The Path of Fate

Dark Shadows Dramatic Readings, Audiobooks #6

by Stephen Mark Rainey

“The Master tells me that when Quentin Colins finds my heart, I can come back...”

Over a century ago, the first Quentin Collins built a stairway to traverse time, opening the way to countless realms of past and future. Now a new stairway has appeared at Collinwood, and the present-day Quentin is drawn to explore its dark path, forging an unlikely alliance with Angelique. Can she use her powers to help him, even at the risk of her own eternal damnation?

Genres: Horror, Gothic, Fantasy, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published June 25, 2009

About the author

Stephen Mark Rainey is the author of numerous novels, including BALAK, THE LEBO COVEN, DARK SHADOWS: DREAMS OF THE DARK (with Elizabeth Massie), BLUE DEVIL ISLAND, THE HOUSE AT BLACK TOOTH POND, and others, including several in Elizabeth Massie's Ameri-Scares Series for Young Readers. In addition, Mark's work includes six short story collections; over 200 published works of short fiction; and the scripts for several DARK SHADOWS audio productions, which feature members of the original ABC-TV series cast. For ten years, he edited the multi-award-winning DEATHREALM magazine and, most recently, the best-selling anthology, DEATHREALM: SPIRITS (Shortwave Publishing). He has also edited anthologies for Delirium Press, Chaosium, and Arkham House. Mark lives in Martinsville, VA, with his wife, Kimberly, and a passel of precocious house cats. He is a regular panelist on the weekly Lovecraft eZine Podcast and an active member of the Horror Writers Association.

Reviews

[Danny Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quentin finding himself in trouble, goes to Angeligue for Assistance but will she have to use her powers to help him, even at the risk of her own eternal suffering?

This was an enjoyable listen, but admittedly I did zone out quite a bit in this, the start and ending were fantastic but I found the half way point of this story a bit of a slog to get through. But the narration by Lara Parker is fantastic and David Selby is great as well. The sound design and music were very good and the ending was brilliant. 7.5/10

[Vincent Darlage · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1985, Angelique sequestered herself away... but in 1990 the stairway of Isaiah Mason appears in Collinwood and Angelique doesn't want to help Quentin with the stairway issue because she is trying to stay out of Diablos' clutches. Angelique is such a fascinating character.

[Shawn Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with any series, some episodes are better than others. This one was particularly good. Watching Angelique struggle for redemption made for some good storytelling. The performances were also good.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but a bit confusing at the end.

[Debra Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very eery. Excellent story trying to keep the suspense of figuring out what was going on with Quentin. Ending was confusing but also a little disappointing because again as Angelique gives up her powers she he has to get them back to save the day. And who was the spirit telling Angelique she has to destroy the Collins???? Over all good story.

[Stephen Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good Dark Shadows story. I think this one would be hard to grasp on the initial hearing if one isn't familiar with the TV series, as there's a lot of backstory thrown in here. Lara Parker and David Selby do a great job, as always.