I just finished reading Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor. I bought it for my son to read and he really enjoyed it. On his recommendation, I gave it a read.
A fantasy novel with a spiritual twist, Shadowmancer turned out to be a pretty good read. In the past, authors such as Frank Peretti and Randy Alcorn have managed to write some excellent Christian fiction that dealt with the spiritual dimension, that being the world of angels and demons.
I am usually a bit skeptical of these types of stories as they typically end up feeling too preachy or hokey. Shadowmancer clocks in with 270 pages and does not fall into the familiar trappings associated with the genre. Taylor's first chapter hooked me and quickly moved me through the world of the 1700's coastal Yorkshire with great ease.
A foggy coastline, forgotten children, smugglers, a corrupted cleric and a stranger from far away help set the stage for the second layer of action which takes place in the realm of the unseen. Unlike Harry Potter, Shadowmancer highlights where true power really comes from.
You can read a mixed bag of reviews at Amazon.com. It appears people either loved the story or they hated it. I would give it four stars (out of five) because I felt it could have been significantly longer. Since Taylor opted to set the stage for the final conflict so quickly, we miss out on too much history which could have been revealed about the world in which the character's lived. However, by keeping the story relatively short, it also moves at a fast clip. Very few words are wasted and every chapter brings twists and turns in short order.
Shadowmancer is a quick read into a world which could have been made richer for the reader. Nevertheless, it is time well spent. I also believe the book would make an excellent screenplay. I wonder if any producers have taken notice?
Come, Riathamus. Come quickly.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
June 25, 2004 01:53 PM
Is "Shadowmancer" like a Christian version of "Harry Potter"? In other words, would "Harry Potter" fans enjoy this? Thanks.
June 26, 2004 12:58 PM
yes, I think this book is a fine alternative to Harry Potter. Excellent Christian fantasy.
July 1, 2004 05:02 PM
I fully agree this book could have been longer... but I still enjoyed it... right Dad?
February 28, 2005 08:42 PM
I've heard allot of good things about this book.And when I finally read it, I was blown away