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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Psycho Stalker, May 23, 2005
All of a sudden I gasped and cried out "Oh no!, Oh no!" and those around me said "that must be a good book!" The book I was reading was Within the Shadows by Brandon Massey. This is the third of his horror/suspense novels I have read and each one I have enjoyed. Within the Shadows started off a little slow, but had a strong middle and ending.
Writer Andrew Wilson is best known for his Mark Justice suspense novels. One Tuesday while sitting in Starbucks, he sees a beautiful young woman reading his novel. Putting his shyness aside and acting on a dare from his best friend, Eric Patton, he introduces himself to her. The woman is Lalamica (Mika) Woods. After meeting Mika, Andrew's life becomes a whirlwind of strange, unexplainable events. His home is invaded by an unknown source that turns on electrical equipment and communicates with him by typing messages on his computer. Three gray cats, with piercing eyes that can look beyond the soul find their way on his property. Worse of all, Mika is not the woman he thought. With the help of friend, Carmen and his estranged father, Ray, Andrew has to find out the mystery behind the strange going-ons in order to keep his sanity.
Intrigued is the best way I can describe how I was feeling while reading this book. The actions and suspense had me on the edge of my seat. I was anxious to find out what was going to happen next, but afraid to turn the pages too fast for fear of the unexpected. I sat for hours savoring every word to get to the ending. In this review I am leaving out a lot of information because I would not want to spoil this book for anyone. I suggest you pick up this book and enjoy the haunting experience for yourself.
Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
Motown Review BookClub
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Within the Shadows... OFF THE CHAIN!!!, June 30, 2005
I was in the middle of reading a couple of romance/relationship novels that were making me yawn, when I decided to go ahead and peruse the first couple of chapters of a horror novel (Within the Shadows) that I'd bought that Friday afternoon. I didn't put the book down until I'd finished reading it (14 hours later). This book grabbed me by the throat and violently shook me around and didn't let me go until I read the final word!! I felt like I was on a runaway rollercoaster and someone forgot to strap me in. I was so engrossed and scared that I would jump whenever my own telephone rang. Now that's what I call a good book!!
Three thoughts crossed my mind repeatedly when I was reading this book: 1) Andrew, man, you've got yourself mixed up in some straight craziness!!, 2) Mika would beat the brakes off of that broad Glenn Close!!! and 3) How the heck are Andrew, Carmen and Raymond gonna get outta this mess??
I agree with some of the other reviewers on the overall plot structure of the novel. I liked the way the author layered the subplots into the main plot. Who would've thought you could weave complex family issues, love relationships, eroticism (Brandon, have you been hanging out with Zane??) and friendship issues together so perfectly into a horror novel? And do it very delicately and be suttle about it, in such a way that the main plot is in no way overshadowed????? And the author's attention to detail was insane!! I might have to read it again, because I know I missed something!
I especailly enjoyed the fact that much of this story took place over in my hood (Southside Atlanta, South Fulton County).
Seems like with each book, Brandon Massey gets better and better. Man, he is really fine-tuning his craft!!!! I thought Thunderland and Dark Corner were scary. The eclectic Dark Dreams Anthology was very good, masterfully edited. Within the Shadows took it to a whole 'nother level. I can't imagine what Mr. Massey will write next!!!
Please GO OUT AND GET THIS BOOK!!! I promise, you won't regret it.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Supernatural Attraction, July 16, 2005
Andrew Wilson is a young, successful bachelor looking for the right woman to help complete his life. He is also trying to re-establish a relationship with his absentee father. While returning from a weekend golf getaway, Andrew and his father have a bizarre car accident, but the accident was no accident at all, it was planned. In the time that follows, Andrew meets an amazing, drop dead gorgeous woman, Mika Woods. Suddenly strange things begin to happen and they all can't be a coincidence. As Andrew begins to make sense of it all he will need to be open and trust his father, the father that abandoned him years ago, because he holds the answers that Andrew seeks.
I loved Brandon Massey's Thunderland, it was my first experience in the genre of horror. After reading his third novel I thought of the song lyric by Sade, "nothing's as good as the first time", but WITHIN THE SHADOWS comes mighty darn close. I still received the chills of terror and the sadness that goes hand in hand. The subplots dealing with family relationships are just as strong and interesting as the primary one. His characters have depth and it is easy to picture the story he has drawn out for you in words. WITHIN THE SHADOWS is a well-crafted horror story.
Reviewed by Aiesha Flowers
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
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