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Beyond the Shadow
Beyond the Shadow is a terrifying journey into a world where reality and what lay beyond is blurred.
All around ten year old Jared, people are dying at the hands of a killer that nobody can see. Only he is spared. No matter where he goes, people are massacred. Nobody is safe. There is no sanctuary. As the lines between our world and those beyond converge, Jared learns more about the father he has never known, who died before he was born. Jared’s mom and Detective Chaney will do anything to protect him and stop the killer, but Jared knows that he is the only one that could stop this spectral murderer. Mirrors lead from our world to the next and are the key to ending this madness. But can anyone stop a psychotic fiend who doesn’t obey the rules of the natural world?
All around ten year old Jared, people are dying at the hands of a killer that nobody can see. Only he is spared. No matter where he goes, people are massacred. Nobody is safe. There is no sanctuary. As the lines between our world and those beyond converge, Jared learns more about the father he has never known, who died before he was born. Jared’s mom and Detective Chaney will do anything to protect him and stop the killer, but Jared knows that he is the only one that could stop this spectral murderer. Mirrors lead from our world to the next and are the key to ending this madness. But can anyone stop a psychotic fiend who doesn’t obey the rules of the natural world?
- GenresHorror
321 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 16, 2021
The author was gracious enough to provide a copy of the book to me for review- thank you so much!
I love the concept of the book. The idea/ plot summary is truly interesting and unique. For a newer author, I think this was a good start. My biggest critique would be that it seems the author was very excited and engaged in the writing, and maybe didn’t map it all out first. Everyone has a different writing style, and this author’s is easy to read and fairly simplistic, but some of the content requires a more delicate and direct hand.
All in all, the story was engaging
I love the concept of the book. The idea/ plot summary is truly interesting and unique. For a newer author, I think this was a good start. My biggest critique would be that it seems the author was very excited and engaged in the writing, and maybe didn’t map it all out first. Everyone has a different writing style, and this author’s is easy to read and fairly simplistic, but some of the content requires a more delicate and direct hand.
All in all, the story was engaging
March 13, 2021
Beyond the Shadow
By Carl Alves
Genre - Fiction/Paranormal
Pages - 215
Format - Digital
Publication Info - End of Days Publishing, September 5, 2020, ASIN: B08HL8V38H
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewed by - William C. Bitner, Jr. https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...
As I was pulling out of Dean Koontz Ave. approaching the intersection of Stephen King and Clive Barker I came upon a lovely little notions shop by the name of Carl Alves. Now this was not the usual notions shop dealing in sewing materials and haberdashery, but a store filled with ideas, notions and shelves and shelves of the most amazing words and letters. And the owner of that shop, a Mr. Carl Alves, being surrounded by some of the most inspirational streets in the world of horror took upon himself to take all those ideas, notions, amazing words and influences to form what for me was a most amazing and incredibly entertaining paranormal tale. This tale begins in the very first pages with a massacre at a local middle school and the suspect is of all things an invisible entity. From that point forward the reader is met with one unexplained occurrence after another. This was a true page-turner…(1) a thrilling book, (2) to have an interesting plot, (3) refers to something that one cannot ignore (4) to create an instant interest. Mr. Alves surpassed each and every requirement of that definition by a wide margin. And to think, all this talent is right here in my neck of the woods in central Pennsylvania. This is not my first read by this talented author and it will not be my last.
From the back cover - ‘Beyond the Shadow is a terrifying journey into a world where reality and what lay beyond is blurred.
All around ten year old Jared, people are dying at the hands of a killer that nobody can see. Only he is spared. No matter where he goes, people are massacred. Nobody is safe. There is no sanctuary. As the lines between our world and those beyond converge, Jared learns more about the father he has never known, who died before he was born. Jared’s mom and Detective Chaney will do anything to protect him and stop the killer, but Jared knows that he is the only one that could stop this spectral murderer. Mirrors lead from our world to the next and are the key to ending this madness. But can anyone stop a psychotic fiend who doesn’t obey the rules of the natural world?’
About the Author - Carl is the author of five published novels which span the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres in no particular order. He lives in Central Pennsylvania with his wife and the two most awesome boys you have ever met. When not feverishly conjuring stories about monsters, aliens, and things that go bump in the night, he works as an engineer for a medical device company.
Other books by Carl Alves - Blood Street, The Invocation, Battle of the Soul, Reconquest: Mother Earth, Conjesero and Two For Eternity
By Carl Alves
Genre - Fiction/Paranormal
Pages - 215
Format - Digital
Publication Info - End of Days Publishing, September 5, 2020, ASIN: B08HL8V38H
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewed by - William C. Bitner, Jr. https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...
