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Alabaster Shadows
Alabaster Shadows
Carter Normandy knows there's something weird about the neighborhood he and his family move into. Maybe it's the physics-defying leak in the basement, or the way all the adults seem to look down on kids like they're scum. With the help of his new friends, Carter discovers a whole other world alongside his seemingly normal community-a world filled with terrifying monsters. A world the adults of the community already know all about. Now it's up to Carter and his friends to keep these monsters from crossing over into our world, or face the dire consequences!
A gorgeously illustrated mystery perfect for fans of Gravity Falls with just a hint of Lovecraftian horror.
A gorgeously illustrated mystery perfect for fans of Gravity Falls with just a hint of Lovecraftian horror.
184 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2015
4 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Matt Gardner
25 books3 followersLibrarian note:
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There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 46 reviews
March 9, 2016
This was fun read from the first panel to the last. I just can't seem to put it down. It has a fully formed cast of young adventurous children and their quest was exciting. The story combines elements of the adventure movies of my youth, standing up to authority to save not themselves but their parents.
This is a great way to introduce a Lovecraftian story without totally terrifying the young ones. It can be scary but its Gaiman-scary; it allows the young reader to face their fear in the relative safety of their books.
This is a great way to introduce a Lovecraftian story without totally terrifying the young ones. It can be scary but its Gaiman-scary; it allows the young reader to face their fear in the relative safety of their books.
February 11, 2017
Well, how could I resist it when the blurb describes it as Lovecraft x Gravity Falls. :P I adore Gravity Falls (already rewatched it 3 times), so I just had to read this book!
It was quite good in the end, but I still had a few things I didn't like which made it at times a bit hard to get through this book.
Since I am a bit tired (just woke up), I will put this in a good/bad list.
First up the not so goods/bads:
Some of the characters for instance (like the sister). The sister was truly annoying me to no end. I get she is a kid. But really? I just wanted to have her leave. The way she kept intruding on them, how she pestered her brother, how apparently nothing could faze her (and sometimes this kind of trait is nice, but in her it was just meh).
Then there was the art. At times it was really lovely, but at other time it was so-so, and often felt like someone rushed through it to get stuff done in time. It is just a shame, since it really had potential to become quite beautiful. Also what is up with the MC's hair?
I absolutely dislike this kind of thing. That cliffhanger near the end. If we had any indication that there will be more Alabaster Shadows books/issues, I wouldn't have minded it so much (still would have minded it a bit though), but I can't find much information on if there are new issues/books.
Also how no one else but these kids (and a few adults) seem to see those things or know about it. It is a common trope within this genre/this kind of book, but I would rather see it not happen. I wouldn't mind if everyone just knew about it. Or actually believed stuff when told about it.
Now for the goods:
The story was great, unlike a lot of Graphic Novels/Comics this one actually had a story that just started at the beginning. I have read quite a few that just throw you in the middle of everything, or that suddenly rush. This one didn't. It took things slowly, it explained quite a few things, plus something that I also love, is that we, just like the MC and his friends, have no clue what is happening, and we can help them find out, we explore just when they do. We find out things when or just before they do.
There was a big creepfactor to the book (not only because of the creepiness that settled in that town, but also thanks to characters (those two ladies *shivers*). The monsters were properly monsters.
The mystery was really good, and I can't wait to find out more about the world, how it works, the dreams, and the messages that people who got zapped (I would call it that) are telling on constant loop.
Then there is a strong MC who kicks some butt and isn't afraid to save people even when it gets hairy.
I had quite a laugh, that I apparently read over something that made me miss the fact that one of the characters was a girl. :P That was quite a surprise when I found out she was a girl.
So all in all, I quite enjoyed myself, and I still will read this series if there is ever an update because I just need to know how it all ends.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
It was quite good in the end, but I still had a few things I didn't like which made it at times a bit hard to get through this book.
Since I am a bit tired (just woke up), I will put this in a good/bad list.
First up the not so goods/bads:
Some of the characters for instance (like the sister). The sister was truly annoying me to no end. I get she is a kid. But really? I just wanted to have her leave. The way she kept intruding on them, how she pestered her brother, how apparently nothing could faze her (and sometimes this kind of trait is nice, but in her it was just meh).
Then there was the art. At times it was really lovely, but at other time it was so-so, and often felt like someone rushed through it to get stuff done in time. It is just a shame, since it really had potential to become quite beautiful. Also what is up with the MC's hair?
