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Shades
A dark coming-of-age from the authors of Answers of Silence and Ghoul When 11-year-old Danny skips school to go hunting for crabs near the Haverstraw Marina, he finds a dead body instead--and stumbles across one of the darkest and deadliest secrets in Brackard's Point. A secret that threatens the lives of Danny, his friends, and the mysterious old Russian known as Gustav...
194 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 14, 2020
Review originally published in SCREAM Magazine Issue 59 March/April
Poltergeist Press is a new publishing company with an emphasis on bringing quality horror fiction to a Russian audience. They also do English releases in a sleek mass market paperback size that I find highly collectible.
Shades is a coming-of-age, dark fantasy story told in a collaborative effort from Brian Keene and Geoff Cooper. A young man named Danny goes crab hunting to make a few extra bucks. One day, he discovers a motherload of crab swarming on the beach so he drags over a trash can to collect them all. Once some of the crabs are removed, Danny realizes the crabs were feasting on a corpse. In shock and wondering what to do, Danny meets an old Russian named Gustav and the two strike up a friendship that later develops into an apprenticeship. What kind of apprenticeship is totally up to the reader to discover. I enjoyed that part of the story the most so I don’t want to give it away.
I have read a few Brian Keene stories this year, GHOUL and CASTAWAYS and I loved them. I’m an instant fan. Longtime readers of Keene told me that this book, SHADES features a mythos from Keene’s Labyrinth Series, which I haven’t read. This story is also set in a fictional town from Geoff Cooper’s books--which I also haven’t read but I’m mentioning it because that knowledge is not a requirement in order to enjoy this novella but I’m sure fans of both authors will love the easter eggs peppered throughout. SHADES is an accessible, magical tale with supernatural elements that I believe readers of all ages will enjoy.
Poltergeist Press is a new publishing company with an emphasis on bringing quality horror fiction to a Russian audience. They also do English releases in a sleek mass market paperback size that I find highly collectible.
Shades is a coming-of-age, dark fantasy story told in a collaborative effort from Brian Keene and Geoff Cooper. A young man named Danny goes crab hunting to make a few extra bucks. One day, he discovers a motherload of crab swarming on the beach so he drags over a trash can to collect them all. Once some of the crabs are removed, Danny realizes the crabs were feasting on a corpse. In shock and wondering what to do, Danny meets an old Russian named Gustav and the two strike up a friendship that later develops into an apprenticeship. What kind of apprenticeship is totally up to the reader to discover. I enjoyed that part of the story the most so I don’t want to give it away.
I have read a few Brian Keene stories this year, GHOUL and CASTAWAYS and I loved them. I’m an instant fan. Longtime readers of Keene told me that this book, SHADES features a mythos from Keene’s Labyrinth Series, which I haven’t read. This story is also set in a fictional town from Geoff Cooper’s books--which I also haven’t read but I’m mentioning it because that knowledge is not a requirement in order to enjoy this novella but I’m sure fans of both authors will love the easter eggs peppered throughout. SHADES is an accessible, magical tale with supernatural elements that I believe readers of all ages will enjoy.
September 13, 2016
Shades is a decently constructed and easy-to-read coming-of-age tale from Brian Keene and Geoff Cooper, apparently set in a world created by the latter. It deals with magic and learning to use it, and features other supernatural themes - none of which are overly frightening - so should appeal to readers of all ages.
The characters are the strongest element of Shades, as Cooper and Keene do a great job of making their three mains well-rounded and with engaging motivations (once they are revealed). Plot developments, however, are fairly standard for this type of story, though there are aspects to the conclusion which seemed to directly allude to other occurrences which Cooper has written about elsewhere, so these were a mystery to me.
So, though it may not rock your world, if you're seeking a short, well-constructed novella about good versus evil magic-users, you could do far worse than Shades.
3 Master-Apprentice Relationships for Shades
The characters are the strongest element of Shades, as Cooper and Keene do a great job of making their three mains well-rounded and with engaging motivations (once they are revealed). Plot developments, however, are fairly standard for this type of story, though there are aspects to the conclusion which seemed to directly allude to other occurrences which Cooper has written about elsewhere, so these were a mystery to me.
So, though it may not rock your world, if you're seeking a short, well-constructed novella about good versus evil magic-users, you could do far worse than Shades.
3 Master-Apprentice Relationships for Shades
July 9, 2020
This is a good collaborative short novel by Cooper & Keene that has several tie-ins or allusions to other works by both authors, though it's not necessary to have read any of those other works in order to appreciate this one. (Is the fate of Bedrik's brother a Clickers reference?) Though there certainly is some horrific content, I wouldn't call it a horror novel. It's much more a coming-of-age fantasy, the story of a school boy from a disadvantaged home who finds that he has certain magic powers and his relationship with an old Russian immigrant who undertakes to train him in their use. It's very Arthurian in a way. The ending lacked a bit in resolution for my taste and I thought one of the characters needed a bit more explanation to conclude her story, but it was a fast and enjoyable book.