As I was pulling out of Dean Koontz Ave. approaching the intersection of Stephen King and Clive Barker I came upon a lovely little notions shop by the name of Carl Alves. Now this was not the usual notions shop dealing in sewing materials and haberdashery, but a store filled with ideas, notions and shelves and shelves of the most amazing words and letters. And the owner of that shop, a Mr. Carl Alves, being surrounded by some of the most inspirational streets in the world of horror took upon himself to take all those ideas, notions, amazing words and influences to form what for me was a most amazing and incredibly entertaining paranormal tale. This tale begins in the very first pages with a massacre at a local middle school and the suspect is of all things an invisible entity. From that point forward the reader is met with one unexplained occurrence after another. This was a true page-turner…(1) a thrilling book, (2) to have an interesting plot, (3) refers to something that one cannot ignore (4) to create an instant interest. Mr. Alves surpassed each and every requirement of that definition by a wide margin. And to think, all this talent is right here in my neck of the woods in central Pennsylvania. This is not my first read by this talented author and it will not be my last.
From the back cover - ‘Beyond the Shadow is a terrifying journey into a world where reality and what lay beyond is blurred.
All around ten year old Jared, people are dying at the hands of a killer that nobody can see. Only he is spared. No matter where he goes, people are massacred. Nobody is safe. There is no sanctuary. As the lines between our world and those beyond converge, Jared learns more about the father he has never known, who died before he was born. Jared’s mom and Detective Chaney will do anything to protect him and stop the killer, but Jared knows that he is the only one that could stop this spectral murderer. Mirrors lead from our world to the next and are the key to ending this madness. But can anyone stop a psychotic fiend who doesn’t obey the rules of the natural world?’
About the Author - Carl is the author of five published novels which span the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres in no particular order. He lives in Central Pennsylvania with his wife and the two most awesome boys you have ever met. When not feverishly conjuring stories about monsters, aliens, and things that go bump in the night, he works as an engineer for a medical device company.
Other books by Carl Alves - Blood Street, The Invocation, Battle of the Soul, Reconquest: Mother Earth, Conjesero and Two For Eternity
December 15, 2020
The story begins with a massacre at a middle school by an unseen assailant. Things go from bad to worse as an invisible killer with powerful but invisible weapons stalks a young boy, killing the people around him. The police are stunned by acts that cannot originate in the natural world. The characters are interesting, and even a little romance sneaks in. The writing is clear and easy to read. However, I found a few words I had to look up. It took a while for me to become engrossed, but I am glad I stuck with it. I got a copy of this book from Hidden Gems. I enjoyed it more and more as the story progressed. The forces of evil are not in the religious sense, but somehow worse than a devil. I went through the bulk of the story wondering how it could end well.
February 3, 2021
A bloody massacre at a school caused by some unseen attacker. A young boy named Jared was the only survivor. The police didn’t believe his story of the invisible attacker. Was he the killer? Was he involved? Was he covering for someone else? Or perhaps there was a much more sinister explanation?
There was a lot of speculation going on. The whole thing carries this creepy vibe. What was this killer? And was it coming for Jared? And how can it be stopped?
The story carries a simple narrative that captures the reader. It’s rather interesting battling this unseen demon. It’s kinda like a face-off with Freddy Kruegger.
Quite eerie and strangely fascinating.
There was a lot of speculation going on. The whole thing carries this creepy vibe. What was this killer? And was it coming for Jared? And how can it be stopped?
The story carries a simple narrative that captures the reader. It’s rather interesting battling this unseen demon. It’s kinda like a face-off with Freddy Kruegger.
Quite eerie and strangely fascinating.
May 1, 2021
What goes best with horror? A Mother's perseverance, a cop's dedication, and a ten year old's courage in the face of the unspeakable. It is difficult to write a review for this book without any spoilers, but I will give it a try...I could see people I know in these characters; the story moved along at a good pace, without any fluff, and with enough detail to make the horror sequences intense but not overtly gratuitous. Be warned, there is a large body count in this, and an evil that encompasses the worst part of humanity - but good triumphs at the end. AND an added plus, in my estimation, there is an opening for a sequel or a continuation for these characters. Two thumbs up!
April 14, 2024
I watched strangers things and enjoyed the series even though it was basically a teen audience show. This book reminded me of a teen audience book. I enjoyed the book and was anxious for how it was going to end. Actually I think it would make a great movie with the right effects. Be interesting to see how Jared fairs later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2020
Interesting read, more in depth review to come soon.
