Shadow Books

This is a terrific book for anyone struggling with the loss of a loved one. I've used it over and over again in support groups and sent it to many friends in their bereavement. Recommend highly.

Author Deborah Morris Coryell, who has worked in the health field for more than 25 years and has written numerous books on wellness, now takes pen to paper in order to shed light on the process of healing from grief and loss. She observes that "We only grieve for that which we have loved and, the nature of life being transitory, love and loss are intimately connected," among many other hidden truths about the essence of grief. Eloquent and poignant, Good Grief: Healing Through The Shadow Of Loss is a touching journey toward understanding the regret that makes us human.

Having lost my only child four years ago, I have read many books on grief. This one is by far the best! I found myself highlighting most of the pages and have just bought a second copy!

My advise: Buy This One!

We lost our 39 year old son in September. Although he had been ill for a number of years, his death was unexpected. We were glad he was no longer in pain and was finally at peace. At the same time, we miss him and tears are always quite near. GOOD GRIEF was a positive,clearly written essay about the author's own grieving. She espressed so well the feelings I didn't know how to put into words. Her experience gave me a way of grieving that was real and authentic. We will always miss our son. I will always be a Mom who has a son who has died. However, just as his life had meaning, so does his death. Just as he was one of my spirtual teachers while he was alive, he continues to help me to grow throught his death. GOOD GRIEF has given me a guideline for this painful part of my life. I know I will go through this period of growth, not around it. I want to completely experience one of the greatest losses of my life and use that awareness to be of service to others. GOOD GRIEF will help me to accomplish that goal. After reading the book, I immediately read it again. I also sent copies of it to a number of people who also loved our son and were grieving his death. They agreed with me about the value of GOOD GRIEF in their grieving process.

Deborah Coryell wrote this book for me. It was as if she looked into my soul and saw my need. I unexpectantly lost my daughter 3 days after Xmas 2004 and have been trying to cope ever since. Deborah Coryell reached out (through this book) and pulled me into a new realm of healing. I plan to reread it again and again. If fact, I am about to order 2 more copies for my other two daughters (I don't want to give up my copy). So much of what Deborah Coryell writes is what I believe and feel but she puts it in words for me. She also introduced me to a new way of viewing the transition from physical life to "...the divine spark...dispersed into the universe." Her words and understanding of loss, grieving and healing are powerful. I am so grateful for having found her (book) at this time in my life.

I remember when I was a 10 year old and would go with friends to the local theater to see Count Dracula, played by Bela Lagosi, suck the blood out of his victims. When the movie was over, I had to walk three blocks alone (after I got off the bus) to my home on an unlit street. My run quickly turned into a fast jaunt because I just knew the Vampire was going to get me. When I read Hunters of the Shadows, even though I know longer have a fear of Vampires, the old childhood memories surfaced.

The descriptive by the author is so real that at every little sound in your home may cause you to look over your shoulder. Darius Creed is the Vampire hunter, who with his Love Selena hunts down and kills vampires. I really do not want to say more, because words alone cannot give you the impact that reading this book will.

For those that love fantasy with a mixture of horror, then this is your kind of book. The Gypsies, witches and vampires are intermingled with each other so well that you can hardly wait to turn to the next page. The use of the cat was unique. I loved it.

This book proves once again that good overcomes evil - or does it? I am not a fantasy or horror fan, but this book by Mr. Haeuser grabbed me and held me to the exciting climax. If you want a book that will leave you in a cold sweat, then be sure to get your copy of 'Hunters of the Shadows.'

What a movie this would make. Bravo!

Reviewed by award-winning author, Bobby Ruble, author of Have No Mercy and co-author with wife, Kam, of Black Rosebud: Have No Mercy II.

I am a huge vampire fan, the biggest. I am also a Bram Stoker fan and loved the way he was in the story. Mark brings out a vision in this book, a vision to be seen up on the big screen, I think it would make a wonderful horror flick. The story kept me on the edge of my seat all night, I read it in two nights. i just could not put it down! i could visualize all the characters, especially Darius himself. a wonderful book for any vampire and horror fan. Very much recommended!!

