The Shadow

James Patterson books are easy reads to keep you coming back for more.

If you are a fan of The Shadow novels, radio shows, etc. and you go into this book looking for a Shadow story, you’re going to be disappointed. This is a super hero book that contains elements of The Shadow, but adds in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and difficult to believe coincidences. I read the first few chapters, and was then going, “WTH is going on? Where was the story that was being told?” But I was able to put aside my preconceived ideas and enjoy the story for what it actually is. It’s not a Shadow novel. Period. If you just assume the basic names were taken from The Shadow stories for reason of nostalgia (for really old people) and read it for what it is, you should enjoy it a lot. Good characters and lots of action. The plot was fun, if very lightweight. But do be aware that you must put aside your disbelief. This story is not realistic in today’s world, but neither are the Harry Potter or Marvel superheroes movies. There are to many coincidences. It leaves us with a very open idea for a sequel, but nicely manages to explain some of the coincidences. I knew most of them well before they were explained, but the journey the authors offer us was worth the price of admission. I’ll read the next one if there is a follow up, but I’m not sure how far the surprises can keep coming, even if this is a fantasy.

Wow, this started slow but picked up. Teen are with strange. Lots of exciting and weird. Still couldn't stop reading till it got to the end.Loved always from "The Shadow" of the Radio and from movie too.

This book took me back to the 1940s when I would listen to " The Shadow ". Even today, my wife would often say, " The Shadow Knows".Thanks for the walk down "memory lane".By the way, I am 85!!!

The book is entertaining and the writing is smooth and easy to follow. But, this isn't The Shadow. This is a post-apocalyptic/end stage capitalism low-powered Harry Dresden knock-off. The Shadow's "power" went from influencing men's minds to using magic spells and random super powers. It is a fun, not in any way challenging, read. Characters are thin, and Lamont Cranston's personality is one of harried do-gooder not detective or avenger. The second main issue I have with the book is the resolution. It isn't really satisfying and not "realistic" in scope.Read it for what it is, and enjoy the popcorn nature of the book. But, don't read it looking for The Shadow.

Back in the 90" s there was a little movie called The Shadow, and it starred a guy named Alec Baldwin. It was cheesy, but dammit I loved that movie!!! This book was the same way...I loved it. I can't wait to read the next one! So much fun !

The Shadow: A Thriller by James Patterson & Brian SittsTo many of us, The Shadow is the hero in the dark suit and cape, a red scarf around his lower face and wide-brimmed hat pulled down low over burning eyes who laughs as he blows crooks away with twin .45s. To others, he is Lamont Cranston, the invisible crimefighter who along with the lovely Margo Lane tackles street crime and international intrigue. The Shadow in this novel is neither and both to some extent.As a longtime Shadow fan, I admit I wasn’t thrilled when I saw this book first advertised and even less thrilled when I read some of the early reviews. Nevertheless, I had made a promise to read the book and so I felt obligated.And I was pleasantly surprised to find I liked it for the most part. The only thing I can really fault the authors for comes in chapters 36 and 37. As I said readers will know The Shadow from the pulp magazines or old radio shows and to have the character denounce both, especially the treatment of the pulp Shadow is a good way to lose readers. A magazine that ran for 325 issues plus paperbacks, comics, and reprints doesn’t deserve that snub!This series HAS potential, and at least Lamont donned the Shadow costume on one occasion in the book. A reader who only reads the first chapters and stops there might easily think the book is to be the adventures of the teenager Maddy Gomes whose connection to the Shadow is later revealed, but they would be wrong. Maddie is a new character, but Lamont and Margo are major stars along with the diabolical Shiwan Khan.I am totally surprised to be saying this, but I give the book four stars. I cannot forgive the snub of the pulp Shadow, and that’s going to cost a star…Quoth the Raven…

Another great book with Patterson's name on it

Awesome

Fab book and you didn’t know where the story was going so twists and turns which I like.

The Shadow would have to be the most unusual, mysterious, captivating fiction story by James Patterson I have ever read and I have read almost all his books. I highly recommend this totally intriguing novel to anyone who loves a book to get so engrossed by that you cannot put it down!

There have been many updates and revisions of Walter Gibsons original creation over the years, most frequently in comic books, but also in a couple of novels by Will Murray. This one reinterprets the character in what looks like it will be the beginning of a series. We are asked to believe that Lamont Cranston and Margo Lane are actual people who is the real adventures were expanded upon and fictionalized in comic books, pulp novels, and the radio show. In the opening sequence, set in 1937, the two of them are poisoned and in a desperate attempt to preserve their lives are placed in a kind of cryogenic suspension. They are awake and 150 years later by the actions of a girl who turns out to be their great great great, finding themselves in the dystopian world of 2087, a world dominated by the Shadow’s ancient enemy, Shiwan Khan. They have to prevent him from his plans to thin the world’s population by mass murder. It’s a quick read. It introduces a number of new abilities for the character, and reinterprets his look and methods of operation. There are a lot of loose ends, which leads me to believe that Patterson and Sitts plan to continue the story.

Well written, decent plot, moves along at a nice pace. The Shadow makes a welcome return in this updated version of the 1930s crime fighter series, set in the not too distant future and introducing a few new characters.My only criticism is that it is a bit lightweight with our heroes getting out of tricky situations a bit too easily. Otherwise an enjoyable adventure.