I absolutely dislike this kind of thing. That cliffhanger near the end. If we had any indication that there will be more Alabaster Shadows books/issues, I wouldn't have minded it so much (still would have minded it a bit though), but I can't find much information on if there are new issues/books.
Also how no one else but these kids (and a few adults) seem to see those things or know about it. It is a common trope within this genre/this kind of book, but I would rather see it not happen. I wouldn't mind if everyone just knew about it. Or actually believed stuff when told about it.
Now for the goods:
The story was great, unlike a lot of Graphic Novels/Comics this one actually had a story that just started at the beginning. I have read quite a few that just throw you in the middle of everything, or that suddenly rush. This one didn't. It took things slowly, it explained quite a few things, plus something that I also love, is that we, just like the MC and his friends, have no clue what is happening, and we can help them find out, we explore just when they do. We find out things when or just before they do.
There was a big creepfactor to the book (not only because of the creepiness that settled in that town, but also thanks to characters (those two ladies *shivers*). The monsters were properly monsters.
The mystery was really good, and I can't wait to find out more about the world, how it works, the dreams, and the messages that people who got zapped (I would call it that) are telling on constant loop.
Then there is a strong MC who kicks some butt and isn't afraid to save people even when it gets hairy.
I had quite a laugh, that I apparently read over something that made me miss the fact that one of the characters was a girl. :P That was quite a surprise when I found out she was a girl.
So all in all, I quite enjoyed myself, and I still will read this series if there is ever an update because I just need to know how it all ends.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 27, 2015
Highly entertaining and just that perfect amount of horror suitable for middle grades, Alabaster Shadows is a new graphic novel with a plucky cast of characters. Carter Normandy and his younger sister Polly move to a new development called Alabaster Shadows and start at a new school. Things appear a bit odd in this new town; houses all look the same, some adults, like mean Miss Crowe, clearly despise children and Carter’s house seems to have a leak in the cellar that is suspiciously just pouring from mid-air. Carter discounts it all as simply weird until he meets some friends who verify that Alabaster Shadows has something strange going on. The kids quickly realize that they have to solve the mystery of why some adults seem to be zombie-like before the same thing can happen to their parents. Great dialogue and humor ensues between this new group of heroes and they face-off against Miss Crowe and her giant slug monster. Readers will be satisfied by the ending and eager to have the story continue on in further novels. Full-color graphics will also make this a very easy sell for even reluctant readers.
Recommended grades 6 and up.
Recommended grades 6 and up.
September 7, 2017
Book #38 for 2017
My Personal Reading Challenge: An illustrated children's book
PopSugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (maximum 3 tasks):
- A book with pictures
- A book where the main character is a different ethnicity than you
- The first book in a series you haven't read before
Old Firehouse Books Summer Reading Bingo Square: A Book with a Mystery
Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge: An all-ages comic
Better World Books:
- A book with a color in the title
- A book under 200 pages
Book Bingo Possible Squares:
- A Book from the Library
- A Graphic Novel/Comic
I really liked the premise of this story but was disappointed in the execution. I think that was mostly due to the artwork. It looks fine at a glance, but I found that I had a hard time making out things that were important for understanding the dialogue. I was eventually able to piece the story together, but it was a frustrating process.
Once I figured out what they were trying to convey, I thought a lot of it was clever and imaginative. The characters were interesting, too, and there's some nice diversity represented.
I didn't like how much of a cliffhanger the ending was. I mean, I understand cliffhangers are kind of a thing with comics, but I feel like an entire first volume should have a decent degree of story arc resolution. In this case, I feel like the story was barely even set up before it was over. I'll have to read the next volume if I want to know much of anything about what's really going on, and at this point, I'm not sure I feel like doing that. A younger reader, though, may be more forgiving and just power through the entire series. I borrowed this copy from the library, but if I had one of my own, I would probably pass it along to my friend's 9-year-old daughter, as I think she'd enjoy it.
My Personal Reading Challenge: An illustrated children's book
PopSugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (maximum 3 tasks):
- A book with pictures
- A book where the main character is a different ethnicity than you
- The first book in a series you haven't read before
Old Firehouse Books Summer Reading Bingo Square: A Book with a Mystery
Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge: An all-ages comic
Better World Books:
- A book with a color in the title
- A book under 200 pages
Book Bingo Possible Squares:
- A Book from the Library
- A Graphic Novel/Comic
I really liked the premise of this story but was disappointed in the execution. I think that was mostly due to the artwork. It looks fine at a glance, but I found that I had a hard time making out things that were important for understanding the dialogue. I was eventually able to piece the story together, but it was a frustrating process.
Once I figured out what they were trying to convey, I thought a lot of it was clever and imaginative. The characters were interesting, too, and there's some nice diversity represented.
I didn't like how much of a cliffhanger the ending was. I mean, I understand cliffhangers are kind of a thing with comics, but I feel like an entire first volume should have a decent degree of story arc resolution. In this case, I feel like the story was barely even set up before it was over. I'll have to read the next volume if I want to know much of anything about what's really going on, and at this point, I'm not sure I feel like doing that. A younger reader, though, may be more forgiving and just power through the entire series. I borrowed this copy from the library, but if I had one of my own, I would probably pass it along to my friend's 9-year-old daughter, as I think she'd enjoy it.
October 28, 2020
This is about a clever group of kids who end up in the middle of a mystery involving monsters from a sort of dream realm. HOA members and teachers become enemies and the children have to uncover the mystery of the fishy realm to protect their families. This ends in a cliffhanger and since this was published in 2015 I'm wondering if there is going to be more coming or not.
December 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book a lot and can tell it will be an interesting series. The art was wonderful in conveying the magic and mystery in the worlds that the characters journeyed through. It was full of fast-paced action to keep you turning the pages in anticipation of what would happen next (with just enough of a pause to admire the art and coloring).
January 16, 2022
Stranger things?
It's certainly has got stranger things vibes with some Lovecraft here. And even though the plot is simple and been done Before it's still entertaining. My only complaint is that ending makes it feel like it's meant to be a ongoing series. And as far as I can tell this is the only book so far.
It's certainly has got stranger things vibes with some Lovecraft here. And even though the plot is simple and been done Before it's still entertaining. My only complaint is that ending makes it feel like it's meant to be a ongoing series. And as far as I can tell this is the only book so far.
December 7, 2017
A very quick read! An adorable little mystery that was a mixed between Stranger Things, and Scooby Doo. The artwork was very imaginative, and the story was intriguing. However, I didn’t really care for the ending seemed a little weak. Great graphic novel for kids who enjoy fantasy, and mystery.
January 6, 2018
It's the start of something interesting, but I'm not a fan of the creepy adults who hate kids attempting to rule the world or whatever plot line. I guess I'll see what happens if I pick up the other book when it comes out.
August 24, 2018
Sort of My First Lovecraft for the middle grades? A bit too much obnoxious little sister for my taste, and I think only Roald Dahl can really pull off entire groups of grown ups who inexplicably hate children just because, but still pretty good.
November 10, 2017
Pretty good! Sort of a YA Hot Fuzz meets Buffy. I'm curious to see where it goes.
November 19, 2017
Rated 2 1/2 stars
Ages 12+
Ages 12+
July 7, 2018
This was a really fun and interesting read!
December 31, 2018
This was cute, and it makes Lovecraft accessible to a wide audience. That's pretty wonderful! I just wasn't feeling it very much.
August 22, 2018
Very strong Night Vale/Stranger-Things-for-kids vibes, with a dogless dash of Scooby Doo.
September 7, 2018
Fun action adventure graphic novel. Seemed like it was setting up for a sequel
June 29, 2019
2.5 stars.
September 10, 2019
A very sweet, full of action & supernatural story!
I really hope it gets a sequel!
I really hope it gets a sequel!
December 26, 2019
Fun! This is a great book for anyone looking for fast new friendships being tested by Lovecraftian like monsters/worse the humans who try to control them!
August 25, 2022
Satanic
September 28, 2025
So there's no part 2? That's disappointing.
March 24, 2017
Very interesting story, hope there is more to come. I would love to see where it goes.
October 12, 2019
HiThe book I read it was good and it's comic and I talks about this kid who just moved to a place and he finds some monsters and his teacher is responsible for for it and he tries to defeat the teachers but there this turnel to go to the underground water and he finds a book that help him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2020
I’m not sure what I was expecting from this one, but I don’t think I got it. Doesn’t help that the ending feels unfinished (in a “we’re setting up a sequel that never happened!” sort of way).
February 21, 2017
Cthulhu for kids. I really enjoyed it.
May 9, 2016
When Carter and Polly Normandy move into the Alabaster Shadows development, they’re not optimistic. They don’t know anyone. All the houses look the same. The head of the Community Council clearly despises children. Then Mr. Randolph, who works in the development’s office, asks them to watch for anything strange. What a weirdo, thinks Carter… until he finds something in their new basement that should not be there. Carter discovers that other kids at school have had strange experiences. They never would have guessed what their investigation uncovers.
Doucet’s art is a little messier than I usually prefer, but it gets the job done. Gardner paces out the action and danger well, giving the reader points to breathe.
For team #WeNeedDiverseBooks, of which I am an enthusiastic member, note that Polly and Carter are biracial, with a white dad and a black mom. I’m definitely pleased to have a children’s graphic novel with a POC lead character. But all the other major speaking roles are white characters, which seemed a little strange. My favorite character is Polly, and I’m hoping she gets a bigger role in the second volume, which would help balance that out.
Doucet’s art is a little messier than I usually prefer, but it gets the job done. Gardner paces out the action and danger well, giving the reader points to breathe.
For team #WeNeedDiverseBooks, of which I am an enthusiastic member, note that Polly and Carter are biracial, with a white dad and a black mom. I’m definitely pleased to have a children’s graphic novel with a POC lead character. But all the other major speaking roles are white characters, which seemed a little strange. My favorite character is Polly, and I’m hoping she gets a bigger role in the second volume, which would help balance that out.
October 1, 2015
Ok - full disclosure: Matt Gardner is a friend of mine, I have known him for probably a decade and he is engaged to one of my dearest friends. However, I am a pro here, so I am going to give this book an honest review.
It's a friggin awesome book, is what! Having worked in Youth Services for three years, I can tell you, this is going to be tween catnip. The characters are well developed and the story is a ton of fun. Carter Normandy is a cool, regular-kid hero and his friend are the types of friends we all had in middle school. Plus there are evil teachers, super shady adults and giant slug monsters from the sea.
My only negative - I can't stand the drawing style. Don't get me wrong, it's well done, it's just the style I can't handle - everything is blurry and unfinished looking, sort of like it's an unfinished sketch of what the final product will look like. In fact there are sketches included in the end notes that are cleaner and sharper than the final works and this drives me NUTS.
I guess I will have to make peace with the art because I can't wait for part 2!
It's a friggin awesome book, is what! Having worked in Youth Services for three years, I can tell you, this is going to be tween catnip. The characters are well developed and the story is a ton of fun. Carter Normandy is a cool, regular-kid hero and his friend are the types of friends we all had in middle school. Plus there are evil teachers, super shady adults and giant slug monsters from the sea.
My only negative - I can't stand the drawing style. Don't get me wrong, it's well done, it's just the style I can't handle - everything is blurry and unfinished looking, sort of like it's an unfinished sketch of what the final product will look like. In fact there are sketches included in the end notes that are cleaner and sharper than the final works and this drives me NUTS.
I guess I will have to make peace with the art because I can't wait for part 2!
September 4, 2021
A solid story about supernatural things going on in a seemingly normal neighborhood. The art is energetic and fun, with character expressions being especially charming. The writing is a little loose, but there is a good story to be told. Character motivation and depth need more fine-tuning. The bit where Carter feels guilt for getting all his friends in trouble falls a bit flat when he didn't exactly force his friends into going on an adventure with him, they willingly joined without question. There are some plot holes and the climax is a tad contrived. The dialogue gets really on-the-nose sometimes too: "If you really want I could tell you all about the political structure of fish people." could use more work on refining individual character voices.
The adventure and mystery is fun, though. And there are charming character moments.
The monster designs are also quite nice.
The adventure and mystery is fun, though. And there are charming character moments.
The monster designs are also quite nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2017
Alabaster Shadows is a fun and kind of spooky all ages title. Carter Normandy is the protagonist and he is backed up by a great supporting cast of kid believers, scientists, and skeptics. Plus the necessary kid sister character. The story begins when Carter's family moves to the Alabaster Shadows community and Carter is almost immediately swept up in a monster mystery affecting his neighborhoods and the residents within it. With monsters, evil adults, and parallel dimensions galore there is plenty to keep you entertained in these pages. If you are a fan of any type of 80's monster/mystery movie from E.T. to The Goonies then this will be the perfect title for you.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 46 reviews