For as long as there have been men, there have been creatures who prey on them, vampires, werewolves and others of that ilk.

Darius Creed is a Hunter, a special breed of human charged with the protection of all humans from the darkness lurking everywhere. He is long-lived and comes from a long line of Gypsy Royalty.

In modern times, most humans have forgotten the old lore, how to protect themselves against the darkness, all those except the Gypsy people who follow the old ways. Hunters in modern times are hard to come by, but they are needed, for a great battle is about to commence and only the Hunters can stop the powers of Darkness from attempting the Dolmage - Armageddon...

This book had a bit of everything, romance, adventure, mystery, horror, action, it was a difficult book to put down. As I was about half way through, I was thinking to myself, "I wish Selena (Creed's lover) was more involved in the story," and shortly thereafter, my wish was granted, although not in the way I expected! Selena is pivotal to the plot, even though she is not involved so much in the action.

My one niggle, and it is a niggle, although the story more than makes up for it, is that the layout of the book was a little odd. There were no spaces or indents between paragraphs. I'm not sure if that's the way the author meant it to be, or if it was a mistake at the printers.

Even with that, it's a good book and an interesting read if you like vampire stories with a bit of magic and romance thrown in.

I am a big fan of Anita Blake the Vampire Slayer. And this book by Mark Haeuser is right up there.The first page is exciting and it only gets better.I couldn't put the book down. I am hoping this is the beginning of a series of books with these great characters.

Hunters of the Shadows is a definite read book! It is well written, has lots of action, interesting characters (like a cat who talks), and keeps you hanging on to the end of the book. Having read an earlier book of Mark's I was not sure what this one would provide. I was wonderfully surprised! I loved it and you will too! I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for his next book!

This memoir written by the daughter of a woman that had polio and a history of polio is an excellent book. I really felt like I knew the author, her mother and the whole polio experience much better after I read this book.

As a polio survivor myself, I am fascinated by the biographies of others. I am very much reminded of TO CATCH THE SNOWFLAKES, another survivor who did not allow himself to be a victim.

Kathryn Black's journey to understand her mother's struggle with polio is well written and poignant--a definite contribution to appreciating the human condition. This book is worth every penny.

As a daughter of a polio survivor, I found this book to be an excellent resourse. the excellent research and doucumentation of a social and scientific phenomena of this century.

The book was inspirational and taught me a lot about the disease- things I never knew; but when I read the summary for this book, I thought it was going to be a story, not a research paper. Yes, Ms. Black does tell snippets of her mother's story every other chapter, but there is so much nitty gritty info in between- unless you want to know the entire history of the disease, don't buy this book. I did, thinking I would get an in depth view into the life of a family affected by polio, and instead got, for the most part, an essay on the history and effects of polio. Please don't be mislead by the title- it's a good title, but it conveys a personal and intimate sense which is not entirely present in the book itself. I hope my experience with this book helps you in the future.

As one unfamiliar with Hebrew history, this book by Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag is a bolt of lightning to your entire being, illuminating a hidden and ancient wisdom. Once you start reading, you can't put the book down because the wisdom and truth of what is revealed is addictive. I am humbled, honored and very privileged to have been able to read this spiritual work and look forward to furthering my study of Kabbalah.

Anyone who is searching for the truth of why we are here, glimpses of God's creative powers, why there is good and evil, please read "In the Shadow of the Ladder; Introductions to Kabbalah" by Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag.

It is a revelation that will fill you up to overflowing with the most wonderful feeling/knowledge that even though things are not "right with the world" God is in control and always will be.

This book while seemingly short is thick with very profound information.
I found myself constantly rereading sections in an effort to understand the material. The book contains much material and expresses Ideas I have not only ever seen expressed before but the style and clarity is superb.
While I found myself learning all sorts of new things I was constanly amazed with the concepts shown throughout the book. The authoers did a remarkable
job of bringing this mostly unknown information out to the masses.
A must read for anyone serious about kabbalah and certainly not a book for the begginer

Yedida Cohen gives beautiful short lectures in Kabbalah (10 minutes long) every week on The Eyshet Chayil Show through Israel National Radio, which you can hear for free on the internet.

[...]

