Review: Shade by John B. Olson

Review by Jill Williamson

 

When a noise scares Hailey from the science department at her collage, she runs. A great fear presses down on her and suddenly she can see herself, as if she is looking through the eyes of her pursuer. She can feel his thoughts, his emotions. She flees the campus and runs into Golden Gate Park, but falls and hurts her ankle. Just as her pursuer is about to attack, a towering homeless man rescues her. As he carries her to the emergency room, she can sense his thoughts as well.

 

The hospital workers think she might be schizophrenic, that she hallucinated the whole ordeal. They prescribe heavy medication that leaves Hailey falling asleep at her desk. She can’t live like this. She knows she’s not crazy, and the only way to prove it, is to find her rescuer. But when she finally does, he seems as crazy as she feels, going on and on about ancient monsters who are hunting them. It makes no sense, but Hailey can’t stop thinking about this giant hero. She is drawn to him, but is that because he is right? because he is sick and needs help? or because he’s the monster and is using his powers on her?

 

Ooh! This was a creepy one, but I really liked it. John B. Olson has a great way of hooking you with his unique characters. I instantly liked both Hailey and Melchi (the homeless man). And the plot just kept twisting and turning, I couldn’t even guess how it was going to end or what the whole monster thing was all about. This is an adult book, but older teens who like thrillers will love it. Highly recommended (with caution for those who don’t like to be scared).

 

Age Range: 16 and up

Genre: Thriller

Part of a Series: no

Pages: 408

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Released: 2008