December 11, 2014
Wow. Do I love this book. This novella has all of the dark urban fantasy staples that I adore. Shades is primarily a story about two modern mages who battle each other using dark arts. Gustav and his young "apprentice" Danny, are primarily the main protagonists. Danny does start out going through the motions of learning the ways of using the dark arts. However the use of cliches and fantasy staples are cleverly side stepped, thankfully instead focusing on something new and fresh. I have always been a big fan of Brian Keene's work but now I can honestly say I am very interested in reading Geoff Cooper's Brackard's Point Novellas.
If you enjoy urban fantasy like the Dresden Files or Something from the Nightside then this will probably be something that you enjoy very much. My only plea is that I sincerely hope Geoff Cooper and Brian Keene will continue this mythology in the future. While the book certainly does wrap up the majority of loose ends, there is still a sense that a greater story needs to be told. Perhaps this is done intentionally, hopefully we haven't seen the last of Cooper's fictional town in the Hudson Valley.
In the mean time I plan on checking out Answers of Silence and Retribution, Inc. (If I can find it.) Because this novella has turned me into a fan of Geoff Cooper's work! I am interested in learning more about the location of Brackard's Point and hopefully more about the Kwan that Gustav is a part of. I give this one a solid five out of five stars! Check it out!
If you enjoy urban fantasy like the Dresden Files or Something from the Nightside then this will probably be something that you enjoy very much. My only plea is that I sincerely hope Geoff Cooper and Brian Keene will continue this mythology in the future. While the book certainly does wrap up the majority of loose ends, there is still a sense that a greater story needs to be told. Perhaps this is done intentionally, hopefully we haven't seen the last of Cooper's fictional town in the Hudson Valley.
In the mean time I plan on checking out Answers of Silence and Retribution, Inc. (If I can find it.) Because this novella has turned me into a fan of Geoff Cooper's work! I am interested in learning more about the location of Brackard's Point and hopefully more about the Kwan that Gustav is a part of. I give this one a solid five out of five stars! Check it out!
December 14, 2017
На границата между хоръра и черното фентъзи „Сенки“ е една новела за порастването в малко американско градче, но с типичния за Брайън Кийн цинизъм.
Двамата автори са се слели до неразапознаваемост в текста, като само в последните десетина страници Кийн изскача напред (поне според мен). Комбинацията между Бракарс Пойнт (градът в който се развиват повечето разкази на Купър) и митовете за Лабиринта на Кийн е бомбастична. Да добавим и че Купър е омекотил бруталността на повествованието и вече имате гаранция за перфектното приключение.
В Бракърс Пойнт нещата никога не са били наред. Мечтата на всеки един от резидентите му (може би само без съдържателя на магазина за спиртни напитки) е да се разкара от там при първа възможност. А сега и в гробището започват да се случват странни работи.
Дани е дванайсет годишно хлапе с големи проблеми – мъртъв баща, майка алкохоличка, агресивни съученици. Когато един ден се чупи от училище, за да събира раци на реката, намира добре опоскан труп и градският луд руснак му казва, че може да научи магия. Покрай това най-сетне живота му започва да придобива някаква „нормалност“, но се оказва, че братът на умрелия иска да превземе града с помощта на духовете на гневните местни мъртъвци, с които малко по малко подменя градските първенци. Нещата стават все по-сложни за Дани, менторът му и болната му майка, докато не ескалират до финален сблъсък. И естествено има разкошен финален обрат.
Двамата автори са се слели до неразапознаваемост в текста, като само в последните десетина страници Кийн изскача напред (поне според мен). Комбинацията между Бракарс Пойнт (градът в който се развиват повечето разкази на Купър) и митовете за Лабиринта на Кийн е бомбастична. Да добавим и че Купър е омекотил бруталността на повествованието и вече имате гаранция за перфектното приключение.
В Бракърс Пойнт нещата никога не са били наред. Мечтата на всеки един от резидентите му (може би само без съдържателя на магазина за спиртни напитки) е да се разкара от там при първа възможност. А сега и в гробището започват да се случват странни работи.
Дани е дванайсет годишно хлапе с големи проблеми – мъртъв баща, майка алкохоличка, агресивни съученици. Когато един ден се чупи от училище, за да събира раци на реката, намира добре опоскан труп и градският луд руснак му казва, че може да научи магия. Покрай това най-сетне живота му започва да придобива някаква „нормалност“, но се оказва, че братът на умрелия иска да превземе града с помощта на духовете на гневните местни мъртъвци, с които малко по малко подменя градските първенци. Нещата стават все по-сложни за Дани, менторът му и болната му майка, докато не ескалират до финален сблъсък. И естествено има разкошен финален обрат.
