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Shadowchild
In 1629 something visited the parish of Feckenham. The events that followed were so terrifying that they never gained their place in the history books.Now in 2008, something seems to be wrong with Marie Watsons young children.Her father wont believe her and her mother is nearing the end of her tether.Marie feels utterly alone.But is she?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2017
2 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Williams
4 books166 followersBorn in 1975, Matthew Williams has been a keen fan of the horror/thriller/fantasy genres for as long as he can remember. Whether it’s a film, a TV series, or a novel; he is drawn to all the different aspects of these genres. Mainly it’s the complexities and the mysteries that can be expressed with freedom and imagination that he enjoys the most.
A fan of authors such as Stephen King, James Herbert, Dean Koontz, Richard Layman – to name but a few!
A fan of TV shows such as Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, American Horror Story – to name but a few!
A fan of films such as Saw, Seven, Eden Lake, The Descent, Quarantine, Skeleton Key, The Sixth Sense – to name but a few!
Matthew now has a small body of work of his own with ‘The Shady Corner’ and ‘Shadowchild’ only the beginning of what he is determined to grow into an extensive collection of horror/thriller fiction novels.
A fan of authors such as Stephen King, James Herbert, Dean Koontz, Richard Layman – to name but a few!
A fan of TV shows such as Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, American Horror Story – to name but a few!
A fan of films such as Saw, Seven, Eden Lake, The Descent, Quarantine, Skeleton Key, The Sixth Sense – to name but a few!
Matthew now has a small body of work of his own with ‘The Shady Corner’ and ‘Shadowchild’ only the beginning of what he is determined to grow into an extensive collection of horror/thriller fiction novels.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 27, 2017
I’m always looking for a new supernatural horror story and Shadowchild caught my interest. Besides the killer title, just look at that awesome cover art. How’s a girl to resist!
After a bit of a rough start, I fell into this creepy supernatural story and enjoyed it quite a bit. The rough start was no biggy, I just got irritated by one of the character’s. She used ‘love’ to address her daughter and it got so repetitive. It seemed every time she addressed her, that word was used. Later, it was used sparingly and worked quite well.
Now for the good stuff. I’ve watched plenty of stories about possessions and people being haunted. What came to my mind while reading this was The Omen and Children Of The Damned. Not so much that the movies were similar in plot, it was how eerie they were. Evil kids scare me more than just about anything.
The author ties in the modern events with something horrific that happened back in the 1600’s. It explains a lot as things get dark, scary, and outright gory. I’m sure you’ve heard that saying, “Not for the faint of heart?” That covers this book nicely. I’m used to gore. I love zombie novels after all. But I squirmed at some scenes. I felt they were important to get the story across, but they went down hard.
I kept expecting a break in intensity, but once the story really gets rolling, it never stops. And the ending. Wow. I wish I could tell you, but you’ll have to read the book and experience it yourself. I’ll definitely read more by this author. I have one of his other books which is featured in this post, The Shady Corner. I’ll be diving into it soon.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
After a bit of a rough start, I fell into this creepy supernatural story and enjoyed it quite a bit. The rough start was no biggy, I just got irritated by one of the character’s. She used ‘love’ to address her daughter and it got so repetitive. It seemed every time she addressed her, that word was used. Later, it was used sparingly and worked quite well.
Now for the good stuff. I’ve watched plenty of stories about possessions and people being haunted. What came to my mind while reading this was The Omen and Children Of The Damned. Not so much that the movies were similar in plot, it was how eerie they were. Evil kids scare me more than just about anything.
The author ties in the modern events with something horrific that happened back in the 1600’s. It explains a lot as things get dark, scary, and outright gory. I’m sure you’ve heard that saying, “Not for the faint of heart?” That covers this book nicely. I’m used to gore. I love zombie novels after all. But I squirmed at some scenes. I felt they were important to get the story across, but they went down hard.
I kept expecting a break in intensity, but once the story really gets rolling, it never stops. And the ending. Wow. I wish I could tell you, but you’ll have to read the book and experience it yourself. I’ll definitely read more by this author. I have one of his other books which is featured in this post, The Shady Corner. I’ll be diving into it soon.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
October 2, 2017
Feckenham is the new Midsomer – don’t buy a house there!
Social media is an astonishingly useful thing sometimes; that’s how I came across Matthew Williams. Twitter is almost as deadly as Wikipedia for leading you off on random tangents but I’m very glad I wandered down this one. It’s an exciting adventure trying a new author, almost scary in some ways because you are moving out of your “comfort zone” but Shadowchild ticked all the boxes for me, and an awful lot of jobs got shoved on to a back burner once I started it.
Shadowchild begins in 1629 which initially had me concerned because historical novels aren’t my bag but it very soon became apparent that this was the essential foundation to the modern day storyline which develops into a gripping tale of horror with a healthy dose of paranormal thrown in. I’m still removing carpet hairs from my chin where my jaw hit the floor over plot twists on several occasions!