If you like this book, listen to her lively, soulful explanations of kabbalistic concepts every week.

I chose to read the book because of the interest that teacher yedidah cohen has managed to present in classes, in print, on the internet, and even on israel radio.
the book contains excellent teachings but the language is complex and requires a good memory. Rabbi Ashlag was born in Warsaw, Poland and enriched jewish knowledge in erez yisroel before he passed away. we are the beneficiaries that his writings survive with disciples to help explain rabbi ashlag's universal wisdom and truth. Rabbi Ashlag held his vision before him at all times and is reflected in his introduction to the zohar. he seems to uphold the vision of peace, a vision of unity, and a vision of love. His understanding may be a key to enter into jewish kabbalistic wisdom. I recommend this book to all level of readers. it's a beginners book into kabbalah that will change you as you read on and persevere.
if any one has an interest in knowing what kabbalah leads to they need only begin by reading the excellent translation and comentary of Mark and Yedidah Cohen.

This book is a MUST for the serious student of Kabbalah. Rabbi Ashlag revealed the secrets of kabbalah and taught in such a way that was not only appropriate for our generation, but would revolutionize this "secret wisdom" forever. Not an easy read, but definitely recommended as the student begins to delve into the source material of kabbalah.

I read and reread this book often. In fact, it's now sitting on my nightstand. A book like this also benefits from discussing it over, so find a reading partner!

"Mountain Shadows" is a bittersweet story of true love and endurance.

Joe Devlin's unselfish love for his tuberculosis stricken wife, Alice, first sends him trekking through the snow covered Adirondacks on frost-bitten feet to reach Saranac, New York. She has been sent to this cold and refreshing clime to seek the "rest cure" prescribed for T.B. patients in one of the areas' curing cottages. Later, in order to pay her continuing medical expenses, Joe is forced into a life of illegally running bootlegged liquor from Canada during the prohibition era of the 1920s.

The descriptions of the old-fashioned cures for tubercular patients are fascinating and the characters are all exceedingly well-drawn. The beauty of the surrounding countryside comes alive in this well-written and heart wrenching novel. I loved the book and will certainly give it a second read.

Having just read Mountain Shadows and being the principal of Lake Placid Middle/High School, all I have to say is "Wow! What a Book!" I look forward to having Brooks speak at a dinner meeting of our Adirondack Book Club, a group of male community leaders. In the past, we have heard from Russell Banks and Brian Mann. Brooks will also speak to several classes of history students, where Mountain Shadows is assigned reading.

This historically-accurate novel is a wonderful exploration of both the natural and cultural environment of the Lake Placid/Saranac Lake area of New York's Adirondacks during the 1920's. The enjoyable story of a couple that is introduced to the region by necessity also provides a glimpse into the area's rich heritage, and illustrates to those of us that live in the Adirondacks that some aspects of that time period remain the same today.

Brooks presents a well-researched description of Saranac Lake's tuberculosis cure cottages and the affluent nature of Lake Placid during prohibition, from the working-class perspective of a young man who finds himself immersed in the conflicting settings of both.

In its exploration of the cure cottages, the book provides an accurate account of this very important time period in Saranac Lake's history, and it showcases many aspects of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks in a different era. However, to those of us lucky enough to live there, it is clear that some characteristics of the mountains in the story haven't changed much.

As the main character makes his way to Lake Placid on foot after his Model T breaks down less than 100 miles away, the reader is taken to a time when the winter made what is now a short drive into an epic journey. In the book, the beautiful, yet remote wilderness is contrasted by the warmth and hospitality of the region's inhabitants.

Today's technology allows easy travel through the mountains; a great advancement from the impassable winter roadways of the prohibition era. But the residents of the region still abide by the same conventions with respect of hospitality as the welcoming rural folks in the book. Though eighty years have passed since the time in which this story is set, that remote wilderness is still there, forever wild, to be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. And, although the development of antibiotics eliminated the need for the tuberculosis cure cottages, visitors continue to travel to the region seeking a different kind of cure. Today, the High Peaks region blends a rich Olympic history, countless outdoor recreational opportunities, and the chance to get away from it all.

