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Lady of the Shades

Darren Shan (Goodreads Author)

4.16 · Rating details · 691 ratings · 112 reviews

Ed, an American author on the hunt for a story for his next book, arrives in London looking for inspiration. A stranger in a strange city, he's haunted by a deadly secret that refuses to stay buried, and no matter how hard he tries he cannot escape the manifest sins of his past.
What Ed wants is answers, what he finds is something he definitely didn't bargain for: the beau ...more

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Paperback, 320 pages

Published September 2012 by Hachette Australia (first published January 1st 2012)

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Nov 15, 2018 Max Lau • Maxxesbooktopia rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-stars-books

My thoughts: Introduction

Let us commence on this review by conversing on the fact that this book is extremely underrated and underappreciated. Honestly, this is a book that deserves many readers because of the amount of effort and work put into it. Everything from the storytelling to the writing to the structure of the characters stood out among the pile of the books that are in the similar genre and I will be ticking off the list today on why you should read this wondrous novel.

The ambience aro ...more

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Aug 20, 2018 Mary Bookitsa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Καιρό είχα να πιασω τέτοιο βιβλίο στα χέρια μου. Σχιζοφρενικα ευφάνταστο με ωραια πλοκη και ένα τελος που τουλαχιστον μεχρι και 40 σελιδες πριν δεν πήγε το μυαλό μου με τίποτα. Έχει έντονο το στοιχείο του μεταφυσικού χωρίς ομως να τρομαζει τον αναγνώστη. Αν πέσει στα χέρια σας μην το αφήσετε.

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Jun 11, 2015 Christine rated it really liked it

Shelves: recommended

What on earth is going on.

The whole book's practically just plot twists after plot twists after plot twists--so many god damn plot twist. I'd be annoyed if not for that fact that I was too impressed. Every time I'd come up with a solid idea, an explanation of sorts, Shan goes ahead and dismantles it.

So when I finally learned the truth--and gods, it was more fucked up that I could ever imagine--I just felt like banging my head on the table or flinging myself to the pacific. (In a good way.) I ju ...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Nancy Oakes rated it really liked it

Shelves: crime-fiction-uk

Although this book is anything but standard crime fiction fare, I've come to realize that sometimes pulling away from the formulaic and reading outside the box can produce some eye-opening moments. Lady of the Shades turned out to be as twisty as a sack full of Philly pretzels; I actually thought I'd had it figured out a couple of times but alas it was not to be. Sadly I can't really get into why this book is so twisty without giving away the show, but I will say that just when you think things Although this book is anything but standard crime fiction fare, I've come to realize that sometimes pulling away from the formulaic and reading outside the box can produce some eye-opening moments. Lady of the Shades turned out to be as twisty as a sack full of Philly pretzels; I actually thought I'd had it figured out a couple of times but alas it was not to be. Sadly I can't really get into why this book is so twisty without giving away the show, but I will say that just when you think things are one way, the rug is twitched out from underneath your feet leaving you flat on your can in surprise.

I'll offer just a brief synopsis because I don't want to kill it for anyone else. Lady of the Shades is ultimately a novel about how a person's past continues to have a strong bearing on his/her present, and it's also a rather odd story about the power and hold of love. Ed Sieveking is an American author who, much like the hero of Stuart Neville's series that begins with Ghosts of Belfast, carries ghosts around with him where ever he goes. He understands that his ghosts are "probably the workings of a deluded mind," and likely "the projections of a deeply troubled psyche." He doesn't want to accept that he's "a loon," and is looking to find a way back to normality. In London, where his newest horror novel (involving Human Spontaneous Combustion) is set, he finds himself at a party where he bumps into a beautiful woman named Deleena Emerson. Ed's previous books are not ones you'd find on the bestseller lists at any time, so he's very flattered when he realizes Deleena knows who he is and that she's read his books. From that meeting on, Ed is severely smitten, boinged straight through the heart by Cupid's arrow, but any hopes of the two of them becoming a permanent item are quickly put on hold when Ed discovers a well-guarded secret about her. Like Ed, Deleena's present is very much affected by her past, and Ed soon finds himself caught up in a very strange predicament or two or three, where anything can happen and where nothing is at all like it seems. All he wants is the truth -- but that's not going to be so easy, as the line between what is real and what is not begins to blur and get hazier as the novel proceeds, continually testing Ed's ability to "make sense of the world."

