The alien invasion of the earth has begun, but this is no Independence day. Inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos, Shadows of the Past relates the tale of ancient Gods seeking a return to their former glory.
When Washington D.C Homicide Detective Sam Hardin is called to investigate a gruesome killing he stumbles upon the theft of an ancient alien dagger that had been discovered in the barren wastes of Antarctica. But this is no ordinary dagger. It has an odd effect on anyone it comes into contact with, for it contains the essence of an alien race that once ruled a young Earth.
Partially disabled Vietnam vet Jack Griffith has been counting down his final days as the cancer, compliments of his service in South East Asia, slowly consumes his body. While clearing a clogged storm drain he is accidentally stabbed by the dagger that had been stolen to repay a gambling debt. Surrounded by rats as death approaches he is given a second chance at life when that alien presence invades his body.
But at what price?
Jack, an unwitting host to this alien life form, embarks on a search for the only one who can stand in the way of their return. An ancient legend appearing in the guise of Sam's brain damaged four year old son. A child whose fathomless black eyes hold the secrets of life and death.
Sam and Jack go head to head in a fight to the death as the echoes of a distant past whisper from the antediluvian void. In the balance hangs the future of all mankind, and his place at the top of the food chain.
Excerpt
"Tell me about the warehouse, Carl."
"I don't want to go there," Carl whispered.
"Why?"
"The shadows." Sam could feel something crawling around inside him, a thing dark and oily, responding to Carl's terror. He recalled the solitude of the warehouse. The thoughts that went through his mind upon entering its shadowy interior.
He who walks between the rows.
Carl pointed a shaking finger at the building behind them. Among the pedestrians moving in and out through the seven revolving doors, Sam caught a glimpse of something dark. A shadowy figure, seen for a brief moment, then gone as quickly as it appeared.
"The shadows," Carl whispered with a shaky voice.
"What's in the shadows?" Sam's throat was constricted and he struggled to get the words out, "tell me, Carl, what do you see in the shadows?"
"Ssssshhhhh." Carl put his finger to his lips. He whispered, "don't let it hear you."
Professional Reviews
Charlene Reviews Shados of the Past
An ancient dagger is stolen that may be the conduit to a world that existed over 15 million years ago. Jack Griffith is three weeks from retiring from working the swing shift in the sewers. Called to open a clogged drain, Jack uncovers a dagger. Its supernatural powers reveal the darkness around him, and he is transformed; the Chosen. Sam Hardin is a detective assigned to a grisly murder. He is also the guardian, and father, to Frankie, who the Chosen One is seeking in order to end mankind. Struggling with the loss of his wife, Sam must put his past aside to protect his son.
Watch out, Stephen King! Mr. Schiver has a way with terror. Starting with page number 4, Shadows of the Past is a horror-filled ride that left me white-knuckling all the way to the end! The subplots, such as the death of his wife, and the injury to his son, as well as his teen daughter's escapades into crime, lend an even more realistic feel to the story. There are also several flashbacks to war, whether Vietnam, or Kuwait, that mirror the fight for survival that Jack and Sam face as they each wage war in the present day. Weaving the subplots together are horrific cannibalistic murders.
There were a few inconsistencies, although minor, that had me going back and reviewing. Mainly in regards to Sam's wife, Anna, and her death. In Chapter 8, Michelle mentions that its been 4 years since Anna's death, and in Chapter 17, Cheryl, Sam's daughter, states it's been 2 years. Seeing as this book takes place within 3 days time, I was temporarily confused. This, however, in no way detracted from the story, just caused my detail-oriented mind to reel.
Shadows of the Past is full of voices that can mimic others, beings with needle-like teeth that can't be killed, and black clouds that reach forward like tendrils lurking in the darkness. This book will have you sleeping with a nightlight, afraid of the shadows in your closet and under your bed. Descriptive scenes and all too human emotion give this a realistic feel that would translate to the screen with spine-tingling results. The ending hints toward a possible sequel, which I would greedily snatch up and hunker down in a well-lit room to enjoy.
I love being introduced to something I thought I would not like
First admission, I have never read Lovecraft. I know that might seem blasphemous, but it just never came up on my radar. I have read Neil Gaiman, and I would place Mister Schriver's talents in league with Gaiman's. He shines in his ability to let dialogue propel a story. That is trickier than it may seem, but the talented writers do it with an effortless grace. The conversations reveal details without becoming narratives.
The story has a realistic but fantastic bent to it that makes me feel terrible for letting this book sit on my shelf as long as it did. For that, I apologize because Mr. Schiver can spin a heck of a story. Once you start, just know you will be busy for a while. The action scenes flow well and don't seem awkward or blocky. You have no problem visualizing the scenes that play out.
Credit is given to Patricia Russo with the edits and they are well earned. This is a clean read. Combine that with a pace that keeps you so entranced that you cant turn pages quick enough. I was sent a copy of this book by the author for review on the grounds that I give an honest one. In short...BUY THIS BOOK! I won't ask for another free copy from Mr. Schiver, I want to support him buy making purchases...that is the highest praise I can give. And if you wonder why I can heap this much praise and not give this a 5-star review, it is simply because I must now go read Lovecraft to see what the heck I have been missing.
Be Prepared to be Looking Over Your Shoulder
They say the past has a way of catching up to you, and in Shadows of the Past, author Richard Schiver proves the saying beyond a shadow of a doubt. This is one book, that once you start, you will not put down until you've reached the very end.
For those who love the Lovecraftian mythos of Cthulhu, this book will satisfy your hunger for more tales from the myth. For those who have never read Lovecraft - this book will serve as a wonderful introduction to the mythos that has inspired writers for decades.
Well written and edited, Shadows of the Past is a chilling story of things best left alone - but are not. Don't read this at night or when you are alone in your home - the images Schiver invokes are disturbing and will remain with you for a long time.
Did you ever wonder what happened after the Archangel Michael through the demons out of heaven? Let one of them guide you through the origin of evil in the world.