The historic significance of the tuberculosis cure, in the context of such a well-written, heartwarming story, would translate beautifully onscreen, allowing a much larger audience to learn about this important part of our region's past. And, the largely unchanged geographic surroundings here in the Adirondacks would make a spectacular backdrop for a project of that nature. As the President of the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to read and endorse this book as a wonderful resource that enhances our efforts to promote the heritage of our region.

We just got back from a wonderful "Mom's weekend" in Lake Placid. All 12 of us had read the book for bookgroup and just loved it. Coming up to Lake Placid and Saranac Lake brought out all of the questions and interests we had had from reading the book. After all, a five hour car ride with 6 Moms per car can bring about a lot of discussion. One of our highlights of our weekend was actually discussing the book with Patricia Brooks. What an honor it was to hear about how she so thoroughly researched all the aspects for the book. Our curiosity was so high that after our discussion we actually drove around Saranac Lake and found Helen Hill and while in Lake Placid drove past where Joe worked at the Lake Placid Club. Mountain Shadows was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it. It brought about more discussion than any book we have read.

"Mountain Shadows" is a delightful read. I am impressed by the sensitive and often dramatic treatment of historic detail. Even those of us who thought we knew a lot about the unique story of Saranac Lake, during the half century that we were the premier place in the Western Hemisphere for the treatment and cure of tuberculosis, found new insight and understanding in the telling of a very personal story. The reader learns of the shifting emotions of patients as they see friends improve and return home, and others pass away and leave in coffins at nightfall. We see the strains on family life when one member is sent to Saranac Lake for the cure - some families writing, visiting, sending packages, others distancing themselves from the feared contagion. The supportive and encouraging attitude of residents and caregivers in Saranac Lake toward the thousands of tuberculosis patients who stayed here comes through as well, the positive attitude that surely helped many to survive the "White Plague." "Mountain Shadows" tells a story that is relevant and inspiring today as many struggle with serious illness or strive to provide for the emotional and physical support of loved ones who are ill.

My father, Joe Wallace, was the national president for the Seventh Step Foundation which Bill founded. It was the orginal "Scared Straight" program. Bill was a dynamic man and I can honestly say that his book and my father's association with him was always in the back of my mind as I grew up. At a very young age, I saw first handed how crime can destroy a person. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone who is having issues with their loved ones who may be in trouble.

Bill Sands had a strange life yet almost too many extra-ordinary jobs to make it realistic. It is a good book, I could hardly put it down, yet it had times where I wanted to.

This is a book every person should read. It reaches into the heart of the hopeless and offers hope, courage, love. If you want to get understanding about why people can go bad and how they can turnaround and actually contribute in a big way, this book will do that, and bring tears to your eyes in the process.

...for how he was turned around. I first read this book as a summer orientation assignment just prior to my freshman year in college, and I guess it's a good thing that I still own that copy, given its availability at the moment. I guess it was a key influence to a kid of my generation who was just beginning several decades of wishful-thinking liberalism. Particularly where law and order is concerned--this is the autobiography of a man who claims to have been set on the right path by a number of people, one of whom was the warden at San Quentin. So you have to take with a grain of salt Sands' claim that he was rehabilitated from criminal status by the people he thanks with this book. In truth, Sands clearly admits being traumatized by an abusive mother and a semi-absentee father, and in rebellion, pulled a couple of "young hood" stickup jobs, wound up in "Q" and drew the attention of Warden Clinton Duffy, who from Sands' accounts became the surrogate father he had to wait for too long for, but who fortunately came into his life before it was too late. One thing Sands doesn't seem to realize here, however, is that he never was a bona-fide criminal--just a mistreated kid who took out his rage on innocent bystanders. Duffy simply spotted that fact and had the ability to deal with Sands in the way he needed. Which is to say there was always hope for this man--something that cannot necessarily be said for every man who winds up "in the System". After a stint in the Merchant Marine and the Middle Eastern petroleum industry, as well as the entertainment industry, Sands returns to the "family business", so to speak. Duffy, as well as rehabilitating Sands, had raised an adoptive son who followed in his footsteps as a ciminologist. A later book, "The Seven Steps", describes the rehabilitation and counseling program Sands creaated which that book is named after, but it's easy to spot the fact that Sands' biggest sucess stories in that book were men with roughly the same accessibilty as he had in their stage of life. Let's face it, gang--Sands was always a man born to help people, not victimize them. He proves this in an unrelated anecdote in this book about nursing back to health a woman friend critically maimed in an accident. There's no doubt, taking Sands' story as a whole, that his brief "partial life of crime" was but a temporary aberration. Contrary to what I was peer-brainwashed to believe when I first read this book, there are good guys and there are bad guys. This book was written by one of the former--an unusual autobiography of a great man who tells us that if it hadn't been for certain people, he'd have turned out a real scumbag. Which I seriously doubt.