The characters are well written and engaging but I do worry about the darker corners of Matthew’s mind when it comes to the protagonist of evil in the plot; read it, you’ll see what I mean! Matthew’s style of writing for me falls right between James Herbert and Dean Koontz, authors I have loved for many years. Matthew doesn’t waste words; his descriptions are relevant and colourful without being exhaustive and he sets the scenes really well. The imagination is by far the best cinema screen and Shadowchild will give yours a three course meal with coffee afterwards.
As far as I am concerned, the most impressive thing is that Matthew (by his own account) is dyslexic. Shadowchild, as well as being an excellent read, is a triumph over the adversity of that condition and just goes to show what can be achieved when you are determined.
Well done Matthew – this book is a belter.
Social media is an astonishingly useful thing sometimes; that’s how I came across Matthew Williams. Twitter is almost as deadly as Wikipedia for leading you off on random tangents but I’m very glad I wandered down this one. It’s an exciting adventure trying a new author, almost scary in some ways because you are moving out of your “comfort zone” but Shadowchild ticked all the boxes for me, and an awful lot of jobs got shoved on to a back burner once I started it.
Shadowchild begins in 1629 which initially had me concerned because historical novels aren’t my bag but it very soon became apparent that this was the essential foundation to the modern day storyline which develops into a gripping tale of horror with a healthy dose of paranormal thrown in. I’m still removing carpet hairs from my chin where my jaw hit the floor over plot twists on several occasions!
The characters are well written and engaging but I do worry about the darker corners of Matthew’s mind when it comes to the protagonist of evil in the plot; read it, you’ll see what I mean! Matthew’s style of writing for me falls right between James Herbert and Dean Koontz, authors I have loved for many years. Matthew doesn’t waste words; his descriptions are relevant and colourful without being exhaustive and he sets the scenes really well. The imagination is by far the best cinema screen and Shadowchild will give yours a three course meal with coffee afterwards.
As far as I am concerned, the most impressive thing is that Matthew (by his own account) is dyslexic. Shadowchild, as well as being an excellent read, is a triumph over the adversity of that condition and just goes to show what can be achieved when you are determined.
Well done Matthew – this book is a belter.
October 23, 2017
This story bounces between three time periods. We start in 1629 as an evil takes possession of the prisoners and turns them against the guards and those that have imprisoned them. A little girl that is so much more makes a stand with those that think they rule. Then we come to 2008 and a family that has moved into a house where strange things start happening.
I loved this story. It instantly sucked me in with prisoners revolting, the evil ruling them, and wouldn’t let me go until the very last word. I love me some horror and this is a fresh take on the genera. I was kept guessing, genuinely scared and enthralled with the gore and violence.
You have a wonderfully developed history with the evil, how it has reared its ugly face so many years later, and how it has come back to torment a new family. There are twists and turns that will throw you off and keep you guessing.
If you love horror, this is the book for you. This is my first story from Matthew Williams but it with not be my last.
I received Shadowchild from Silver Dagger Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
I loved this story. It instantly sucked me in with prisoners revolting, the evil ruling them, and wouldn’t let me go until the very last word. I love me some horror and this is a fresh take on the genera. I was kept guessing, genuinely scared and enthralled with the gore and violence.
You have a wonderfully developed history with the evil, how it has reared its ugly face so many years later, and how it has come back to torment a new family. There are twists and turns that will throw you off and keep you guessing.
If you love horror, this is the book for you. This is my first story from Matthew Williams but it with not be my last.
I received Shadowchild from Silver Dagger Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
October 18, 2017
Horror as it’s meant to be written
When an ancient evil comes back to the picturesque English village of Feckenham. A veritable tsunami of horror engulfs the terrified residents.
A young novice policeman and his policing mentor find themselves in the forefront of the desperate battle against murderous mayhem. What starts off as a simple missing child investigation morphs into a scenario that few could experience outside of Hell. This book absolutely bombards the reader with accounts of bloody conflict on almost every page. It truly can be said to put the capital H in horror.
The love story, that develops between two of the main characters, provides a golden thread that runs through the whole novel, thus showing us that in the midst of darkest evil, shafts of light can shine.
I’ve not read any other books by this author yet, but if this one is anything to go by, he is undoubtedly a master of horror narrative. Even James Herbert or Stephen King should start looking to their laurels.
A very definite and deserved five stars.
When an ancient evil comes back to the picturesque English village of Feckenham. A veritable tsunami of horror engulfs the terrified residents.
A young novice policeman and his policing mentor find themselves in the forefront of the desperate battle against murderous mayhem. What starts off as a simple missing child investigation morphs into a scenario that few could experience outside of Hell. This book absolutely bombards the reader with accounts of bloody conflict on almost every page. It truly can be said to put the capital H in horror.
The love story, that develops between two of the main characters, provides a golden thread that runs through the whole novel, thus showing us that in the midst of darkest evil, shafts of light can shine.
