Within the Shadows

Andrew Wilson is a young, successful bachelor looking for the right woman to help complete his life. He is also trying to re-establish a relationship with his absentee father. While returning from a weekend golf getaway, Andrew and his father have a bizarre car accident, but the accident was no accident at all, it was planned. In the time that follows, Andrew meets an amazing, drop dead gorgeous woman, Mika Woods. Suddenly strange things begin to happen and they all can't be a coincidence. As Andrew begins to make sense of it all he will need to be open and trust his father, the father that abandoned him years ago, because he holds the answers that Andrew seeks. I loved Brandon Massey's Thunderland, it was my first experience in the genre of horror. After reading his third novel I thought of the song lyric by Sade, "nothing's as good as the first time", but WITHIN THE SHADOWS comes mighty darn close. I still received the chills of terror and the sadness that goes hand in hand. The subplots dealing with family relationships are just as strong and interesting as the primary one. His characters have depth and it is easy to picture the story he has drawn out for you in words. WITHIN THE SHADOWS is a well-crafted horror story. Reviewed by Aiesha Flowers of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I was in the middle of reading a couple of romance/relationship novels that were making me yawn, when I decided to go ahead and peruse the first couple of chapters of a horror novel (Within the Shadows) that I'd bought that Friday afternoon. I didn't put the book down until I'd finished reading it (14 hours later). This book grabbed me by the throat and violently shook me around and didn't let me go until I read the final word!! I felt like I was on a runaway rollercoaster and someone forgot to strap me in. I was so engrossed and scared that I would jump whenever my own telephone rang. Now that's what I call a good book!! Three thoughts crossed my mind repeatedly when I was reading this book: 1) Andrew, man, you've got yourself mixed up in some straight craziness!!, 2) Mika would beat the brakes off of that broad Glenn Close!!! and 3) How the heck are Andrew, Carmen and Raymond gonna get outta this mess?? I agree with some of the other reviewers on the overall plot structure of the novel. I liked the way the author layered the subplots into the main plot. Who would've thought you could weave complex family issues, love relationships, eroticism (Brandon, have you been hanging out with Zane??) and friendship issues together so perfectly into a horror novel? And do it very delicately and be suttle about it, in such a way that the main plot is in no way overshadowed????? And the author's attention to detail was insane!! I might have to read it again, because I know I missed something! I especailly enjoyed the fact that much of this story took place over in my hood (Southside Atlanta, South Fulton County). Seems like with each book, Brandon Massey gets better and better. Man, he is really fine-tuning his craft!!!! I thought Thunderland and Dark Corner were scary. The eclectic Dark Dreams Anthology was very good, masterfully edited. Within the Shadows took it to a whole 'nother level. I can't imagine what Mr. Massey will write next!!! Please GO OUT AND GET THIS BOOK!!! I promise, you won't regret it.

Within the Shadows is the new offering from suspense writer Brandon Massey. When author Andrew Wilson meets the heavenly Mika Woods in an Atlanta coffee shop he's instantly smitten with her beauty and poise, but when he realizes he may have moved too fast after spending a night with the woman she begins to show him there's nothing heavenly about her. The plot, when summarized, echoes of the 1987 film Fatal Attraction, but only vaguely. Mika Woods is not Glenn Close. Mika Woods would gut punch Glenn Close. And Michael Douglas. And still kill the bunny if it meant getting her man. She is relentless in her pursuit of Andrew, subjecting him to suffering that he just doesn't deserve. . . or does he? This question and others are answered in a swift narrative that weaves seemingly unrelated subplots into a primary tale that will have you shooting towards the shocking conclusion like a Black Talon bullet, all of your preconceived notions shattering on impact. Within the Shadows by Brandon Massey is a twisted love letter with a P. S. that no one will see coming.

While driving back with his father after a round of golf, Raymond makes a sudden turn and drives until he has an accident. Nearby is a mansion which his son Andrew enters to look for a phone. The place seems haunted so he quickly goes outside gets a signal on his cell phone. When his father is admitted to the hospital because of injuries due to the accident, Andrew asks him if he knows about the house and he says no but his son knows his father is lying. Not long after that episode, Andrew, a thriller writer, is in his favorite coffee shop prepared to do some writer when he meets Mika Woods. She makes it plain she is interested in him and entices him into coming back to her hotel room where they have hot sex. Mika makes it plain that she loves him and he is the soul mate she waited years to find but Andrew wants to take things slow which upset her greatly. Her obsession leads her to stalk Andrew and his friends while his father dreams about the mansion. When Andrew finally admits something supernatural is going on, anyone who gets close to him is in danger from Mika and her paranormal powers. It is up to Andrew's father to save the son he abandoned so many years ago. Brandon Massey is a fantastic horror writer who will appeal to readers who like Bentley Little. Andrew rings true as he goes from skeptical non believer in the paranormal to a believer because he has witnessed strange happenings and knows he needs to destroy Mika before she further hurts those he loves. WITHIN THIS SHADOW is worthy of a Bram Stoker award nomination. Harriet Klausner

Brandon Massey never fails to please, and this novel just adds stock to why he is one of my favorite authors. Within The Shadows is a story about an author, who grabs the attention of an obsessive fan. The twist of the story is that she is not who, or what, you may think she is. What starts as a lustful, *Massey pens one of the most erotic sex scenes I have ever read in this one! *whoooo* mentally tantalizing affair, turns into a nightmare beyond imagination. I won't tell too much more of this brilliantly penned novel. But trust me, it's a pageturner. Not your typical horror story, and will leave you literally on the edge of your seat! JD