Very powerful and insightful view into the power of love to turn arround a life bent on anger, hate and violence. The author explains what he learned inside prison walls, his search through classic literature and other factors that turned his life arround. I read the book 25 years ago and recently gave it to my 22 year old daughter to read and she has since passed it on to her friends to read. This book is a true classic.

Very engrossing story. Sort of reminded me of "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte". I have to say though, I was more impressed with the cover art that was on the book I read. It matched the story better. It had a photo of a southern mansion masked in darkness.

I am most impressed with the writers description of the character's journey of salvation. Very, very good detail and description, that was so "right on target"! He did a wonderful job of capturing the true meaning of salvation that he delicately thread throughout the story...but made a very strong statement. I will be reading the next story in this series!

This was an entertaining story; has some good twists as well as some expected outcomes. One must remember while reading the story that it all happens within 5 days.

Nick Barrett has returned to Charleston, something he swore he would never do. His memories of his time there aren't pleasant. His mother abandoned him when he was ten and left him to be raised by an uncle and aunt who didn't love him. Then, four days after he eloped with the love of his life, he lost part of his right leg in a car accident and was driven from the city alone.

Nick actually never planned to return, but that was before he received a note encouraging him to return and dig up the truth about his mother. The chief of police who looked into her disappearance is about to die, and Nick must hurry if he wants to learn what he knows. With an all expense paid trip and some proof that will keep him out of jail himself, Nick boards the plane.

But things aren't going to be that easy. No one wants to talk to Nick. He can tell these people are hiding something, but the truth has been buried a long time. Personally, Nick is also seeing old friend and foes, bring up long forgotten memories and hurts he might be better off forgetting. He even begins to find himself rethinking his relationship with God. Can he find the truth? Will it be worth it in the end?

Sigmund Brouwer is a master storyteller, and this book is no exception. I was grabbed from page one and couldn't put the book down. It took a little while for me to figure out who all the characters were, but they soon sorted themselves out, partially because they are so well drawn. As always, the spiritual aspect is well done and adds to the story instead of slowing it down.

I stayed up way too late several nights in a row to read just one more chapter. This Christian thriller is highly recommended.

At first sight, this book looks freaky. Then, as you start to read it, its just WEIRD! Then, you want to scream and holler and tell certain of its characters to just work with the main character.
I have lent this book out to many of my friends and we all love it. They each have said basically the same about it. It's very mysterious! Definately read it. And when you are done, read its sequel: Crown of Thorns. I like that book more.

Nick Barrett was born into a privileged Charleston, South Carolina family -- or was he? His father was a prominent Charleston war hero, or was he? His mother was a Charleston tramp, or was she?

Nick was told his mother deserted him at age ten and ran off with his trust fund. The next nine years were spent living with relatives who could barely tolerate him for reasons he couldn't understand.

Nick eloped with his childhood sweetheart. Four days later, he survived a car accident, losing his leg. Then he agreed to have his marriage annulled and never see his wife again in order to prevent a scandal that would cause her irreparable damage ... or so he thought.

After 15 years gone from Charleston, Nick is back to find out the truth about his mother. What he learns is more than he bargained for.

I have never read a mystery with more twists and turns, with more people you love to hate, with more questions answered that only lead to more questions. The characters are delightful, especially the spinster sisters who run the antique shop and provide continual clues.

Fast-paced, rich with description of not only historical Charleston, but the power structure that makes Charleston what it is. I couldn't put the book down.