December 22, 2020
This was a fun story... in an invisible killer way. There is a decent amount of intrigue, however there were also numerous typos. Entertaining story, needs more editing.
May 18, 2023
I enjoyed the story, I found it unique. It kept me really interested and I wasn’t able to put it down. I liked the paranormal aspect of it and the story was easy to follow and visualize.
November 21, 2020
Carl Alves – Beyond the Shadow – Reviewed 11/20/20 – Read 11/14/20
People are dying all around 10-year-old Jared, but no one can see the killer, except me!
Jared is not a happy camper. The school had changed the district boundary lines over the summer, now his best friend is going to another school. Being at school has never been a fun thing for Jared, but he had managed because of his friend being there to help him. Now there is no one and his mother will not listen to him.
The school bully used to be a friend of Jared’s but not anymore. After hitting him in the face with a ball, Jared finally had his fill. After confronting him, they end up in a fight that his teacher breaks up, both boys are taken to the principal's office. Suddenly, everyone started dying, and Jared could not do anything about it. They all died, with no one in the room. Jared looked up and, in the mirror, Jared saw someone, but he was not in the room.
And the story begins…
What did I like? This was a breath-holding read. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe! Being a mother, it was heart-wrenching what Jared was going through. Of course, it was even more emotional what his mother was experiencing. The mystery was carried throughout the storyline and kept my interest fully.
What will you like? Mysterious, exciting, emotional, thrilling, terrifying, and exhilarating!
Those are just a few of the adjectives that apply to the storyline. This is beautifully written and edited. The author uses excellent descriptions and details, grabbing you, and throwing you into the middle of all the action. You will absolutely feel the terror and fear of the characters. The characters are amazing, bold, and yet likable. Well, all except the killer!! You will most certainly have animosity against him. The excitement is throughout the book, with lots of details to keep you interested. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting! Most certainly a stimulating read!
• File Size: 2154 KB
• Print Length: 215 pages
• Publication Date: September 5, 2020
• Publisher: End of Days Publishing
• ASIN: B08HL8V38H
• Genre: Ghost Thrillers, Paranormal Suspense, Horror
Carl Alves – Beyond the Shadow – Reviewed 11/20/20 – Read 11/14/20
People are dying all around 10-year-old Jared, but no one can see the killer, except me!
Jared is not a happy camper. The school had changed the district boundary lines over the summer, now his best friend is going to another school. Being at school has never been a fun thing for Jared, but he had managed because of his friend being there to help him. Now there is no one and his mother will not listen to him.
The school bully used to be a friend of Jared’s but not anymore. After hitting him in the face with a ball, Jared finally had his fill. After confronting him, they end up in a fight that his teacher breaks up, both boys are taken to the principal's office. Suddenly, everyone started dying, and Jared could not do anything about it. They all died, with no one in the room. Jared looked up and, in the mirror, Jared saw someone, but he was not in the room.
And the story begins…
What did I like? This was a breath-holding read. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe! Being a mother, it was heart-wrenching what Jared was going through. Of course, it was even more emotional what his mother was experiencing. The mystery was carried throughout the storyline and kept my interest fully.
What will you like? Mysterious, exciting, emotional, thrilling, terrifying, and exhilarating!
Those are just a few of the adjectives that apply to the storyline. This is beautifully written and edited. The author uses excellent descriptions and details, grabbing you, and throwing you into the middle of all the action. You will absolutely feel the terror and fear of the characters. The characters are amazing, bold, and yet likable. Well, all except the killer!! You will most certainly have animosity against him. The excitement is throughout the book, with lots of details to keep you interested. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting! Most certainly a stimulating read!
• File Size: 2154 KB
• Print Length: 215 pages
• Publication Date: September 5, 2020
• Publisher: End of Days Publishing
• ASIN: B08HL8V38H
• Genre: Ghost Thrillers, Paranormal Suspense, Horror
People are dying all around 10-year-old Jared, but no one can see the killer, except me!
Jared is not a happy camper. The school had changed the district boundary lines over the summer, now his best friend is going to another school. Being at school has never been a fun thing for Jared, but he had managed because of his friend being there to help him. Now there is no one and his mother will not listen to him.
The school bully used to be a friend of Jared’s but not anymore. After hitting him in the face with a ball, Jared finally had his fill. After confronting him, they end up in a fight that his teacher breaks up, both boys are taken to the principal's office. Suddenly, everyone started dying, and Jared could not do anything about it. They all died, with no one in the room. Jared looked up and, in the mirror, Jared saw someone, but he was not in the room.
