Shadowland, authored by Phillip Hampton, presents a unique brand of horror that diverges from my typical literary preferences. This captivating tale seamlessly weaves together elements of culture, the supernatural, and a medical professional grappling with beliefs that challenge conventional science. It is a well-crafted and refreshing deviation from the conventional ghost story, making it a must-read for those seeking an escape from the mainstream.
The exploration of diverse cultures and their systems of magic was a particular highlight, piquing my curiosity and holding my attention throughout. Phillip’s adept storytelling skills kept me fully engrossed, and I found myself resisting the urge to skip ahead to the next plot development.
While the overall plot was gripping, I occasionally found the dialogue to be excessively lengthy. What could have been conveyed in a concise paragraph was at times spread out over two pages. This affected the pace of the story, and I found myself yearning for a quicker resolution to the tumultuous relationship between the husband and wife, both of whom were doctors. I had hoped for a more expedient resolution or compromise rather than pages of heated exchanges. Although these moments provided some comic relief and added an interesting layer to the narrative, I personally found it to be slightly excessive.
Despite this, the story maintained a steady pace, steadily building tension until the final 20% of the book, where it reached an exhilarating climax. The ending was satisfying and left a lasting impression.
I would like to extend my gratitude to Netgalley and Black Chateau for providing me with the opportunity to read this engrossing and thought-provoking novel. It was a refreshing and enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
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