Pretty tremendous sequel to Final Impact pulls off being scary and full of brooding sense of doom. Really feels like the world has ended! I hope there will be a third book! The story line carries over better than most overblown epic fantasies out there.

This is a classic big-canvas novel, as the children of the FINAL IMPACT characters come into their own. Don't worry: most of the original gang is back as well -- but they take a back seat to the young men and women born during and after the cataclysmic Impact Days. As usual, Navarro's main focus in on her characters, and those in this novel are firmly within the Navarro tradition of strong, intensely believable people, who carry with them that Stephen King-like sense of being someone you actually know . . . or wish you that did, or fear that you might . . . Overall, another superior effort from a consistently fine author. As one of the other perceptive folks quoted on this page recommends, buy both books and read them back-to-back.

RED SHADOWS is a follow up to FINAL IMPACT, where a rogue planet crashes into the Earth. Before DEEP IMPACT and ARMAGEDDON, Navarro weaved a tale of survival. In RED SHADOWS we find out how well the survivors are doing and what they are doing to stop a plague. Navarro has been totally underrated in the women of horror movement of the `90's. We all know about Brite, Koja, Kiernan and Faust. But please add Navarro as an heir to their throne. This novel is an excellently written, character-driven story. The people in this novel live and breathe and you feel for them when some of their decisions are made. Emotionally engaging. Highest Recommendation.

This story had great characters and good detail. You can really feel you are in one of the three zones described in the book and your really worry with the characters about what could be 'out there'. For anyone that likes science fiction and thrillers, they should love this book!

I was so impressed by this book. It's my first by this author and I quickly surmised that it is a sequel, but that was on special order, so I went ahead and read this one anyway. It stands alone as a pretty powerful work of fiction that stayed with me after I'd finished. (a 2-sitting read because I was caught up in the characters. I am not a frequent reader of sf and/or apocalyptic fiction, but this is a wonderful novel anyone would enjoy. I was pleased to see the character names were as ordinary as the circumstances were extraordinary! These people seemed familiar, flawed, and ultimately heroic.

I grew up on Daredevil in the 1980's. Miller, Mazzucchelli, Romita Jr. But, being the collector I was, I went back and bought up all the old books as well. Even then, as a young teenager, I was really impressed with the artwork in those old books. I had looked at other old comics and was never pulled in. The artwork always seemed so..."old". Gene's work never did. Sure, it was different than the newer books, but it still had a freshness and energy that most of the other old books lacked. So, yeah I've been a fan of Gene's Daredevil work for a long time.

It wasn't however, until I read this book that I truly had a deep appreciation for the work. Gene is a living legend, and deservedly so. Buy this book. Not only is it a testament to Gene, it give the reader a good look behind the scenes of how hard it was for comic artists before the dawning of "Image Comics".

I also HIGHLY recommend you check out Gene's website ([...]) He's still turning out AMAZING artwork. Many of his recent commissions are far and away nicer than most anything being published today.

I have very little to add to what the other reviewers have already said. If you're a fan of Gene Colan, this book is a must-have. Even if you're not a big Colan fan, you'll learn a lot about the business of comics and how personalities and personal relationships affected the comics we grew up with. It's well written, well documented and contains a tremendous amount of research and (of course) lots of great art. (And if the author happens to read this, that very first New York comic convention was the SCARP Con in 1968 -- I, a geeky 17 year old, attended and met the gracious Mr. Colan who did a sketch of Iron Man for me, and drew dozens of sketches for other fans.) Highly recommended!

A genuine great book,long awaited, about that somehow underated
cool gentleman of the sixties and seventies...but I long for more !
somehing perhaps like "Bernie Wrightson, a look back", or ... "The Gene Colan Collector" ???
And of course good editions of his masterworks.
Aniway, I'm happy for the moment !