Actually, Lady of the Shades tests the reader's ability to understand things as well. The first half of this novel introduces all of the players, especially the intriguingly-flawed Ed, who comes from a very troubled past that he is trying to forget. Ed is basically a good person, hopeful for his future, but when love hits, it hits him hard and it tends to screw up his decision-making processes. It's very easy sometimes to groan out loud over some of Ed's choices, which aren't always that smart. The pace of the book is a bit slow at first, but quickly picks up, and in the second half, the author takes his readers into hyperdrive as one revelation after another comes flying off the pages. Much of what you find out frankly stops the show; other times you just find yourself laughing at the craziness. Then you reach the bizarre ending, which, considering the context of this novel, does actually work. It's strange, but it does fit. And if you've ever wanted to read a novel where you don't mind being manipulated, this one is perfect. Seriously.

I truly wish I could say more about this book, but then these paragraphs would be filled with unforgivable spoilers and someone somewhere might be upset. I will say that this is one of the screwiest (in a good way) novels I've ever read, especially in terms of crime fiction, where twists and turns are the general rule of thumb; here, Shan's imagination elevates them well beyond the norm. This book is not going to be everyone's cup of tea, especially crime readers who like to go from point A to point B in a well-ordered fashion. It also strains the credulity that most crime fiction readers, including me, look for in their reading. But frankly, this book is just plain fun and even better, it gets the better of you. Lady of the Shades is a treat, and is perfect for times when you want a break from the serious and just feel like going with the flow.
...more

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Jan 09, 2019 Ali rated it really liked it

کاملا شکه کننده

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Sep 09, 2012 Dan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime

This is one of Darren Shan's adult books and it feels very different to the children's work. It revolves around Ed, a horror writer who comes to London to work on a new book, with his own personal ghosts tagging along, quite literally. There he falls in love with a woman who turns out to be a gangster's wife. Ed falls head over heels for her but from the day he meets her, nothing is as it seems.

The first half of the book is well written but quite slow-going, but it's necessary to build up to th ...more

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Mar 26, 2017 ΔΕΣΠΟΙΝΑ Ντρέκη rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Είναι ένα μεταφυσικό αστυνομικό θρίλερ που δεν το βαριέσαι ούτε στιγμή. Ένας αμερικανός συγγραφέας θρίλερ πηγαίνει στο Λονδίνο για να βρει έμπνευση για το καινούργιο του βιβλίο, με τις ερινύες να τον κυνηγούν σε κάθε του βήμα. Εκεί θα βρεί τον έρωτα, την απογοήτευση και θα βυθιστεί ακόμη περισσότερο στις σκιές του ψέματος και του θανάτου. Από τη μέση και μετά του βιβλίου οι ανατροπές είναι τόσο γρήγορες και αναπάντεχες, που μαζί με τον πρωταγωνιστή χάνεις τα αυγά και τα πασχάλια. Κι εδώ φαίνεται ...more

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Oct 30, 2013 Primadonna rated it it was ok

Shelves: gothichorror, suspense

I am disappointed. Perhaps because I expected more from Darren Shan. The character seems naive and juvenile, in spite of his past. He got conned oh so many times. Even though he is supposed to be mature... 40? I somehow feel like Ed is in his teens or early twenties.

Even the twists are too obvious. It's OK if the book is for teens or children, but for adults, I was expecting more subtle hints.

