied together and cheered each other up, through ranting at home and text-messaging when away, is beautiful. I loved seeing this generation grow-up in closeness and loyalty with each other.
Regina & Stephen’s Parents numbly refused to acknowledge a devastating loss. Thirteen year-old Stephen goes back to prep school, focusing on nothing but competing in invigorating sports and scoring great grades. He dreamed of becoming a policeman, which he expected his appearance pleasing Parents to rail against after graduation. A spiritual experience changed how Stephen saw the world.... setting the stage for this series.
Every inch of this novel was fantastic; not least the present day language, attitude, and sense of humour that are the reason I favour today’s fiction by far! There is nothing like a story using the language we do in our lifetime. I won’t divulge anything. This is an unforgettable, immeasurably original story!
I wonder if “The Boy In The Smoke”, a novella Maureen Johnson made for a literacy program, is a fluke which does not match its Parent world. I hope I can trust that the remaining mysteries are going to be great. I bestowed this 86 page gem unhesitating, unequivocal five star praise.
Regina & Stephen were ignored by their shallow, cold Parents. A negative, false perception of class surprised me in a year as recent as 2014. Even though this was in England, these are our modern times. The way the Siblings rallied together and cheered each other up, through ranting at home and text-messaging when away, is beautiful. I loved seeing this generation grow-up in closeness and loyalty with each other.
Regina & Stephen’s Parents numbly refused to acknowledge a devastating loss. Thirteen year-old Stephen goes back to prep school, focusing on nothing but competing in invigorating sports and scoring great grades. He dreamed of becoming a policeman, which he expected his appearance pleasing Parents to rail against after graduation. A spiritual experience changed how Stephen saw the world.... setting the stage for this series.
Every inch of this novel was fantastic; not least the present day language, attitude, and sense of humour that are the reason I favour today’s fiction by far! There is nothing like a story using the language we do in our lifetime. I won’t divulge anything. This is an unforgettable, immeasurably original story!
April 22, 2014
3.5 stars
Stephen's POV/prequel novella. This was a pretty decent read, Stephen was a far more endearing and likeable narrator than what's her name in the main novels. It was quite interesting reading about his past, his horrid family, and how he ended up being a policeman/ghostbuster. The only thing I really, really hated was the poorly written Britishisms - ugh, just ugh.
Stephen's POV/prequel novella. This was a pretty decent read, Stephen was a far more endearing and likeable narrator than what's her name in the main novels. It was quite interesting reading about his past, his horrid family, and how he ended up being a policeman/ghostbuster. The only thing I really, really hated was the poorly written Britishisms - ugh, just ugh.
May 6, 2025
Stephen.
Oh my poor Stephen.
After reading this short story, I definitely understand a lot more about him. He was horribly treated by his parents, the only person that truly cared about him died, and he had no place to go. Be forewarned though; the second part of the story is the most heartbreaking part. Seriously, I NEVER cry in books or short stories, but that one damn part made me cry like a baby.
After reading this, you'll want to go give Stephen a cupcake and cuddle with him and make sure he's OK.
And then, once you've finished this short novella, you'll want to read the rest of the series to find out what happens with Stephen and the Shades of London.
If you like ghosts, wonderful British humor and London, this is the perfect series for you.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find another box of tissues to control my feels...
Oh my poor Stephen.
After reading this short story, I definitely understand a lot more about him. He was horribly treated by his parents, the only person that truly cared about him died, and he had no place to go. Be forewarned though; the second part of the story is the most heartbreaking part. Seriously, I NEVER cry in books or short stories, but that one damn part made me cry like a baby.
After reading this, you'll want to go give Stephen a cupcake and cuddle with him and make sure he's OK.
And then, once you've finished this short novella, you'll want to read the rest of the series to find out what happens with Stephen and the Shades of London.
If you like ghosts, wonderful British humor and London, this is the perfect series for you.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find another box of tissues to control my feels...
September 20, 2021
Ich bin sehr glücklich darüber, diese Novelle gelesen zu haben, sie war genauso atmosphärisch wie auch die anderen Teile. Ich bin sehr überrascht wie viel Tiefgang und Emotionen in der Geschichte waren, obwohl sie so kurz war. 5-Mal so lange Bücher schaffen mitunter nur einen Bruchteil davon. Ich werde Maureen Johnson’s Schreibstil echt vermissen!
February 24, 2016
When I saw this on Goodreads, I knew I just had to read this.
A new story + Prequel + Stephen = perfect combination.
This prequel tells us about Stephen, starting when he was young, then when he went to Eton and what happened there to the hospital and further.