May 14, 2021
This story combines magic and horror in small town America.
June 27, 2014
Shades was a pretty awesome book prob because Keene had a hand in it. Anyway, this book had great characters. My favorite being Gustav the Russian and Danny the not so popular kid, but a nice kid nonetheless. I loved the concept of magick and latent power waiting to be discovered. I especially thought the idea of using other ppl's shadows for their own use, a shade was pretty awesome. Reminded me of GoT. The ending was a little sad, but I enjoyed it. Please Mr Keene and Cooper, bring back Gustav!!
Want to read
July 6, 2015This is copy 28 of 326 copies signed an numbered by:
Brian Keene
Geoff Cooper
Brian Keene
Geoff Cooper
December 10, 2019
Stick with me as I begin this review with a tidbit on my bookish interests. Coming-of-age tales have truly been hit or miss for me. I think this is because I can’t always connect with the characters or relate to elements of the story. When I do find it relatable, then the story definitely hits the mark and sticks with me long after I’ve finished reading. So, when I tell you that Shades is a great story, and a solid coming-of-age tale, I really mean it.
I had a great time reading this novella—I finished it in one sitting, eager to discover what was next. There were many elements of this story that worked for me. One was the fact that it’s set in the 1980s, so that automatically drew me in. I really enjoyed the references to that frame of time. I also loved the characters. I’ve got a soft spot for stories about kids with a troubled home life, so I was immediately interested in the protagonist, Danny, and where his story would lead. Gustav was another favorite character. He has some of the best lines in the book, ranging from insults and jokes to well-intentioned nuggets of wisdom. There were several times I laughed out loud, mostly due to the dialogue. I loved the developing relationship between these two characters. There are heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout the story, and the authors have a way with words that gave me warm feelings and nostalgia. There are specific lines I’d love to point out, but I won’t give away any spoilers regarding these bits of the story—it’s best for the reader to experience it firsthand.
I thought the premise of the story was very creative. I liked the concept of the shadows or “shades” of the dead, and what happens with them as part of Michael's plan. Michael is the villain of this story, and his actions were very unnerving and sinister. There are plenty of supernatural and magical elements to this tale, and we also get glimpses of real life horror. The reader watches Danny struggle through not only the typical discomfort of adolescence, but also family issues and his search for a role model.
With Shades, Cooper and Keene deliver a well-rounded story, complete with solid characters, setting, and dialogue. It was my first introduction to Cooper's town of Brackard's Point, and to Keene's Labyrinth mythos, and I'm eager for more of both. This one left me wishing for a sequel, and while I'm not sure that's in the cards, I can guarantee I'll be adding more books from both authors to my TBR list.
I had a great time reading this novella—I finished it in one sitting, eager to discover what was next. There were many elements of this story that worked for me. One was the fact that it’s set in the 1980s, so that automatically drew me in. I really enjoyed the references to that frame of time. I also loved the characters. I’ve got a soft spot for stories about kids with a troubled home life, so I was immediately interested in the protagonist, Danny, and where his story would lead. Gustav was another favorite character. He has some of the best lines in the book, ranging from insults and jokes to well-intentioned nuggets of wisdom. There were several times I laughed out loud, mostly due to the dialogue. I loved the developing relationship between these two characters. There are heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout the story, and the authors have a way with words that gave me warm feelings and nostalgia. There are specific lines I’d love to point out, but I won’t give away any spoilers regarding these bits of the story—it’s best for the reader to experience it firsthand.
I thought the premise of the story was very creative. I liked the concept of the shadows or “shades” of the dead, and what happens with them as part of Michael's plan. Michael is the villain of this story, and his actions were very unnerving and sinister. There are plenty of supernatural and magical elements to this tale, and we also get glimpses of real life horror. The reader watches Danny struggle through not only the typical discomfort of adolescence, but also family issues and his search for a role model.
With Shades, Cooper and Keene deliver a well-rounded story, complete with solid characters, setting, and dialogue. It was my first introduction to Cooper's town of Brackard's Point, and to Keene's Labyrinth mythos, and I'm eager for more of both. This one left me wishing for a sequel, and while I'm not sure that's in the cards, I can guarantee I'll be adding more books from both authors to my TBR list.
October 6, 2022
This was really good, a magic filled coming of age horror. I really enjoyed spending time with Danny and Gustav. There's some very nasty horror here as well, the part where Danny tries to save his friend is particularly memorable. Its always nice to see some references to Keene's Labyrinth Mythos as well
The ending leaves you on a cliff-hanger and I would love to know what the future holds for Danny and the town of Brackard's Point
The ending leaves you on a cliff-hanger and I would love to know what the future holds for Danny and the town of Brackard's Point
August 2, 2025
A Visit to Brackard's Point
Brackard's Point has never been the happiest place, and this story highlights why. Coop and Keene blend their voices--and their written worlds--to share a story of darkness, magic, hope, love, and despair. Highly recommended.
