Shadowland is divided into three parts. The first part is set in a third-rate private school where Tom Flanagan meets Del Nightingale and gets exposed to magic. Tom & his classmates are harassed by Skeleton Ridpath, the coach's son. The second part is set in Shadowland (Del's uncle's-Coleman Collins-mansion) where the boys are the magician's apprentices for the summer. Trouble ensues. The third part is still within the house but is in the space between reality & Collins' illusions. It is the battle between magicians.

I found this book quite interesting. The plot kept me coming back for more. The ending was gripping.

Definitely a must read. ( )

Tom Flanagan's story of how he became a magician after meeting Del Nightingale at a third-rate private school. The first third of the novel takes place at the private school as Tom and Del practice their magic tricks while attempting to avoid the torments of the seniors, especially the coach's son.

After a tragedy at the school, they go to visit Del's uncle over the summer at his sprawling estate named Shadowland. Del's uncle is a retired but still quite active magician who has a little bit more than card tricks up his sleeve.

Entertaining and with some horrific moments, but really closer to dark fantasy than horror. (I didn't find it any scarier than Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.) The plot meanders and takes some twists and turns, not all of which feel entirely necessary. I did enjoy the use of fairy tales in the narrative and found the conclusion quite intriguing. ( )

First setting: an all-male prep school in Arizona, where two sensitive freshmen form a bond based on their interest in magic tricks. Second setting: the labyrinthine house of a weird magician uncle in New England, where the two boys spend a memorable summer being trained in the art of illusion. Or is it real magic? Third setting: an alternate world where dark forces are at play--forces that first show up at the school, but intensify their power the summer. Shadowland is a superb, under-recognized, early novel from a master of literary terror. Get it while it's back in print! (Amazon.com)

Creepy from page one. I loved it. (Stephen King)

You will be transported. (Houston Chronicle)

I read this so long ago, I don't remember anything about it. The cover art, though, is familiar enough that I know I did read this book way back when. ( )

Probably a little long, so a bit on the dull side at times and takes
perseverance to get through this creepy and eerie story of two boys
interested in magic.

An older magician relative has the boys stay with him for a while
to teach them, but are his skills actually more to do with real magic
than illusion is the question here.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2006/12... ( )