I really loved this story, loved that we finally find out more about Stephen (who is after all a very important character in the series). His past was really sad (we had some hints here and there I believe in the main books), his parents were utterly crap. Seriously your daughter has an addiction, you don't help her, no you kick her out. And I was at times wondering why those 2 got children. They seem to be selfish, thinking more of themselves than of their kids.
Poor Stephen, when he found out about the sight, how he couldn't believe it and even just told people about it (bad idea, very bad idea).
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I really hope we will get more prequels for the other side/main characters.
A new story + Prequel + Stephen = perfect combination.
This prequel tells us about Stephen, starting when he was young, then when he went to Eton and what happened there to the hospital and further.
I really loved this story, loved that we finally find out more about Stephen (who is after all a very important character in the series). His past was really sad (we had some hints here and there I believe in the main books), his parents were utterly crap. Seriously your daughter has an addiction, you don't help her, no you kick her out. And I was at times wondering why those 2 got children. They seem to be selfish, thinking more of themselves than of their kids.
Poor Stephen, when he found out about the sight, how he couldn't believe it and even just told people about it (bad idea, very bad idea).
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I really hope we will get more prequels for the other side/main characters.
February 24, 2015
Oh My God!!!
I have had this short and the first book for quite some time now and, sadly, I have to admit that I only picked this up because I didn't want to start a full book the day before the release of a book I've been waiting for. So this novel became a 'stop over' if you like.
What I didn't expect was the easy flow of writing, the way the story wrapped its way around me and sucked me right into the life of young Stephen Dene... and it was simply amazing, sad, heart breaking and a look into what future books could be like.
I can't say enough how much I loved this book and I can't wait to get to book 1!
I have had this short and the first book for quite some time now and, sadly, I have to admit that I only picked this up because I didn't want to start a full book the day before the release of a book I've been waiting for. So this novel became a 'stop over' if you like.
What I didn't expect was the easy flow of writing, the way the story wrapped its way around me and sucked me right into the life of young Stephen Dene... and it was simply amazing, sad, heart breaking and a look into what future books could be like.
I can't say enough how much I loved this book and I can't wait to get to book 1!
February 3, 2017
Wow. I'm shocked by all these awesome reviews. Am I the only one who thought that Regina was kind of just as much of an asshole as her parents? And yeah, I can't like a book, if I hate all of its characters.
Stephen whom I liked a lot after reading the first instalment in the series, now has lost his value in my eyes. There's of course such thing as abuse (emotional in this case) from parents who are rich, yet this story in no way made me see that anyone would want to solve the problem, they were just shitting on each other in a (thankfully) short shitty book.
The story did get better once Stephen met Peter, but still it's so unreal and kind of meh that I am not only disappointed in the story, but also in all those reviewers with the amazing reviews.
Stephen whom I liked a lot after reading the first instalment in the series, now has lost his value in my eyes. There's of course such thing as abuse (emotional in this case) from parents who are rich, yet this story in no way made me see that anyone would want to solve the problem, they were just shitting on each other in a (thankfully) short shitty book.
The story did get better once Stephen met Peter, but still it's so unreal and kind of meh that I am not only disappointed in the story, but also in all those reviewers with the amazing reviews.
December 10, 2018
נובלה קצרה המספרת את סיפורו של סטיבן, אחת הדמויות המרכזיות בסדרת צללי לונדון. חוש ההומור המשובח של הסופרת לא בא לידי ביטוי כאן, והסיפור הוא די עגמומי, אבל זה מסתדר עם הדמות, שגם היא די סגורה ועגמומית. היה מעניין לקרוא על חיי הלימודים באיטון. בסך הכל קריאה נחמדה.
June 12, 2014
Since I am in the mood for guy protagonist lately, I decided to venture out of my usual sub-genres in Young Adult and read this book. The Boy in the Smoke is a novella and prequel for a series I haven’t even read, but I managed to enjoy this book a lot nonetheless.
We are introduced to Stephen, a quiet boy trained to obey authorities, and his dysfunctional family. In the cold house where his parents never have time for him, Stephen’s only friend is his sister, Gina. But Gina, cheerful yet self-destructive Gina, will not stay around for long. In the end, Stephen himself has to choose whether to follow his ignorant parents’ orders or to follow his own dream.
The first half of the book feels very much like a typical contemporary YA, so I was quite taken aback when the paranormal stuffs kick in. One of the ghosts still gives me creeps (“He was little,” she explained. “And he made a lot of noise. So I put him in the fire. Everyone was angry.” *shivers*). I like Stephen, he is a nice guy – polite and sincere – and no one deserves better happy ending than him. Mentally kicking his parents for treating him so badly. I’m glad with how things turn out in the end. The ghost-buster things feels kinda rushed, but I guess it’s understandable since we are expected to find out more about it in the first novel.