Brackard's Point has never been the happiest place, and this story highlights why. Coop and Keene blend their voices--and their written worlds--to share a story of darkness, magic, hope, love, and despair. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2017
A very enjoyable, short read from these two. I would to see a follow up to this one!
March 7, 2020
Excellent, fun read! Full review on CDonline, soon.
August 19, 2024
Well written, and kinda fun to see the tie-ins with the authors' other works, but the ending bummed me out and was ambiguous. I'm sad that there's no sequel to follow through with the character.
December 20, 2011
Brian Keene delves into Fantasy with Geoff Cooper in SHADES. Either a long novella or short novel, SHADES is a straight forward fantasy tale with the trademark Brian Keene touch. A great read for adults and very accessable for younger readers this would be a great way for parents who enjoy Brian Keene to introduce their kids to his work.
This is the first Keene collaboration I've read as well. I must say it felt seamless. I couldn't much tell where Keene was writing as opposed to Cooper. There are parts of each's literary world woven into the story but knowedge of either or is absoultely unnecessary. If anything the story peaks my interest in further exploring Cooper's work which I have not yet read any of.
So the review will be as short and sweet as this darkish fantasy story. Read it, it's solid.
This is the first Keene collaboration I've read as well. I must say it felt seamless. I couldn't much tell where Keene was writing as opposed to Cooper. There are parts of each's literary world woven into the story but knowedge of either or is absoultely unnecessary. If anything the story peaks my interest in further exploring Cooper's work which I have not yet read any of.
So the review will be as short and sweet as this darkish fantasy story. Read it, it's solid.
July 20, 2012
Geoff Cooper and Brian Keene know their stuff. Cooper's Retribution Inc is one of the finest rock-n-roll horror stories I've read. And Keene's The Rising and Terminal are two of the best novels written in years, both within the horror genre and without. Shades is a nice combo effort from Keene and Coop. Coop provides the setting (the fictional upstate New York town of Brackard's Point is featured in several of Cooper's other work) and Keene provides the mythos (courtesy of his "Labyrinth" stories, with a touch of Russian wizardry from his novel Get Whitey mixed in.) The characters aren't the most original we've seen (the adolescent who harbors untapped magic powers, and the two warring wizards) but they are relatable and realistic enough to keep you engaged in the story, which is fast-paced and fun. Overall, a "good read" -- you can't go wrong with Cooper and/or Keene!
July 28, 2012
A solid Novella by Geoff Cooper and Brian Keene. Had a very fast pace and really felt like a Keene story as it had a lot of references to his mythos. Have not read anything else by Geoff Cooper but this will make me hunt down his other work.
If you looking for a nice paced Fantasy/Horror Novella with really good characterization than look no further.
If you looking for a nice paced Fantasy/Horror Novella with really good characterization than look no further.
September 25, 2012
Danny us a boy with an alcoholic mother who skips school to find crabs to sell for a new bike when he discovers a dead body. Only he was supposed to be able to see the body and the fact that he can is because of magic. ANd now he is learning magic from Gustav an eccentric old man to stop a dark magician from taking over the town. Suspenseful, interesting, and a powerful ride! I loved it.
July 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this joint offering from Geoff Cooper and Brian Keene, great use of previous history, place, and mythos - though you don't need to have read anything else to understand the story.
My pitch to those dumb-fuck Armani skinned Hollywood weasels - Carrie Potter.
To the readers, Stephen King's Harry Potter edited by the shade of Richard Bachman!
Well done, guys!
My pitch to those dumb-fuck Armani skinned Hollywood weasels - Carrie Potter.
To the readers, Stephen King's Harry Potter edited by the shade of Richard Bachman!
Well done, guys!
September 8, 2016
My favorite Keene book i have read. A quick fun magical tale about a boy that finds out he has magical abilities. No not Harry. An old man takes him under his wing and quickly the city is in trouble. A quick tale with questionable character motivations, but enjoyable.
December 21, 2014
I definitely enjoyed this book, but it needed to be expanded into a full-length novel in my opinion. Give it room to grow and flesh out the characters and story a little more.
I am already a Brian Keene reader and now I will have to check out some of Geoff Cooper's work.
I am already a Brian Keene reader and now I will have to check out some of Geoff Cooper's work.
February 5, 2020
Shades is a coming-of-age/urban fantasy/horror novella that includes mythos aspects of both Cooper’s and Keene’s work. It’s a lot of fun, with a well-paced story and fantastic characters I quickly got through this and ended up wishing it was longer!
May 20, 2016
Wasn't a fan of the book in the beginning, but the further I read the more it grew on me. Great book, great characters. Wished it was a series.
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