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Desert Shadows

Desert Shadows
2016
10
author: 
Joshua Dowidat

Synopsis: 

For Caleb and Liam, a pair of close-knit brothers who have trouble fitting in at school, the Southwest desert around their home offers a place where their imaginations can run wild.

But as their explorations take them farther from home, a sinister darkness begins to invade their happy adventures -- a darkness that is far more real than what their imaginations can conjure up. And when they collect souvenirs from an abandoned house that turn out to be powerful talismans connected to a mysterious shadow land, strange events and people begin intruding into their lives. Along the way, the brothers acquire some new friends -- including two ghosts and a reclusive neighbor -- who give them valuable insights into the darkness they are fighting.

Will the evil from the shadow land gain control over Liam and Caleb so that the doorway to Earth remains open? Or will they learn to keep the secrets necessary to survive and become free from the evil that is attempting to absorb them into its dimension?

About the Author

Joshua Dowidat lives with his family in Southern Arizona. He enjoys the outdoors and history -- both of which inspire his works.

Review: 

"Desert Shadows" is a young-adult horror book.

Two boys explore their lives and surroundings in a way we all would have wanted to: creating stories in your mind, adventure, a treasure hunt! Slowly though, they see themselves locked in a horror spiral. A stranger enters their lives to change them forever.

I'd like to break this story down, because Dowidat provokes in you transforming emotions. In the beginning, it's a kid's tale. Two brothers, Caleb and Liam, who spend their free time in the desert, building their own world. Slowly, they enter a true, terrifying horror story. A character who seems to be the key is a sewing element who, staying in the background of the story, puts together all the pieces.

That said, what I loved the most about this book is the paranormal elements. Without revealing anything about the book (I'm one of those readers who want zero spoilers) I can tell you, even being a young adult book, it's going to chill your spine. The author is an amazing storyteller and his writing is nightmare material. Ethereal (or not that ethereal?) creatures force our protagonists to walk a path coming from Hell itself. Supernatural knowledge is thrown at them, whether they can catch it or not, and very closely with a couple other key characters, slowly, they start understanding the deathly message their new treasures and hunters carry on their shoulders.

Every decision counts, trusting or not every person trying to manipulate (perhaps, to help?) them becomes crucial for their survival and for the entire world's destiny.

Wonderfully written, at a moderate pace, grabbing your pulse firmly, Dowidat tells you a story of ascendancy and doom. Those kids' courage is the only barrier standing between the world and its final perdition.

Find the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Shadows-Joshua-Dowidat-ebook/dp/B01DKRP2Z2/

 

Post by Mar G.-Amorena on 07/10/2018 - 10:28

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