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Mar 04, 2014 Bettie☯ rated it liked it

Shelves: published-2012, tbr-busting-2014, fraudio, eng-lon, mystery-thriller, spring-2014, adventure, betrayal, books-about-books-and-book-shops, bullies

(view spoiler)

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Oct 26, 2013 Sara Shaw rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ghosts, ghosts-boo, danger-to-mental-health, best-book-ever, darren-shan, grap-the-tissues, dark, didn-t-let-me-down, pain, good-idea

Darren Shan has done it again!!
This is one hell of a book. Fascinating, twisted, geniously plotted and awesome!!!
LOVE this!!!

SPOILERS. DO NOT READ.

OK. This starts with an assassin called Dash murdering a guy he was hired to kill, then he gets this message from one of his previous employers to kill a loved one or her lover or both.
The scene shifts to Ed, a writer who is haunted by ghosts (we later know why). He goes to London and starts meeting up with a guy he met over the internet, who help ...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Yami rated it really liked it

ok this was waaaaaaaaaaaaay better than the last adult trilogy Darren Shan wrote, liked it more, full of twists till the end, ya i figured it out in the 2/3 of it,but still i was anxious to know if i was right,
great plot, good twist,no dull moment. Darren Shan did it again.
and i have extra love for the cover.

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Oct 28, 2017 Amir Arman rated it it was ok

Shelves: read-in-2017

پیشرفت بسیار کند
متن تا ۷۰ درصد ابتدایی بسیار لوس و خشک
۳۰ درصد پایانی بسیار تلاش شد پیچیدگیهای دارن شانی داشته باشه که خیلی افتضاح ناکام موند
یک لکه ضعف درست حسابی تو کارتامه دارن شان به نظرم ...more

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Jul 22, 2018 Derpa added it · review of another edition

DNF at about 30%.
I just don't really like books like this. It's kind of meh, I feel it's predictable and just not very exciting.

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Sep 18, 2012 S.B. Wright rated it really liked it

Lady of the Shades is Darren Shan’s return to writing for adults. Shan is more well known for his children's series Cirque Du Freak and Demonata, but has previously written The City trilogy for adults and mature teens.

Lady of the Shades is a standalone title and skirts the edges of a number of genres, making it an interesting and enjoyable piece with wide appeal.

The Times lauded it as “Utterly unputdownble”, an appellation or sentiment much overused in the marketing of books. It was, however, a ...more

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Jul 16, 2012 BookLoversLife rated it really liked it · review of another edition

While I found Lady Of The Shades hard to get into starting off it more than made up for it in the second half of the book. We start off with meeting Ed ,an ex-marine and now horror writer, who is invited to London to write his next book by Joe, who Ed met in a fan group online. Ed is plagued by ghosts, they constantly follow him everywhere. Joe invites Ed to a boat party but pulls out at the last minute and Ed decides to go on his own. He meets Deleena Emerson and they hit it off. He quickly fin ...more

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Oct 05, 2016 Lör K. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, ghosty-goos, horror, horror-recommendations, recommended, would-read-again, supernatural

This is an adult horror book from talented and renowned young adult horror writer, Darren Shan.

When I found this in the library by pure chance, I immediately got it out and dived right into it.

Lady of the Shades is a lot different to what I would normally expect from Shan. I have no doubts this is because Shan is a young adult author more than anything, and to read him writing in a more adult style was a little distracting. I found that it all flowed really well, but I wasn't enjoying it as much ...more

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Mar 31, 2017 Paul McAvoy rated it it was amazing

I have read several of Darren Shan’s YA books over the years. This might seem strange, me clutching at my forties for sheer death. Maybe Old Adult might best suit me! I find his YA horror books short and snappy, sharp-fanged critters that sink their teeth in quickly. I didn’t really fancy reading his adult books, thinking I might be disappointed. But with Lady of the Shades I was far from disappointed.

Lady of the Shades centres around American horror writer Ed Sieveking and how he falls in love ...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Becka Hamill rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A fantastic novel from a fantastic writer.