Maureen Johnson is an author whose book I’d wanted to read for a long time, and I’m glad to say that this novella made me want to read more of her works. The story has a nice flow and it didn’t take long for me to finish it. For a companion novel, I think this book also works well as a standalone. Fans of Shades of London would love this companion since it adds up a lot to the background of one of the main characters, Stephen. Those who are simply curious and in search of a well-written guy POV like me, well, feel free to dive in!
You can tell when your parents dislike you—when they are horrified by the way you eat, at your bodily fluids, at the noises you make and the way you play. You know when you perpetually give them a headache or make them vanish into another room and leave you with the housekeeper or each other or the dog, whatever is handy.
Another way you can tell is when it is the last day of prep school, and they forget to come and get you and go on holiday to Barbados instead.
This is how Stephen Dene finally figured it out.
We are introduced to Stephen, a quiet boy trained to obey authorities, and his dysfunctional family. In the cold house where his parents never have time for him, Stephen’s only friend is his sister, Gina. But Gina, cheerful yet self-destructive Gina, will not stay around for long. In the end, Stephen himself has to choose whether to follow his ignorant parents’ orders or to follow his own dream.
The first half of the book feels very much like a typical contemporary YA, so I was quite taken aback when the paranormal stuffs kick in. One of the ghosts still gives me creeps (“He was little,” she explained. “And he made a lot of noise. So I put him in the fire. Everyone was angry.” *shivers*). I like Stephen, he is a nice guy – polite and sincere – and no one deserves better happy ending than him. Mentally kicking his parents for treating him so badly. I’m glad with how things turn out in the end. The ghost-buster things feels kinda rushed, but I guess it’s understandable since we are expected to find out more about it in the first novel.
Maureen Johnson is an author whose book I’d wanted to read for a long time, and I’m glad to say that this novella made me want to read more of her works. The story has a nice flow and it didn’t take long for me to finish it. For a companion novel, I think this book also works well as a standalone. Fans of Shades of London would love this companion since it adds up a lot to the background of one of the main characters, Stephen. Those who are simply curious and in search of a well-written guy POV like me, well, feel free to dive in!
You can tell when your parents dislike you—when they are horrified by the way you eat, at your bodily fluids, at the noises you make and the way you play. You know when you perpetually give them a headache or make them vanish into another room and leave you with the housekeeper or each other or the dog, whatever is handy.
Another way you can tell is when it is the last day of prep school, and they forget to come and get you and go on holiday to Barbados instead.
This is how Stephen Dene finally figured it out.
September 21, 2019
*5 stars*
okay now what am I supposed to do with my life.
I spend the last four days reading three Shades of London books and this journey has now officially come to an end.
Now what.
But honestly, I love Stephen with all my heart and soul and everything and this book gave me a better understanding of his sucky life. I also like how it shows his life before he became a police officer-slash-secret-agent and therefore showed how happy (Stephen's version) he must have been in his new role. I love you, Stephen. #justiceforStephenkickhisparentsinthebutt
I don't know.
I need another book.
Please someone recommend something similar or I'll succumb to my slump.
okay now what am I supposed to do with my life.
I spend the last four days reading three Shades of London books and this journey has now officially come to an end.
Now what.
But honestly, I love Stephen with all my heart and soul and everything and this book gave me a better understanding of his sucky life. I also like how it shows his life before he became a police officer-slash-secret-agent and therefore showed how happy (Stephen's version) he must have been in his new role. I love you, Stephen. #justiceforStephenkickhisparentsinthebutt
I don't know.
I need another book.
Please someone recommend something similar or I'll succumb to my slump.
April 14, 2017
Full Review - http://yabookaholic123.blogspot.ie/20...
I loved this little novella. I loved reading about our main character Stephen and to see how he became who he was and what his family situation had been like when he was growing up. I also loved the ghost aspect in this story and this little novella even left me so heartbroken for such a short book, but because of this novella, I really can't wait to start and read the Shades of London series!
I loved this little novella. I loved reading about our main character Stephen and to see how he became who he was and what his family situation had been like when he was growing up. I also loved the ghost aspect in this story and this little novella even left me so heartbroken for such a short book, but because of this novella, I really can't wait to start and read the Shades of London series!
March 7, 2014
Got this book for free yesterday as part of world book day, finished it last night. Wow. It was amazing. But I only just found out its a prequel, can't wait to read the others :)
August 13, 2022
I don't read books. I don't get emotional from books. I cried at the end. Good book.
September 20, 2018
Super quick read but detailed enough considering its size. Fast paced and intriguing, so I am tempted to read the rest of the series.
Trigger warnings: attempts of suicide, substance misuse.
Trigger warnings: attempts of suicide, substance misuse.