And the story begins…
What did I like? This was a breath-holding read. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe! Being a mother, it was heart-wrenching what Jared was going through. Of course, it was even more emotional what his mother was experiencing. The mystery was carried throughout the storyline and kept my interest fully.
What will you like? Mysterious, exciting, emotional, thrilling, terrifying, and exhilarating!
Those are just a few of the adjectives that apply to the storyline. This is beautifully written and edited. The author uses excellent descriptions and details, grabbing you, and throwing you into the middle of all the action. You will absolutely feel the terror and fear of the characters. The characters are amazing, bold, and yet likable. Well, all except the killer!! You will most certainly have animosity against him. The excitement is throughout the book, with lots of details to keep you interested. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting! Most certainly a stimulating read!
• File Size: 2154 KB
• Print Length: 215 pages
• Publication Date: September 5, 2020
• Publisher: End of Days Publishing
• ASIN: B08HL8V38H
• Genre: Ghost Thrillers, Paranormal Suspense, Horror
Carl Alves – Beyond the Shadow – Reviewed 11/20/20 – Read 11/14/20
People are dying all around 10-year-old Jared, but no one can see the killer, except me!
Jared is not a happy camper. The school had changed the district boundary lines over the summer, now his best friend is going to another school. Being at school has never been a fun thing for Jared, but he had managed because of his friend being there to help him. Now there is no one and his mother will not listen to him.
The school bully used to be a friend of Jared’s but not anymore. After hitting him in the face with a ball, Jared finally had his fill. After confronting him, they end up in a fight that his teacher breaks up, both boys are taken to the principal's office. Suddenly, everyone started dying, and Jared could not do anything about it. They all died, with no one in the room. Jared looked up and, in the mirror, Jared saw someone, but he was not in the room.
And the story begins…
What did I like? This was a breath-holding read. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe! Being a mother, it was heart-wrenching what Jared was going through. Of course, it was even more emotional what his mother was experiencing. The mystery was carried throughout the storyline and kept my interest fully.
What will you like? Mysterious, exciting, emotional, thrilling, terrifying, and exhilarating!
Those are just a few of the adjectives that apply to the storyline. This is beautifully written and edited. The author uses excellent descriptions and details, grabbing you, and throwing you into the middle of all the action. You will absolutely feel the terror and fear of the characters. The characters are amazing, bold, and yet likable. Well, all except the killer!! You will most certainly have animosity against him. The excitement is throughout the book, with lots of details to keep you interested. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting! Most certainly a stimulating read!
• File Size: 2154 KB
• Print Length: 215 pages
• Publication Date: September 5, 2020
• Publisher: End of Days Publishing
• ASIN: B08HL8V38H
• Genre: Ghost Thrillers, Paranormal Suspense, Horror
March 11, 2022
Carl Alves – Beyond the Shadow – Reviewed 11/20/20 – Read 11/14/20
People are dying all around 10-year-old Jared, but no one can see the killer, except me!
Jared is not a happy camper. The school had changed the district boundary lines over the summer, now his best friend is going to another school. Being at school has never been a fun thing for Jared, but he had managed because of his friend being there to help him. Now there is no one and his mother will not listen to him.
The school bully used to be a friend of Jared’s but not anymore. After hitting him in the face with a ball, Jared finally had his fill. After confronting him, they end up in a fight that his teacher breaks up, both boys are taken to the principal's office. Suddenly, everyone started dying, and Jared could not do anything about it. They all died, with no one in the room. Jared looked up and, in the mirror, Jared saw someone, but he was not in the room.
And the story begins…
What did I like? This was a breath-holding read. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe! Being a mother, it was heart-wrenching what Jared was going through. Of course, it was even more emotional what his mother was experiencing. The mystery was carried throughout the storyline and kept my interest fully.
What will you like? Mysterious, exciting, emotional, thrilling, terrifying, and exhilarating!
Those are just a few of the adjectives that apply to the storyline. This is beautifully written and edited. The author uses excellent descriptions and details, grabbing you, and throwing you into the middle of all the action. You will absolutely feel the terror and fear of the characters. The characters are amazing, bold, and yet likable. Well, all except the killer!! You will most certainly have animosity against him. The excitement is throughout the book, with lots of details to keep you interested. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting! Most certainly a stimulating read!
• File Size: 2154 KB
• Print Length: 215 pages
• Publication Date: September 5, 2020
• Publisher: End of Days Publishing
• ASIN: B08HL8V38H
• Genre: Ghost Thrillers, Paranormal Suspense, Horror
People are dying all around 10-year-old Jared, but no one can see the killer, except me!