This piece covers the life-span career of GENE "THE DEAN" COLAN. From early drawings he did in his boyhood until his recent commissions. Lots of rare never seen before fotos and original art. From the early days at Timely and Atlas (later known as Marvel Comics), DC (Hopalong Cassidy), Marvel again with SUB-MARINER, IRON MAN, CAPTAIN MARVEL, DAREDEVIL, and of course TOMB OF DRACULA and HOWARD THE DUCK. Conversations with Gene and his collegues Tom Palmer, Marv Wolfman, his wife Adrienne and many others. Even Jim Shooter about the conflicts that lead Gene Colan to leave Marvel for DC, where he did BATMAN and some other series starring WONDER WOMAN and SUPERMAN. What else can I say? If you like superhero comics and want to learn more about the persons behind them, buy this book, read and enjoy! This one is unique. Hopefully publisher TwoMorrows and author Tom Field will continue this with other great comic artist...

Two characters come to mind when I think of Gene Colan...Doctor Strange and Dracula. They were two of my favorites when I began reading comics in the mid-1970's. I was fortunate to have two stores close to me that sold old back issues of comic books. I was able to put together quite a collection of silver age comics. Among my favorite comics was Gene's run on the original Doctor Strange series beginning with #169. These atmospheric, psychedelic stories were unlike anything I had ever seen. I had sold my collection in the 1980's but recently picked up that complete run all over again because I was still enchanted by the great Colan work on those books.

Secrets in the Shadows is a combination biography and tribute to one of the all-time great comic artists, Gene Colan. Author Tom Field takes on a guided tour through Gene's life, beginning with his upbringing in New York and his first comic book work for Fiction House. Gene tells a story similar to many of his contemporaries such as John Buscema and John Romita, and their mass dismissal from Timely Comics. Gene would go on to DC and then back to what was now Atlas Comics. Atlas would then implode leaving Gene again out of work in the late 1950's and with a lifelong feeling of insecurity about the comic book business. As Gene explains this was a difficult time in his life as he was not only out of a job, but also had just gone through a divorce with his first wife.

Stan Lee would come beckoning again in the early 1960's as the Marvel Age was off and running. Gene quickly became one of Marvel's top artists and perhaps the only one whose style was so unique that he was not asked to pencil over Jack Kirby's layouts the way many other artists were. Field presents several conversations in the book between Gene and some of the people he worked with at Marvel. The first is a lengthy conversation from 2004 between Gene and Stan Lee. They talk about their first meeting at Timely in the 1940's. Gene mentions that Stan was wearing a beanie cap with a propeller...now that's something I'd love to see! They also discuss their creative process and how books were plotted and finished. Other conversations include Gene talking with his long-time inker Tom Palmer with whom he worked on so many great books over the years, and with Steve Gerber, the writer on Howard the Duck.

Gene worked on numerous titles at Marvel over the years, Daredevil, The Avengers, Captain America...But perhaps the title most associated with him was Dracula which had a remarkable 70 issue run in the 1970's. Colan's Dracula was dark and grim and his incredible use of light and shading gave the book a true horrific feel.

Gene would eventually leave Marvel in the early 1980's after several run-ins with then Editor-in-Chief, Jim Shooter. Shooter's tenure was marred by one controversy after another including his shameful treatment of Jack Kirby. Shooter was highly critical of Gene's work and harassed him with constant demands of changes. Gene would migrate to DC along with many other former Marvel staffers who had grown tired of Shooter including Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and Marv Wolfman. To be fair, Tom Field presents both sides in the Colan/Shooter situation. He allows Shooter to give his side of the story in which he feels he was doing what was right for the company and felt Gene was cutting corners with his work. Unfortunately Shooter's credibility is almost nil due to his run-ins with so many other artists and writers.
At DC Gene would work on Batman, Wonder Woman, Detective, and new projects such as Night Force and Nathaniel Dusk. Gene would find himself under attack again for his art, this time by John Byrne who was highly critical of Gene in a Comics Journal interview in 1982. Byrne would basically call Gene a cheat and say that 90% of the time you could not tell what was happening on the page. I credit Field for including this in the book. I would guess he knew that rather than be any kind of indictment against Gene, that it would make Byrne look like a jerk for making an unwarranted attack on a true legend. Cheat? Byrne is still giving every character that same weird looking, rectangular mouth for twenty-five years!