Darren Shan has certainly thought of everything in this grand tale of Ed Sieveking, an American author who travels to London to find inspiration for his next book. Full of unexpected twists and turns, you can never really guess what is going to happen next in this fantastically engaging novel.

Whilst trying, and constantly failing, to guess the final outcome of Lady of the Shades, Darren Shan manages to draw your hope and faith wholeheartedly into Ed's c ...more

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Dec 10, 2017 Sinead Donnelly rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: library-reads, horror-or-dark

I hadn't read any Darren Shan since his Cirque du Freak days, so I was excited to be revisiting one of my favourite childhood authors.

It reminded me a lot of 'The Woman in the Fifth' (Douglas Kennedy) at times, and overall it was a decent read. It pretty much only slipped from being 4 stars for me, as the constant twists and turns got a little exhausting after a while.

That said... I really, really, wanted to find out the conclusion of it all... And damn, it's a good one.

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Sep 02, 2014 Reem rated it really liked it

Allow yourself to be manipulated, surrender to this book. Albeit it had some pacing problems and it took a while for the story to actually kick in, it definitely was worth the ride.

(view spoiler)

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Aug 29, 2015 Rebecca eley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-cult-fiction

I was so happy to find another grown up Darren Shan book after loving the City of the Dead Trilogy. This did not disappoint. I did not see the end of the book coming.

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Aug 29, 2012 Dawn rated it really liked it

Wow! Talk about twists and turns. One moment I thought I had it all solved, the next it was all discredited. Bloody brilliant!

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Aug 08, 2015 Nassie Beara rated it it was amazing

A fantastic novel, brilliantly constructed, allows the reader to question reality to fiction as well as keeping them entertained. Would definitely recommend.

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Nov 01, 2011 Shiku rated it liked it · review of another edition

Ed stays in London because of a research for his new book, but he never would have guessed what awaits him there even though he knows every trick in the book, literally. He’s an author who writes about ghosts. He has his own, very personal reasons for that and doesn’t even know himself whether he is crazy or not.
When he meets the mysterious Deleena at a party, he is instantly interested in her. The more time they spend together, the more he realizes that there is much he doesn’t know – which inc Ed stays in London because of a research for his new book, but he never would have guessed what awaits him there even though he knows every trick in the book, literally. He’s an author who writes about ghosts. He has his own, very personal reasons for that and doesn’t even know himself whether he is crazy or not.
When he meets the mysterious Deleena at a party, he is instantly interested in her. The more time they spend together, the more he realizes that there is much he doesn’t know – which includes the danger she puts him in. A search for answers he never would have expected starts – and that he would be better off without.

What am I to do with this book? After finally reading and liking the City trilogy it was clear to me that I would read Darren Shan’s other adult books as well. I didn’t expect “Lady of the Shades” to be the same but a book with the promised twists and turns that would entertain me for some hours. This is what I got in a way, but … different, with some negative points and anyway, rather late as well.

Maybe I should start with the similarities: Already the City trilogy was rather noir-ish and it’s the same with “Lady of the Shades”; this actually nearly tells too much. Just let me say one thing: the characters are those of this genre (if you consider noir to be one), which has its advantages and disadvantages.
Normally, I like it when characters are neither “good” nor “bad”, and these aren’t; they have their (many) mistakes but can do good things as well. But, and that’s the difference here, they’re never the least bit likable. There are different reasons for that, some that you might agree with or not. Many will probably like the characters better than I do.
Still, there’s this one thing that already irked me in the City trilogy but was dealt with satisfyingly in the end. This is not the case here. What I’m talking about? Well, 90% of the characters are sexist and managed to infuriate me with their stupid comments again and again. Even those that might know better spread such nonsense that it’s okay if a man hits a woman if he loves her and is just jealous. Compared to all this, it seems to be rather unimportant that someone even uses a derogatory term for themselves. Sometimes I just wanted to cry out of frustration.
Now you can say that’s just how the characters were designed, that it’s realistic. There are many people thinking like this, so why would you exclude it from literature? And you would be right with that, but it’s about how the topic’s dealt with.
I know that authors don’t necessarily share their characters’ views and the last thing I want to do is accusing Darren Shan of sexism. But the book made me think simply because I didn’t think that the sexism is actually addressed. It is part of the characterization and that’s that. Though this is no book for young adults, which would be supposed to teach the readers something, many adults still have to learn a lot about sexism of all kinds. I missed the message that this is not the right way to go, so “Lady of the Shades” left me with a bitter aftertaste. This, of course, took away a lot of fun I could have had with the novel.

