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Beyond the Shadows: Foreboding Tales of Terror
This page turner will thrill readers from 10 to 99 years old. A series of short stories with twists and turns that will keep them hooked. The characters in the stories have a common bond that they must discover together before it's too late. Along the way they learn the importance of faith, family, and sacrifice. Don't miss this exciting first installment that is sure to be a hit. It is Ashley’s first day of school in a new town. She loves her new school and has made great friends. The only problem is her teacher, Mrs. Yorp, seems a little strange. Is she hiding something? Still, Ashley is excited to return for her second day. Unfortunately, she can’t find any of her friends, and even Mrs. Yorp has disappeared. What happened to them all? The mysteries continue in three more stories. Luke is an exceptional baseball player. He struggles controlling his emotions. He misses his father and wishes his mother showed more interest in him. A new teammate shows up from out of town in the middle of the baseball season. Where did he come from and who is he really? Can he help Luke learn to control his emotions and have a successful season?Samantha is one of the coolest girls at school. Unfortunately for her, her cousin Brandon is moving in with her. Brandon talks to his imaginary friend and embarrasses Samantha at school, but he has a warning for Samantha. Will she listen?Grandpa loves playing pranks on his grandsons Ryan and Joe. One day he takes them up to his attic for a Halloween prank. They find an old book and an ancient mirror. Grandpa pretends not to know where they came from. It seems like great fun until bizarre things occur. What is the mirror’s secret? Why are Grandpa and Ryan acting differently now? Joe must convince his father that something is wrong. They enlist the help of their parish Priest Father Bob to help solve the mystery. What ties all of these people together? Who is Mrs. Yorp? Who is Father Bob? What is going on with the mirror? They must work together to solve these mysteries or their lives will be altered forever.
232 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2019
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 27, 2020
First, this book is terrific. It keeps you intrigued, always guessing, and there are surprises at every corner. I think everyone, at any age, will enjoy this book. I initially thought all the stories were separate and unconnected then about Chapter 10 you realize it’s all connected and I love how the characters kind of have to figure it out for themselves how they are all ‘related’. Secondly, I love the ending. Especially with so much emotion on are the brother, grandfather and father coming back? You really feel Joe’s anxiety but also his trust in his faith and that it will work out. Lastly, I enjoyed the faith aspect of this book. Not many authors can sprinkle that in and address some very difficult questions of faith about loss. Let alone make a good after the fact message about the very real war on faith and family. Bravo 👏.
June 22, 2020
While the book starts off with an eye-rolling warning, it all gets better from there. The first three stories are good enough on their own, but halfway through the fourth one it becomes apparent that the previous short stories are all connected to a larger whole! This caused me to forgive and even appreciate the similarities in the previous stories.
This creative piece of writing was a lot of fun to read, and while the creep-factor was unnecessarily turned up in the last few pages without adding to the story, my overall impression of the book was very good. It does leave me wondering whether there will be a sequel, though!
This creative piece of writing was a lot of fun to read, and while the creep-factor was unnecessarily turned up in the last few pages without adding to the story, my overall impression of the book was very good. It does leave me wondering whether there will be a sequel, though!
January 28, 2022
I found this off Hoopla browsing for religious themed young adult fiction and was attracted to the mention of a priest character. I'd say it would hold the interest of the Goosebumps set as the writing is more on that level. There is a lot of "showing" instead of "telling" plus stilted dialogue but I gave it four stars for 1) Mr. Ciardella's positive portrayal of Catholic characters especially the priest Father Bob who has an awesome connection to one of the earlier stories; 2) likeable characters in an ensemble cast and 3) an interesting mystery element. I would definitely like to visit these characters again.
July 3, 2020
A collection of stories that at first seem unrelated and then begin to show the entanglement of the characters from the eerie tales prior. A steady build up of each characters back story and their piece of the puzzle - the piece that ties them to Ms Yorp; the once teacher that started an evil chain of events (will leave the details out to prevent spoilers). The stories are just spooky at first and then once you realize the weight of the event that started the evil it gets spookier and it becomes clear that a big bad must be stopped.