Gene would leave DC some years later after similar criticisms by then Editor Dick Giordano. Gene would strictly freelance from now on and even go back to work at Marvel (shooter has since been broomed himself). Today, Gene has found many new outlets for his work thanks to the internet. He's busy doing commissions for fans who truly appreciate his work.

Tom Field presents a portrait of a man who fits the nickname of "Gentleman Gene". Colan's volume of work over the last sixty years is awe-inspiring. It's great to see Gene finally getting the tribute he so justly deserves.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

I loved it. I could hardly put it down until I finished it and like the best books I've read, I didn't want it to end. Ray Derby is a writer that can take his place beside James Patterson, Greg Iles, Lee Child and David Baldacci!

A book built on fact and fiction, but with all the possibilities of happening. Since the fall of the Wall, the dismantlement of the Warsaw Pact, and the opening of our borders to everyone the past leadership of our country has pushed us to the brink of disaster.

The security elements of many government agencies were buried deep in their bowels after 1992. Not until 9/11 have our elected leaders realized the mistakes they helped create through their own inactions. Lets hope they are better on catching up than they are on falling behind.

To all the "dedicated" military and civilian workers, thank you. For those that are there only for the money, recognition (fast track), long lunches, smoke breaks every half hour, whining about long hours, etc. quit ---- your not needed and you missed the point.

The story was amazing and since it was before 9-11 it is even more amazing....some forethought.

A very good attention getter and holder.

I loved this book and would also like to see it as a movie.

I think that I would have liked to be able to give 3 and a half stars for this book. The book is an excellent first attempt by Ray Derby.
Many people might have a misconceived notion of what a "Shadow Government" really is.....no, it's not another President and VP and all altogether different cabinet, just waiting in the wings to take over in the event of a crisis.....it's a smart way to look at a potential situation. A shadow Government for Derby's book is thousands of people (mostly retirees), chosen by the government, which excelled in their given fields, whether it be in nuclear physics or carpentry, etc. that would be saved and be able to lead America back into civilization in case of mass destruction from nuclear, chemical or biological warfare.

As you can guess, America is struck by a biological agent that kills millions of Americans. It's a race against the clock to have the Shadow Government and the facilities that will house these people up and running before the terrorists unleash the weapon.

The plot is very solid. It is evident that Mr. Derby uses his experience to create a chilling world. The plot itself will keep you on the edge of your seat and while this does not give anything away, you are pleasantly surprised where the story turns in the end. Characterization is a little on the thin side. The pace of the plot made it difficult to really be able to identify with the characters....you really don't have the time to get to know them. I think now, after 9-11, it's easier to identify with the emotions of the country in general. The subplots of romance are weak, but easily ignored. There are a few plot points that weighed the story down, rather than moved it along, but again, you turn the page waiting to see what will happen next.

All in all it's a good read. I definitely recommend reading it and I will eagerly watch to see if Mr. Derby publishes another book in the future.

After an incident with US Senator McBride, Norm Shepard left the marines to become a railroad brakeman and fish in the Potomac. While heading to a spot to fish, he notices two other fishermen, but when he walks past them, they shoot him in the back. He manages to escape to the nearby road where Major General McKay gets him to a hospital.

McKay is concerned where this shooting occurred so he assigns long time civil servant Ross Chambers and his emergency management team to investigate. Evelyn Pace and Jim Woods interview Norm; they return to their superior Ross with grave concerns that the two wannabe killers were monitoring weather conditions, which could mean an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) attack on the capital. While Norm is recalled to active duty, the response team begins activation of Project Bluelight, THE SHADOW GOVERNMENT project to keep the government operational during a crippling emergency. The ideal solution is that they must stop rogue terrorists from causing a pandemic incident of mass destruction.

Though terrorists employ clever deadly ruses as they value life less than radioactive waste, THE SHADOW GOVERNMENT highlights what is a major fear of many people: weapons of mass destruction (ask the President and his psychological advisors). The story line is a powerful thriller that looks at what a government can do to continue to lead even when calamity reaches biblical proportions. Though the small insets focusing on the terrorists seem more distracting than revealing, readers will feel they won the Triple Crown with Ray Derby's compelling tale of counterterrorism.

Harriet Klausner