Besides that, the first half of the books is … well, not entirely boring but near enough. On the one hand, the rest of the story needs this part and the sudden twist was much more enjoyable. On the other hand, not everything worked the way it was probably supposed to work: I never believed the love story in it. It was just too sudden and too much. If the author chose to tell a calmer story to begin with, I would have nothing to complain about. But this way I mostly stared at the text disbelieving. That you’re instantly fascinated? No problem. But this? That wasn’t convincing at all and some things happening later didn’t affect me, because I couldn’t believe in this love. I can’t say I wasn’t surprised then, but I didn’t care much about it either.
That’s not the case with everything that happens, but with much, unfortunately. In the end, it wouldn’t be the first book that I wouldn’t be affected by but that I could still enjoy. Combined with my problems with the characters, though, this isn’t a good start.

Still, the second part could save the book for me, at least a little bit. The story would have been better if I could have felt the emotions, but it’s good enough.
Because of many other reviews I didn’t even try to guess how the story’s going to turn out. Even if I had, I probably would have been wrong. Darren Shan managed several times in this novel to surprise me, so I just had to stare at the lines to really understand what has happened. If you’re looking for a book like this, you know what to read.

That’s exactly why I’m so uncertain about how much I liked the book. I loved the second half and together with the first it could still be a good book. But: the sexism. Did I miss something important? Am I too sensitive? I normally perceive myself as someone who is actually too ignorant.
In the end, my rating’s supposed to show how I felt about the novel, so this has to be considered as well. As sorry as I am, the characters ruined the book a little bit for me, and I don’t agree with how the topic was dealt with here.

If you like noir, this is the book to read. Unfortunately, the characters’ faults and wrongdoings are not really an issue in this story and the recurring sexist comments made me simply mad with rage. Emotionally, I wasn’t really convinced as well, but I did like the plot with its surprises. Still, I have to say: This could have been better.

...more

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Aug 23, 2018 Harley rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018

An interesting read, a different read to darren shans YA books for sure. First half is slow however if you push through it there are plenty of plot twists to leave you wanted more in the second half. Go in with an open mind though as its a weird one.

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Nov 08, 2013 Asmos rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: a-home, g-mystery

Der Horrorautor Ed Sieveking reist nach London, um Material für sein neuestes Buch zu recherchieren. Begleitet wird er von den Geistern seiner Vergangenheit, die realer sind, als ihm lieb ist. Als er auf einer Party die schöne Andeanna kennen lernt scheinen diese aber für kurze Zeit vergessen. Ed ist gefangen von dieser Frau, doch schon bald wird klar, dass ihre Liebe für sie beide ein gefährliches, vielleicht sogar ein tödliches Spiel sein kann.

Wieder ein Buch, bei dem ich den Klappentext vie Der Horrorautor Ed Sieveking reist nach London, um Material für sein neuestes Buch zu recherchieren. Begleitet wird er von den Geistern seiner Vergangenheit, die realer sind, als ihm lieb ist. Als er auf einer Party die schöne Andeanna kennen lernt scheinen diese aber für kurze Zeit vergessen. Ed ist gefangen von dieser Frau, doch schon bald wird klar, dass ihre Liebe für sie beide ein gefährliches, vielleicht sogar ein tödliches Spiel sein kann.