I’ve not read any other books by this author yet, but if this one is anything to go by, he is undoubtedly a master of horror narrative. Even James Herbert or Stephen King should start looking to their laurels.
A very definite and deserved five stars.
October 31, 2017
Shadowchild starts out a bit slow, but once it gets going, it doesn't let up. There's nothing more disturbing than a creepy child. If the cover doesn't give you chills, take that and multiply by 10, and you still won't touch the many ways that this one will get you. The author certainly knows how to set a scene and once the action starts, it's nonstop and it gets deeply disturbing and quite graphic. Needless to say, this one is not for the faint of heart and I have to add that when I reached the conclusion, I'm certain that I would not want to spend any time inside this author's head! Right up there with the likes of early Stephen King!
January 10, 2018
Another deeply dark and disturbing read from a very talented horror author. I was lucky enough to read some of this book at it's inception and I certainly wasn't disappointed with the final product. A must read. If you haven't read his debut book, The Shady Corner, do yourself a favour and get a hold of it!!
May 16, 2017
Just like with 'The Shady Corner' I'm rating my novel 'Shadowchild' 5 stars! And just like the other review I'll justify it with a little arithmetic :-)
At the time of writing this review 'Shadowchild' has 4 ratings on goodreads. two 4's & two 5's giving it an average score of 4.5 out of five. However, one of the 4 star reviews clearly states 4.5 stars and makes the average 4.6 stars, that's a whole 0.1 off where it should be lol. My 5 star rating brings the average back to 4.6 - Justice :-)
The best thing about this review is it gives me the chance to show you some reviews from Amazon UK - So here we go.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!
By W. Jones on 31 Mar. 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
A creepy and mysterious journey to a pretty gruesome finale. Loved the characters and really enjoyed the story. A great read!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really enjoyed the book from start to finish
By Amazon Customer on 6 Mar. 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Cracking read. Really enjoyed the book from start to finish.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
By Amazon Customer on 31 Mar. 2017
Format: Paperback
Shadow child. Another fantastic well written book by Matthew Williams. Packed full of horror, gore, the supernatural and romance. It keeps you gripped the whole way through while getting to know the characters in great detail. I couldn't put it down wondering what is going to happen next. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
I'd like to add a further note, even if I am the author of the book.
I only actually read the book from cover to cover in February when I was approving the final draft. Of course I'd read it sections on countless occasions, but to finally read it as a story and just allow myself to enjoy it, that was something I'd never done before and I loved it. Remember - no one is in the characters heads more than the author is! :-)
At the time of writing this review 'Shadowchild' has 4 ratings on goodreads. two 4's & two 5's giving it an average score of 4.5 out of five. However, one of the 4 star reviews clearly states 4.5 stars and makes the average 4.6 stars, that's a whole 0.1 off where it should be lol. My 5 star rating brings the average back to 4.6 - Justice :-)
The best thing about this review is it gives me the chance to show you some reviews from Amazon UK - So here we go.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!
By W. Jones on 31 Mar. 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
A creepy and mysterious journey to a pretty gruesome finale. Loved the characters and really enjoyed the story. A great read!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really enjoyed the book from start to finish
By Amazon Customer on 6 Mar. 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Cracking read. Really enjoyed the book from start to finish.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
By Amazon Customer on 31 Mar. 2017
Format: Paperback
Shadow child. Another fantastic well written book by Matthew Williams. Packed full of horror, gore, the supernatural and romance. It keeps you gripped the whole way through while getting to know the characters in great detail. I couldn't put it down wondering what is going to happen next. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
I'd like to add a further note, even if I am the author of the book.
I only actually read the book from cover to cover in February when I was approving the final draft. Of course I'd read it sections on countless occasions, but to finally read it as a story and just allow myself to enjoy it, that was something I'd never done before and I loved it. Remember - no one is in the characters heads more than the author is! :-)
May 20, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author, and what a storyteller he is.
Shadowchild is creepy and riveting tale of pure evil which will keep you turning the pages to the book's dramatic conclusion.
If you're a fan of horror stories, then this one is worth reading.
Shadowchild is creepy and riveting tale of pure evil which will keep you turning the pages to the book's dramatic conclusion.
If you're a fan of horror stories, then this one is worth reading.
May 22, 2020
Creepy and gets inside your head, full of shocks! Never saw the thing with Simon coming omg!
Must read for horror fans.
Must read for horror fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2017
Not usually a fan of horror books, scared of giving myself nightmares but thought id give this one a go and im glad i did......Gripping! is the first word i can think of, then out tumbles haunting, disturbing, graphically descriptive and the characters being so believable i felt i was in the story with them. I read it on a book reader on my phone and have literally not put the phone down for days as i had to keep reading! I wasnt sure id like the read when the book started on olden day stuff but it didnt last long before it flicked to present day and characters i felt i could relate to and i now see it was needed as a background. Glad i read it but will be sleeping with the light on for a good while!! Great book!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews