The Shift

by Brock Heasley

A groundbreaking sci-fi thriller inspired by the Book of Job, The Shift has made an impact on audiences in theaters and at home worldwide. Now, in this novelization featuring new scenes and new characters, Writer/Director Brock Heasley takes you deeper into Kevin Garner’s journey as he refuses an offer of wealth and power from a nefarious adversary known as The Benefactor. With survival on the line, Kevin must escape an alternate totalitarian reality and hold onto what glimmers of light he can find in his fight to get back to the world he knows and Molly, the woman he loves.

“Grab all the popcorn you can! Trust me you are going to want to rewatch this movie the second you close the pages to this book. The novelization of The Shift gives you deep insight to characters that you thought you already knew. Nope! The movie was just the beginning. This book is the master key we’ve needed to unlock the most keen elements of this powerful story.”

— Tyler Merritt actor and author of I Take My Coffee Black and This Changes Everything

Product Details:

6" x 9"
White pages
300 pages (estimate)
8 gloss color photo insert pages
9 Illustrations by the author
Hardcover with dust jacket

300 pages, Hardcover

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Brock Heasley is an author, filmmaker, and artist. He has written the novels Paper Bag Mask and The Shift; the memoir The Other Side of Fear: A True Story of Murder, Forgiveness, and the Peace Only Faith Can Bring; and a graphic novel collection of his comic, The SuperFogeys. After leaving his 15 year career as a graphic designer, Brock began his work in film. His feature film debut as Writer/Director/Producer, on the sci-fi film The Shift, was released by Angel Studios in 2023. He has a B.A. in Graphic Design from California State University, Fresno, and his work has been featured in the San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum.

Brock lives with his wife and daughters in California where they enjoy co-op video games, dancing in the living room, and eating breakfast for dinner.

Reviews

[Books and Things · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I LOVE THIS BOOK!

However, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen The Shift movie at least twice. There are some things about the movie that don't make sense until you read the book, and there are some things about the book that don't make (a ton of) sense until you watch the movie. This novelization answered a lot of the questions I had after watching the film.

Brock Heasley is a phenomenal writer. You can see his hand in The Shift film but in this book you really get to see what he can do. His writing choices and style are unique in a very special way.

There's not really more I can say...thank you Mr. Heasley for turning a great movie into a (may I say, greater?) book.

[bendieshome · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shift novel is based on the movie of the same name, and written by the same person, and is just as wonderful. It's an intriguing and compelling story, whether or not you've seen the film, but for those who have, it's an insightful bit of bonus background into Kevin's character. I've seen the film MANY times, and this book answered so many questions that I didn't even know needed to be asked, validated some thoughts/theories that I had while watching the film, and made me want to watch it again with all this fresh new knowledge. Also, the character illustrations throughout are gorgeous! Heasley is a fantastic storyteller, and I heartily recommend picking up a copy of The Shift. (In both book and movie form, because why not?)

[Cara Cotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shift Novel is a spellbinding page turner on its own merit. Unlike another reviewer, I believe you do NOT need to see the film first. In fact, I bet more people will fall in love with this novel, and then want to watch the film, with fuller understanding and enjoyment, as they are privy to the backstories.

But for those of us who saw The Shift Film first, Writer/Director Brock Heasley gives us the more we craved. I found many questions answered, insights given, and thrilling new content. The novel is like a magic key into the deeper meanings and mysteries of the film.

While the novel is a first person account from the perspective of Kevin Garner, the protagonist, who lands in a dark world and is trying to get back to the woman he loves, there are times when I felt he was speaking directly into my life. Kevin has much to learn on this journey and he took me along in ways that deeply impacted by own experience of life that comes at me on its own terms.

The Shift novel is a brilliant interplay of romance, allegory, and science fiction, but it reads like a human journey that’s so relatable. It took me on a thrilling ride through darkness, into a compelling look at the grittier side of life and faith. Brock’s honest & and insightful storytelling left me utterly amazed by the beauty of this story that gave me much to chew on. It ultimately brought me back to Hope. What a gorgeous and thoughtfully written story.

[Manuel Camacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, when I mentioned to others about this book. Most would say, "You can't combine science fiction with religion." Brock made this happen. I was moved in ways that I feel made my life better. I am known to be different than most. I see Brock to be that way also. He brought out something new. I am letting others know about this book. This book has a wide range of emotions. Looking forward to other books put out by Brock Heasley. Thanks Brock.

[Ryan Hillis · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF because of the writing style. Told in 1st person and third person.

[Dr. Steve Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern Job. “This is not my world. But it is my home.”