Wieder ein Buch, bei dem ich den Klappentext viel zu großzügig finde, was den Inhalt des Buches anbelangt. Zwar ist es in diesem Fall nicht ganz so schlimm, aber ich hätte den ersten Teil der Geschichte deutlich spannender gefunden, hätte ich nicht schon vorher gewusst, woraus er hinaus läuft.
Aber auch ansonsten hätte man die ersten zweihundert Seiten ein wenig straffen können, denn es unterscheidet sich durch den gemächlichen, teils ziemlich gefühlsduseligen Stil ziemlich deutlich vom spannungsgeladenen und rasanten Inhalt der letzten zweihundert Seiten.

Aber das ist auch das einzige Manko an „Die Toten, die ich rief“.
Das Charakterset ist klein und straff, dafür erhält man umso besseren Einblick in die einzelnen Figuren, die gut ausgearbeitet und rundum interessant sind. Bei Ed, dem Protagonisten, ist man sich nie ganz sicher, ob er nicht vielleicht ein kleines Bisschen verrückt ist. Und natürlich hat jeder Charakter seine dunklen Geheimnisse, sodass man sich als Leser nie sicher sein kann, was wahr ist und was nicht, wer ein falsches Spiel treibt und wer seine Karten offen auf den Tisch legt. Schlussendlich ist nicht jeder der, der er vorgibt zu sein. Man kann bis zum Schluss nicht einmal mit absoluter Sicherheit sagen, ob das Ganze nur ein ‚simpler’ Thriller ist oder doch in die Fantasyecke gesteckt werden muss.
Das beschert dem Buch eine Reihe von überraschenden Wendungen. Wie gesagt konzentrieren sich die meisten davon in der zweiten Hälfte des Buches, der mich im Gegensatz zur ersten Hälfte absolut vom Hocker gehauen hat.

Bei diesem speziellen Buch wäre sicher auch eine zweite Lektüre sehr interessant, da man viele Dinge wohl erst bemerkt, wenn man schon weiß, wer was verheimlicht.

Darren Shan ist sprachlich stets ein Genuss. Er schreibt in der Regel Horror/Gruselbücher für deutlich jüngere Leser, aber auch als Autor für ‚erwachsene’ Bücher weiß er zu unterhalten. Er schreibt flott und spannend. Zumindest schafft er es immer wieder mich zu begeistern.

Fazit: Sobald ‚Die Toten, die ich rief’ einmal in Fahrt gekommen ist, hält die Spannung bis zur letzten Seite an. Unmöglich, das Buch noch mal aus der Hand zu legen! ...more

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Feb 01, 2018 Sean Harding rated it liked it

Decent stand alone horror/thriller from Darren Shan, who on this occasion has branched into more adult literature rather than his normal teen, although the difference is not great.
Nice twists and a good resolution make this a good read.
Despite the genre not being one of my favourites around Shan continues to impress.

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Sep 06, 2012 Tommy rated it really liked it

See the original review here: http://justanotherbooknerd.tumblr.com...

The first book I am going to be discussing might as well be the last book that I read.

Makes sense huh?

Lady of the Shades is the first foray into the exciting world of adult fiction by the acclaimed teenage horror writer Darren Shan.

Those familiar with Shan’s style will notice some fairly obvious similarities with his older works, namely the use of first person and the all too compelling plots that he somehow manages to keep wh See the original review here: http://justanotherbooknerd.tumblr.com...

The first book I am going to be discussing might as well be the last book that I read.

Makes sense huh?

Lady of the Shades is the first foray into the exciting world of adult fiction by the acclaimed teenage horror writer Darren Shan.

Those familiar with Shan’s style will notice some fairly obvious similarities with his older works, namely the use of first person and the all too compelling plots that he somehow manages to keep whipping out of nowhere.

The book is about a man named Ed. An American author with a mysterious past. Ed has travelled to London in order to find the inspiration for his latest horror book and is trying to prove to the world that the paranormal does in fact exist and the ghosts that constantly dog his every move are not a figment of his own deranged mind.