July 30, 2020
Beyond the Shadows by James J Ciardella is collection of short creepy stories (horror being one one of my fav genres and a combo of short stories and horror - just good )
Though initially the stories seem unrelated at first but after more than halfway through the book , the stories seem to have a barely visible common thread that becomes more and more visible as the stories progress and tied neatly in the end and also left a clue for a sequel.
Ignoring the religious overtones in the end the book is a very good read for young adults and adults alike.
Though initially the stories seem unrelated at first but after more than halfway through the book , the stories seem to have a barely visible common thread that becomes more and more visible as the stories progress and tied neatly in the end and also left a clue for a sequel.
Ignoring the religious overtones in the end the book is a very good read for young adults and adults alike.
September 1, 2020
This work was very different from what I expected when reading its description - in a good way. It showcases the writer as an entire person, rather than just showing the reader particular aspects of their persona as the introduction caused me to expect. I was allowed a glimpse into their inner workings, the things that occupy their mind, and beautiful personal expressions of various emotions.
December 20, 2020
It was a bit intimidating at the beginning after I read the front page book. I'm not a big fan horror/creepy stories. But it's not! It's an easy reading and I really enjoy reading the book with a cup of tea on the side.
July 20, 2022
I have to admit, this is a book I would have loved reading as a child. Well, I guess I have to admit I enjoyed reading it as an adult, too. I should mention that I received the book free in exchange for an honest review.
Beyond the Shadows is a supernatural mystery for children about 8 to 10 years old. It begins with the story of Ashley, who starts a new school and immediately loves her classmates but isn’t so sure about her teacher, Mrs. Yorp. The next day, they all disappear, including Mrs. Yorp, and are replaced with other people.
Ashley’s story kicks off a series of what seem like unrelated tales of individual kids dealing with different issues that typically face kids growing up — jealousy, not fitting in, being angry, etc. Each story also has a supernatural twist, which adds an extra dash of intrigue.
Partway through the book, though, the stories begin to intertwine, and the connections between each character grow and grow as the story unravels the mystery, and the supernatural aspect ramps up. They are all joined together by a mysterious and ominous mirror.
The story is clearly written, fast-paced, and keeps you interested the whole time. You want to know why these strange occurrences are happening and how everything is connected.
Typically, I prefer to not have as much of a religious element present, but in this story, it worked. You can’t tell the Da Vinci Code without religious elements in it, and you can say the same for this book. There were a few phrases and character actions that I thought were a touch too adult-like for children, but it was so minimal that it wasn’t a problem.
I suppose I would say to a broad audience (such as people reading reviews on Amazon) that if you’re not Christian, just know that the book highlights Christian values. But then again, a lot of scary stories do.
If you or a child in your life likes a little mystery mixed with a little supernatural action, then this book will be a joy for you. It’s a fun read and very well-plotted, with lots of twists and turns. You won’t be disappointed.
Beyond the Shadows is a supernatural mystery for children about 8 to 10 years old. It begins with the story of Ashley, who starts a new school and immediately loves her classmates but isn’t so sure about her teacher, Mrs. Yorp. The next day, they all disappear, including Mrs. Yorp, and are replaced with other people.
Ashley’s story kicks off a series of what seem like unrelated tales of individual kids dealing with different issues that typically face kids growing up — jealousy, not fitting in, being angry, etc. Each story also has a supernatural twist, which adds an extra dash of intrigue.
Partway through the book, though, the stories begin to intertwine, and the connections between each character grow and grow as the story unravels the mystery, and the supernatural aspect ramps up. They are all joined together by a mysterious and ominous mirror.
The story is clearly written, fast-paced, and keeps you interested the whole time. You want to know why these strange occurrences are happening and how everything is connected.
Typically, I prefer to not have as much of a religious element present, but in this story, it worked. You can’t tell the Da Vinci Code without religious elements in it, and you can say the same for this book. There were a few phrases and character actions that I thought were a touch too adult-like for children, but it was so minimal that it wasn’t a problem.
I suppose I would say to a broad audience (such as people reading reviews on Amazon) that if you’re not Christian, just know that the book highlights Christian values. But then again, a lot of scary stories do.
If you or a child in your life likes a little mystery mixed with a little supernatural action, then this book will be a joy for you. It’s a fun read and very well-plotted, with lots of twists and turns. You won’t be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews