I wanted to like this book more than I did. The premise is an intriguing one, and had it been handled just a touch differently, I think it would have made all the world. The problem was that I had such a hard time getting into the book. It was such an awkward beginnging and did not giuve enough of the backstory that one would need to really delve into the story right away.

I also hard a problem with liking the female lead. She really had no redeeming qualities, as she seemed to vacillate between trusting Melchi and pushing him away that by the end when she has to put her trust in him it seems forced and weak. ( )

Several strange episodes leave a grad student grappling with whether she’s schizophrenic. Her rational, scientifically-driven mind insists that her experiences must be products of her imagination. Her Christian faith, however, allows for certain experiences that fall outside the realm of “normal.” A part of Hailey wonders if there’s something more to her episodes, something frighteningly real. Read more or get the quick scoop. ( )

I enjoyed the basic plot of a graduate student, Hailey Maniates, pursued by an unknown enemy who is then saved by a homeless man who may be more then he seems. I also thought I would like the apparent mixing of genres, mystery, science fiction, Christian fiction, etc. However, problems with the back-story and editorial problems really took away from the book. The beginning of the story turned out to be fairly jumbled, which at first I thought was part of the structure of the book, but the chaotic nature took away from the story and didn't pan out for the reader. The ending felt rushed with random bits of story that seemed placed just to make the whole thing wrapped up, while having nothing to do with other parts of the book. For the most part, the story is half good mystery, and half bad science fiction novel. ( )

Full of whispers of vampires, cults, and an ancient prophecy, Shade is packed with suspense. Hailey doesn’t know who she can trust when she starts having what the doctors dismiss as hallucinations. However, she can’t shake the feeling that something evil seems to be tracking her and she begins to question her friends, the police, and even herself. Does Melchi, a homeless man, have the answers to her questions, or is he crazy too? Truth and lies, good and evil are jumbled and confused as the reader, along with Hailey, tries to determine which is which. I think I must have changed my mind several times about who was good and who was evil before the end. I confess that I never really got as interested in the subplot involving Athena, although I suppose it added to the pacing and overall suspense of the story. There were some moments of confusion, especially at the beginning when I wasn’t sure what was going on, but as I read further, it only seemed appropriate since the character herself often doesn’t fully understand what is happening. Overall, I enjoyed the suspense and general creepiness as well as the uniqueness that a character like Melchi brings to the story. I will likely look for more by this author in the future. ( )

Okay now onto the review. Pretty creepy cover eh? Not to mention the fantastic trailer. (http://blip.tv/file/725117) But how about the story itself? Yuppers, you guessed it, creepy stuff indeed. However, this isn't just a scary story, it also manages to mix in lots of suspense and a little bit of romance too. Strangest thing of all to me was that this book is considered by some to be Christian fiction, I didn't discover this until I'd finished reading it. Shade does contain a thought-provoking look at faith and how it relates and balances out with science and a fantastic battle between good and evil, but in no way is this novel religious-heavy like some Christian literature. It is simply a fun and enjoyable read, that I believe will appeal to people of all faiths.

Hailey, a graduate student, is the type of person that believes science can find an answer for everything. So when supernatural forces start wrecking havoc with her life (not to mention her mind) she feels like her world is shattering. The handsome Melchi is there for her though, as a protector, a teacher and a friend.

It seems that Melchi believes there is something evil out there, that he must stop. Now Hailey must come to terms with the fact that science cannot explain what is going on.This will not be as easy as one thinks, because Hailey and the people around her are convinced she is going insane...or maybe Melchi is the insane one? Who and what can she trust? Can she even trust herself anymore?

So we have the basic plot, it's a terrific good versus evil type of story, with a whole lot more thrown in the mix. Hailey and Melchi are amazingly well-developed characters. Witnessing the downward spiral that Hailey experiences really connects the reader to her and creates tonnes of emotional response. Melchi is quite the mysterious man, which keeps the pages turning as you try to learn just how he's involved and exactly what he's involved with. As Hailey experiences doubts about this man, the reader also starts to question things.

The plot of Shade quickly pulls the reader in and enmeshes them in the tumultuous mayhem that the characters are caught up in. Written in a well-paced mode the suspense grows with each chapter. Realistic dialogue helps to make this story and it's characters come to life. There are also touches of humour spread through the writing, here is one of my favourites: "That's right. Butter up the crazy person before she snaps and goes Ninja Turtle all over your car." Although there are a few places where the action and narrative flow become chaotic and a little confusing, these passages do manage to create a connection to how the characters are feeling. All in all, Shade was a very enjoyable read for me and I look forward to reading more from John B. Olson. ( )