The story seems to find itself full of unusual twists and turns, some of which seem fairly obvious in places but then turn out to be unbelievable jaw droppers, though at this point it I really should point out that one or two are just down right silly.

Whilst it might not set the world on fire in the same way a Steinbeck or a Dickens might, it has to be said that the pages simply keep on turning. This book is going to make you emotional, it will envelop you into it’s world, and once Shan has seen fit to spit you out of it, you’re going to be itching to jump back in.

Now I only had an advance copy of the book to review so I can’t say definitively that all of what I read made the final print, which by the way is out in shops now. But what I will say is this. If you only read one Shan book, you simply have to make sure this is the one. With it’s heart breaking love story, supernatural twists and violent turns, this book is definitely going to show that Shan has just what it takes to contend with the grown ups.

Edit: Since writing this review, I am told that this is in fact not Shan’s first foray into the fields of adult fiction. His series ‘The City’ is available now with first book Procession of the Dead.

Don’t be confused if you see D.B. Shan or Darren O’Shaugnessey, it was originally released before he donned the pen name Darren Shan and unfortunately didn’t do quite as well as it perhaps ought to have.

Now re-released under the name Darren Shan, they appear to be doing far better than before and you can expect a review of them soon. ...more

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Sep 06, 2016 Arthur Derek rated it it was ok

I loved the Saga of Darren Shan when I was younger and the Demonata series was pretty awesome too until the ending. This book, however, made me feel very disappointed.

There are alot of "twists" throughout but unfortunately I did not feel it was up to par as an adult novel. When I got to the end I was very dissatisfied. Darren Shan has a very good imagination and maybe his teenage fiction will always outshine other attempts he makes.

I did not get the same feelings towards the characters he port I loved the Saga of Darren Shan when I was younger and the Demonata series was pretty awesome too until the ending. This book, however, made me feel very disappointed.

There are alot of "twists" throughout but unfortunately I did not feel it was up to par as an adult novel. When I got to the end I was very dissatisfied. Darren Shan has a very good imagination and maybe his teenage fiction will always outshine other attempts he makes.

I did not get the same feelings towards the characters he portrayed here when compared to others like Larten Crepsley from the original saga. Even when he delved into Lartens character more in his own saga I was very impressed with the depth that he could give to one of his characters. It was very unfortunate when they tried to make a Darren Shan movie which in my opinion was butchering the source material. That unfortunately is what happens when you attempt to put about twelve stories worth of information into an hour and a half whilst skipping the best parts of the series.

I was very excited to see that one of my childhood favourite authors had done an adult novel and when I finally got my hands on it I couldn't wait to start. My enthusiasm died quite quickly and this novel took me two months to finally finish as I was so lackadaisical about reading it. This book took me the same amount of time it took me to finish Stephen Kings IT and considering the difference in length it shows how much of a struggle I had to get through Lady of the Shades.

If you want to get into Darren Shan I would recommend his vampire and demon sagas but this novel I would have to say should only be read if you really, and I mean really want to see what it is all about.

I feel bad putting up a negative review especially as Darren Shan was one of the authors who made me want to start writing my own stories. In no way would I consider the writing itself to be bad, that is not my problem with this novel. My dislike with this novel is purely in relation to the story and the lack of caring I had towards the characters.

Maybe Darren Shan will give adult fiction another stab sometime and I hope he does as he has the potential to write some incredible stuff and has done so in the past.

...more

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Mar 30, 2014 Laura rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: owned

Another brilliant tale from Darren Shan, its great how well he can write not only teenage horror stories but also stories for adults.
This story had so many twists and turns to the plot I could never guess what was going to happen next or how it was going to end. Each time the plot turned around again you would think, so all that previous idea was wrong but this is how it actually is and then Shan would turn the plot on its head again disregarding that idea too. You spend the majority of the book ...more

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About Darren Shan

Darren Shan

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Librarian's note: Also writes books for adults under the name Darren Dash. And in the past he has released books for adults under the names D.B. Shan and Darren O'Shaughnessy.

Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak ...more