April 2, 2018
Loved this little book. Very absorbing. Characterisation and plotting are both done very well indeed. I'm hooked! I now need to find out more about Stephen's adventures.
March 25, 2014
I have the Shades of London series in my list for my Series challenge and I decided that I ought to start with the shorter book that is also the beginning.
This novella starts in a very prosaic way, with the story of Stephen, a boy of a wealthy family that is ignored by his parents. He wants to be a policeman and do something useful but since he's always been a good boy and do what he's supposed to, he ends up going to Eton and continue to be ignored by his parents.
There are some big issues dealt with here and all done in a very sensible way, nothing crass or cheap. Absent & cold parents, drug addictions, suicide attempts... it all weaves into the story to make Stephen the boy in the smoke. By the end is when we get an glimpse of what else might be there for this series, and this is quite a fantastic setting stone. Well deserved 4 stars.
This novella starts in a very prosaic way, with the story of Stephen, a boy of a wealthy family that is ignored by his parents. He wants to be a policeman and do something useful but since he's always been a good boy and do what he's supposed to, he ends up going to Eton and continue to be ignored by his parents.
There are some big issues dealt with here and all done in a very sensible way, nothing crass or cheap. Absent & cold parents, drug addictions, suicide attempts... it all weaves into the story to make Stephen the boy in the smoke. By the end is when we get an glimpse of what else might be there for this series, and this is quite a fantastic setting stone. Well deserved 4 stars.
March 22, 2014
A well written and interesting ghost story, with only 80 pages it was a breeze to get through. It tells the story of Stephen Dene, who comes from a rich but dysfunctional family. His parents are hideous.
After attempting suicide, Stephen is able to see ghosts and befriends a boy named Peter who drowned at his school and is stuck in a limbo state. This ability leads him to a new life in London, where he becomes a ‘ghostbuster’ of sorts, and doesn’t have to see his vile parents again.
I enjoyed every page of this book and will look out for Maureen Johnson’s other novels because her writing is excellent.
After attempting suicide, Stephen is able to see ghosts and befriends a boy named Peter who drowned at his school and is stuck in a limbo state. This ability leads him to a new life in London, where he becomes a ‘ghostbuster’ of sorts, and doesn’t have to see his vile parents again.
I enjoyed every page of this book and will look out for Maureen Johnson’s other novels because her writing is excellent.
March 17, 2014
This book made my year. After reading The shades of London series last autumn I was literally left in an emotional rut, I was a mess.
I think I re-read the last page of the Madness underneath like 500 times still not able to acknowledge what happened.
This book only made me love Stephen as a character more, I sooooo need the next book now.
I think I re-read the last page of the Madness underneath like 500 times still not able to acknowledge what happened.
This book only made me love Stephen as a character more, I sooooo need the next book now.
May 23, 2014
SO FULL OF ALL THE STEPHEN FEELS. I can't words right now. Only feels. But surprising feels. Like, feels where you'd expect them, but also SO MANY FEELS WHERE YOU WOULDN'T. I just... Gah.
No coherent review coming. If you've read books 1 and 2 in this series, get your hands on this novella whenever it becomes available to you, because you NEED IT. That's all I'll say.
No coherent review coming. If you've read books 1 and 2 in this series, get your hands on this novella whenever it becomes available to you, because you NEED IT. That's all I'll say.
April 15, 2015
So good! A great little story about how Stephen joined the force. Since he's my favorite character so far, it was nice to read a little more about him.
February 27, 2014
I really enjoyed reading about Stephen's past. We always got little bits in the books, but to really get the whole thing was awesome. I think anyone who loves the series need to read this. You get to see Stephen under a new light.
March 7, 2014
Forgot how good this series is and now I am desperate to read The Madness Underneath. And to re-read The Name of the Star....
March 9, 2014
I love Stephen.
March 27, 2014
A quick and easy read.
Horrid rich parents and two kids wanting to break their chains.
Good little ghost story.
That's it really.
Horrid rich parents and two kids wanting to break their chains.
Good little ghost story.
That's it really.
March 12, 2021
OHMAHGOD STEPHENNNN!!
If you read the Shades of London series, you have to read this novella. THE FEELS.
Ratings
Overall: 10/10
Plot: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 3/5
If you read the Shades of London series, you have to read this novella. THE FEELS.
Ratings
Overall: 10/10
Plot: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 3/5
December 31, 2014
I got this book for world book day because I thought it would be a great way to sample Maureen Johnson's writing...
AND I LOVED IT!!!
I have to start this series now!!!
AND I LOVED IT!!!
I have to start this series now!!!
March 1, 2015
I liked this short story more than I liked The Shadow Cabinet. It's a nice backstory of Stephen which helps us really understand him and where he's coming from.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews