Schatten

by Garry Kilworth, Hendrik P. Linckens (translator)

On Cloudrock the penalty for imperfection is death: death by the long fall into the void, through the poisonous mists and gases that rise from the deadlands far, far below.

The two tribes who survive on the Rock, the tribes of Day and Night, keep their families tight, their bloodlines pure and true, by incest, by cannibalism and by murder. Parcelling out their tiny world in measures of light and time, they wrap themselves in ritual and taboo, each family denying the presence of the other. Then came the Shadow.

Born to the matriarch Catrunner, the Shadow is deformed - a neuter dwarf - a natural candidate for instant death. But for this mutant, fate intervenes. The Shadow may live - on the condition that none acknowledge its presence: one word, one glance, and the Shadow will join its luckless kin in the long death-flight.

Surviving on the outskirts of the family, the Shadow's very existence creates an unspoken question that challenges the ties that bind. This is the Shadow's tale...

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

Perfect Paperback

First published February 25, 1988

About the author

Garry Douglas Kilworth is a historical novelist who also published sci-fi, fantasy, and juvenile fiction.

Kilworth is a graduate of King's College London. He was previously a science fiction author, having published one hundred twenty short stories and seventy novels.

Reviews

[Marion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Going with the "it was okay" rating here. That was weird.

[Chris Cowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good novel with an interesting setting the social look at the setting feels real and the central characters come across well.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of really interesting concepts. Religion, family, disabilities, etc...
What attracted me to this book was the cover. It is so badass. Google it if you have the time. It's a rather light and quick read but it leaves you questioning your own judgments.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting themes, original approach to a post-apocalyptic culture. very short, which is both great because it goes straight to the point, and frustrating because some characters are surprisingly flat. still a very enjoyable read!

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was easy to read, and so different and interesting!