Kindle Edition Amazon Category:  Horror Publisher: iUniverse Type: Fiction Pages: 496 Copyright: 02-01-2012 ISBN-13: 9781469783185 A story of a boy born with severe deformities struggling to survive. "Joshua and Amanda Brodrick, brother and sister, grow up in an affluent family, terrorized by an abusive father and a defenseless mother. As they struggle to survive, they long for escape, stability, and love—they find that solace in one another. Eventually living on their own, the two seem to have everything they ever needed. But their wrongful union produces a child born with hideous deformities, and Amanda and Joshua’s lives take an unexpected turn. Darkness shades the strange goings on in the Brodrick mansion, as the family begins to live a nocturnal life. Amanda will do whatever it takes to keep their secrets hidden from the rest of the world. Even if it means shutting that world out for decades. But secrets can’t be hidden forever. And the world will eventually discover the biggest secret of all: Who is Luthor? "        Excerpt "Joshua and Amanda Brodrick, brother and sister, grow up in an affluent family, terrorized by an abusive father and a defenseless mother. As they struggle to survive, they long for escape, stability, and love—they find that solace in one another. Eventually living on their own, the two seem to have everything they ever needed. But their wrongful union produces a child born with hideous deformities, and Amanda and Joshua’s lives take an unexpected turn. Darkness shades the strange goings on in the Brodrick mansion, as the family begins to live a nocturnal life. Amanda will do whatever it takes to keep their secrets hidden from the rest of the world. Even if it means shutting that world out for decades. But secrets can’t be hidden forever. And the world will eventually discover the biggest secret of all: Who is Luthor? "

There is hope in the midst of unspeakable horror
McShane's novel, "Luthor", delves into the world of child abuse that is too often shrouded in secrecy and shame. The two characteristics that unfortunately allow it to go unchallenged. "Luthor" reminds us that there are ALWAYS multiple 'victims'. I found this novel stirring a cascade of emotions (not the least of which was HOPE) and I had to read and digest it in small portions at a time. I am so very glad I "stuck with it". I found it giving words and expressions to some feelings/thoughts that are sometimes difficult to fully label---a sure fire sign that Pol McShane is an excellent writer!!! **I would caution that there are graphic descriptions that are not well-suited for young or teen readers.**

Sinister, yet also sad
I really enjoyed Luthor. I sympathized with his character, yet was horrified at the family history that created him. I went through many emotions while reading this book- horror, sadness, laughter, and even hope. By the end of the book, I wanted more. Sequel? Prequel? Heck, maybe even a trilogy? I'll buy it!

A massive building and release of emotion in one book!
I do NOT usually read horror stories. Ive never liked horror books. Not even Stephen King, who everyone loves (his stories take forever to get started...by the second chapter, Im bored beyond all reason.) Naturally, I was a lil nervous to start reading Pol's book, having no idea what to expect, especially with that sad, sorrowful, black eye looking out at me from the cover. Who was this Luthor person? Is he an alien?? Is he some undead zombie?? Am I going to be so freaked out over this story I wont be able to sleep??

For me to get into a book, I have to care about the characters. I have to be interested in their lives, I have to either hate their guts or be cheering for them every step of the way, and I have to genuinely care about what they are going through. The very first chapter of this book horrified me even as I found myself drawn in, wanting to know more. I was shocked to discover who Luthor was, who his parents are, and how their lives were evolving. This can't be happening, I kept telling myself! The more I read, the more powerful the emotions became. One moment I was celebrating a murder as if I were about to break into a verse of 'ding dong the witch is dead', the next moment I was mourning the loss of an abusive, neglectful parent as tho it were some heartbreaking tragedy. It was a constant whirlwind of emotions, and I was forced at times to seriously reconsider my stand on some social issues that Ive always felt totally concrete about.

This is a very powerful story. It is not for the feint of heart, so open the cover with this one thing in mind: You ARE going to feel some very intense emotions as you read this story, and You WILL reconsider where you stand on some very powerful issues. That said, its also one hell of a ride!!