Jared is not a happy camper. The school had changed the district boundary lines over the summer, now his best friend is going to another school. Being at school has never been a fun thing for Jared, but he had managed because of his friend being there to help him. Now there is no one and his mother will not listen to him.
The school bully used to be a friend of Jared’s but not anymore. After hitting him in the face with a ball, Jared finally had his fill. After confronting him, they end up in a fight that his teacher breaks up, both boys are taken to the principal's office. Suddenly, everyone started dying, and Jared could not do anything about it. They all died, with no one in the room. Jared looked up and, in the mirror, Jared saw someone, but he was not in the room.
And the story begins…
What did I like? This was a breath-holding read. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe! Being a mother, it was heart-wrenching what Jared was going through. Of course, it was even more emotional what his mother was experiencing. The mystery was carried throughout the storyline and kept my interest fully.
What will you like? Mysterious, exciting, emotional, thrilling, terrifying, and exhilarating!
Those are just a few of the adjectives that apply to the storyline. This is beautifully written and edited. The author uses excellent descriptions and details, grabbing you, and throwing you into the middle of all the action. You will absolutely feel the terror and fear of the characters. The characters are amazing, bold, and yet likable. Well, all except the killer!! You will most certainly have animosity against him. The excitement is throughout the book, with lots of details to keep you interested. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting! Most certainly a stimulating read!
• File Size: 2154 KB
• Print Length: 215 pages
• Publication Date: September 5, 2020
• Publisher: End of Days Publishing
• ASIN: B08HL8V38H
• Genre: Ghost Thrillers, Paranormal Suspense, Horror
January 15, 2026
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author and the publisher for a copy!
This was not a good book. The idea behind the plot was interesting, but that was about it. Other than unnecessary facts thrown in (mentioning that Jared had a Star Wars poster over his bed in the middle of what was supposed to be an attack), there was also whole paragraphs about one of the officers sex lives, talking about how good Kendra looked, and other things along those lines. Also the vast amount of brand names that were dropped for absolutely no reason was just plain annoying to me.
The treatment of the occult and voudon was not the best either. For example: saying Papa Legba was afraid of a spirit and throwing in the sigil of Ameth for no reason while describing it poorly. Also pinning any kind of black magic on “voo-doo” is not a good look. Also the casual ablism in the line “Hearing voices in your head only happened to crazy people” really didn’t endear me to the book.
Another problem I had was inconsistency. The end of chapter 20 had Ron running into the bathroom and seeing Darion’s face, yet the beginning of chapter 22 starts with him running up the stairs to see a pair of arms coming out of the mirror? There were other, smaller ones too, but I cannot stop thinking about that one.
The characterisation of Jared was also all over the place; one second he was smart for his age, the next he thinks that since he was born after his dad died that means he’s a demon too. If he was conceived, maybe, but born?
The payoff was also unsatisfactory, imo. I went through the whole book and then the final showdown was like, 15 pages from the end, and went by way too quickly. Also Kendra moving on from Derek that fast just made me angry, but that’s just me.
All over I would not recommend this book. The writing is over simplistic and the ideas are all over the place.
This was not a good book. The idea behind the plot was interesting, but that was about it. Other than unnecessary facts thrown in (mentioning that Jared had a Star Wars poster over his bed in the middle of what was supposed to be an attack), there was also whole paragraphs about one of the officers sex lives, talking about how good Kendra looked, and other things along those lines. Also the vast amount of brand names that were dropped for absolutely no reason was just plain annoying to me.
The treatment of the occult and voudon was not the best either. For example: saying Papa Legba was afraid of a spirit and throwing in the sigil of Ameth for no reason while describing it poorly. Also pinning any kind of black magic on “voo-doo” is not a good look. Also the casual ablism in the line “Hearing voices in your head only happened to crazy people” really didn’t endear me to the book.
Another problem I had was inconsistency. The end of chapter 20 had Ron running into the bathroom and seeing Darion’s face, yet the beginning of chapter 22 starts with him running up the stairs to see a pair of arms coming out of the mirror? There were other, smaller ones too, but I cannot stop thinking about that one.
The characterisation of Jared was also all over the place; one second he was smart for his age, the next he thinks that since he was born after his dad died that means he’s a demon too. If he was conceived, maybe, but born?
The payoff was also unsatisfactory, imo. I went through the whole book and then the final showdown was like, 15 pages from the end, and went by way too quickly. Also Kendra moving on from Derek that fast just made me angry, but that’s just me.
All over I would not recommend this book. The writing is over simplistic and the ideas are all over the place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews