The Twilight Shadow

By CJ Rundquist

Bruce Jacobs left the high pressures of the big city police force for the quiet life of country police work. He and his family recently moved into an n old Victorian mansion off the eastern coast of Maine. Shortly after moving into their new home, his two teenage sons discover a secret passage where they stumble across a skeleton.

Join the Jacobs family as a mystery unwinds and Bruce investigates this death and the family meets their interesting new neighbors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499039955

CJ Rundquist

In second grade, I wrote many short stories and have always wanted to write. As I grew up I took a different path but later in life, I had the desire to write again. I always thought about going back to school and learning how to write, but could never afford it. One night I had an interesting dream which I shared it with my dear friend Paula. When I was finished telling her about my dream, she responded with the statement, “That was nice story”, I then thought why not just try it. I went to the library and the bookstores and read up on everything I could on the art of writing a novel. I have enjoyed putting together this book, even though I found it very hard at times. Before I had finished I had come up with ideas for other books, which I am working on. I enjoy the prospect of becoming an author and hope many enjoy my stories. It’s a great way to work as I enter my golden years.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

I t was a beautiful day in June when the Jacobs family drove up to their new home just outside the small town of Wabanaki Harbor, Maine. As they drove up to the house, they saw a large foreboding structure which sat upon a hill overlooking the rocky coast. It was an old Victorian style Brownstone house with three stories and a tower rising over the third floor. The third story appeared to be an attic with large windows protruding through dormers. Behind the house there was what use to be and old brownstone carriage house which had been converted into a multi-car garage with what looked like a large apartment above it. Even though the house was made of stone, the many years of sitting empty has weathered the wooden trim and was in need of care. The sea air had taken its toll creating an appearance of an old house that came straight out of an old-fashioned monster m ovie.

Where did you pick up this old run down eye sore? Spencer looked up at the house through the window of their Land Rover. Spencer, a fifteen year-old-boy who was the oldest of the Jacobs children, he had sun-washed hair blonde hair and big azure eyes. He had an athletic build with broad shoulders and was considered very handsome by most girls his age. He was very popular at his last school in Mount Airy, Maryland; he played on the football team, the basketball team, ran track, played soccer and he played baseball during the summer months.

It looks spooky. Spencer continued. This place looks like it may be haunted.

There are no such things as ghosts. Spencer’s mother, Elizabeth, looked at him firmly. I do not want you going on about it and scaring your sister. Elizabeth and her husband, Bruce, have two sons, Spencer and Seth, and one daughter, Stephanie. Elizabeth, a thirty-five years old woman with the same azure blue eyes as Spencer, is a woman of medium height. She has maintained her physique very well after having three children. Elizabeth is a mystery writer whose latest book has become very popular and is propelling their life style to new heights.

The house needs some work, but with a little bit of effort and your mom’s talents, we will be living quite comfortably. Bruce gazed up at the house with awe. Bruce, a rather tall man with an athletic build and looks younger than his forty-three years, enjoys exercising which he does often. This helps him with the many stresses that he has acquired by being in law enforcement. Bruce is looking forward to now being able to participate with his boys in their activities now that they are older. He just left the Baltimore Police Force after many years as a Crime Scene Investigator and is now exercising his talents with his new job with the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) of the Maine’s State Police. With Elizabeth’s new found success, they feel this will be a wonderful opportunity for Bruce to spend more time with the family.

Bruce opened the door to the Land Rover and stepped out, smelling the fresh sea air as he did. The other three doors soon opened and the rest of the family jumped out to investigate their new surroundings.

I agree with Spencer. Seth scanned the massive brownstone structure. I’m sure we are going to find ghosts in there. Seth, a fourteen year old boy, looks like a carbon copy of his older brother. Being a little shorter than Spencer but just as athletic, he has a little darker hair and deep brown eyes and resembles his father a lot. Seth had just become a member of the football team, basketball team, was on the track team and soccer team before their move to Maine

I am going to have to agree with your mother’s earlier statement. Bruce interjected. There are no such things as ghosts and I do not want you going on about it and scaring your sister.

It’s a lovely Victorian home that requires a little work. Elizabeth looked at Seth patiently. It won’t take all that long to get it looking like it did in its glory.

It looks scary. Stephanie said with a sense of apprehension in her voice. Are you sure there are no ghosts? Stephanie, or Stevie as she is called, is a four year-old-girl and the baby of the family. She is a petite little blonde with big beautiful blue eyes that will melt the hearts of all who looked into them. She has spent most of her time being entertained by her mother and is a bit shy.

Suddenly ‘Dog’, the family’s German Shepard ran off toward the left side of the house barking.

I wonder what he is barking at? Spencer inquiringly watched as Dog disappeared. Dog has been with the family since he was a puppy and loves his family very much. He was trained as a police dog and has now retired after years of honorable service. He is very loyal to his family. He is especially protective of Stevie. I hope he doesn’t get lost.

Dogs are remarkable creatures. Bruce loaded up his arms and hands with luggage. And Dog will never go far without knowing where we are?

The rest of the family picked up as much of their personal belongings as they could carry and followed their father toward the house. Bruce and Elizabeth walked up the steps of their new home with confidence, while Spencer and Seth walked up the weathered wooden steps with caution. Stevie stuck close to Bruce and proceeded up the steps with fear on her face. I told you that this place is stable. Bruce said pointedly. The porch is just weathered. Bruce fumbled in the pocket of his jeans and took out the keys for the front door and unlocked it. The door squeaked as he opened it, sending a bit of a chill up all the kid’s spine. Stevie grabbed hold of Bruce’s leg and held tightly.

The hinges just need a little oiling. There is no reason to be afraid. Bruce stepped into the foyer and looked around.

AAAA Stevie screamed as she stepped into the house. Ghost. She grabbed Bruce’s leg even tighter and started to cry. Bruce reached out for the wall in order to maintain his balance.

It’s only furniture covered with sheets, dear. Elizabeth walked over to the closest object and removed a sheet to expose a table. They do that to help preserve the furniture and all this furniture is very high quality.

One-by-one they dropped their belongings onto the floor while they marveled at the grandeur of the enormous foyer. It was two stories high with two marble staircases arching their way to the second floor. One set of stairs starting off to the right and the other off to the left. The floor of the foyer was enclosed in marble and had what looked like Persian rugs strategically placed throughout the room. From the second floor ceiling, there was an enormous crystal chandelier, covered with dust, that dominated the upper portion of the foyer and on the walls moving up the stairs were portraits that seemed to be peering down at them but they were that of people no one really knew.

Achoo. Seth sneezed. The sheets are cover with a lot of dust.

Why would there be furniture in an empty house? Spencer inquired.

The previous owner’s husband died and she moved to a smaller home. She left the entire estate as is, furniture and all. Bruce looked around at the furniture with gratification. We bought everything.

Did you say died?? That’s great!! Spencer stated sarcastically. This place is . . .

What did I tell you about that subject? Elizabeth responded quickly, cutting him off. I don’t want you scaring your sister with those silly stories!

Cobwebs were hanging from the chandelier and everywhere else like Spanish moss hangs from old oak tree and everything was covered in a heavy layer of dust. We are going to have to do a lot of cleaning in this old place. Elizabeth glared at the years of neglect that was everywhere.

I don’t know, maybe we should keep everything as is until after Halloween. Spencer was developing a bad habit with sarcasm. It kind of adds to this place. Both Spencer and Seth were not very happy about this move. They didn’t like moving away from all their friends, activities and pretty much had given of their lives as they knew it.

Bruce shot his son a strong disapproving look as Stevie grabbed hold of his leg even tighter. With the cringing pain from Stevie’s grasp, Bruce said. Why don’t you boys take your belongings and your sister and go look for your rooms. He gently tried to coax her into losing her grip.

Elizabeth quickly objected. No Bruce, these two will have Stevie screaming hysterically before the hour is up.

What do you mean? Bruce looked at Elizabeth quizzically. It’s already Three Forty-five.

Exactly my point. Elizabeth looked back at Bruce with the ‘that’s enough’ look on her face.

I would prefer my room back in Mount Airy. Spencer looked at his parents with resentment.

Me too. Seth also displayed a sense annoyance.

Well, if you start now, you might make a few miles before dark. Bruce has grown tired of listening to his two oldest children complaining about this move. This move is supposed to help build a stronger family.

Spencer and Seth picked up their belongings and proceeded up the stairs on the right side of the foyer. Elizabeth took Stevie’s hand and gently assisted her up the stairs on the left side of the foyer. As they walked up the stairs swinging their arms in a motion of moving cobwebs like a person would part curtains before disappearing beyond.

When they reached the top of the stairs, they noticed another set of stairs that went someplace else downstairs and another set that went to the third floor, and then to the tower that stood out like a light house. There was also a hallway that went toward the back of the house with doors all the way down, and a window at the very end, allowing enough light to illuminate the hall.

Elizabeth led Stevie to a room next to the one that she and Bruce had chosen as theirs. Together, Spencer and Seth opened the first door and entered. They dropped their belongings on the floor by the door and looked around. They were in a large bedroom with lots of covered furniture similar to furniture in the foyer. They also notice a bed that was king size but looked much smaller in this big room.

ACHOO. Seth sneezed loudly and with much exertion.

Bless you. Replied Spencer perplexedly.

ACHOO. Repeated Seth.

Again.

ACHOO.

Okay already.

ACHOO.

That’s enough.

ACHOO.

Knock it off! Snapped Spencer.

I can’t help it. Seth responded. It’s all this dust.

I know. We’re going to need a shovel just to clean it all up. Spencer looked around at the floor in the room.

Oh, stop exaggerating. Bruce stuck his head in to check up on the boys. This place hasn’t been empty all that long. It won’t take us long to get the inside cleaned up and livable. Have you boys chosen your rooms yet?

Dad, we just got started! Spencer looked at his dad indignantly. Are ALL these rooms this big?

More or less, except the nursery, which will be Stevie’s room, is smaller and the master bedroom is about twice this size. Don’t take too long, you are going to need to clean your new rooms, unless you want to sleep with all this dirt? Bruce departed leaving the door ajar.

As they looked around the room, they noticed a total of three doors and two sets of large windows looking over the front of the house. A king-size bed sat up against the wall just off the door from the hall. Across from the bed, they saw a set of windows that were separated by a magnificent fireplace with a portrait of a man that had a very peering look and once again nobody knew. The room was so big that the overstuffed chairs strategically placed about the room which would probably contribute to a very comfortable living area once they got it cleaned up.

Boy, there are some nice views. Seth was looking out of one of the two windows that looked out over the front of the house. Out of this one, I can see all the way back to were we came.

Spencer stood at the other window that looked over the front of the house. Yeah, there is the road that leads back to town, disappearing into that grove of trees.

Spencer peered closer out the window. Hey look Seth, there was something large moving around among the trees. What is that? He wondered. He pushed his face closer to the glass, trying to make out what he saw. Suddenly, a chill started to creep up his spin bringing on a feeling of alarm. What can that object be? He tried to focus on the large dark figure that seemed to be staring back at the house. With a jerk in his movement he jumped back from the window. He looked at Seth and pointed out toward the shape. Look over there standing in the trees? Is it staring at the house?

Where? Seth looked intently, trying to see what it was his brother was talking about. I don’t see anything.

It’s standing right over there to the left side of the road, about a yard or two. Spencer returned his gaze out the window. I don’t know how you can miss it. It is huge. He looked back at his brother in dismay. Where did it go? It was like it just disappeared. He turned back to look out the window again.

Like a ghost? Seth looked at Spencer with a sense of trepidation.

You know what Mom and Dad says about ghosts. Spencer returned his gaze back at Seth with annoyance on his face.

What do you think? Seth asked inquiringly.

I really don’t know. I have never seen one and I tend to believe Mom and Dad. How about you?

I don’t know either. I kind of see it the same way you do.

Still possessing the feeling of anxiety, Spencer cautiously moved toward the other set of windows. Seth went and looked out of the window to the left of the fireplace while Spencer looked out of the window to the right. When they looked out they saw a grassy unkempt lawn that eventually gave way to the forest as it did in the front of the house. Spencer look out the window trying to see if he could see the figure again, looking back at the house. His feelings of dread began to subside when he thought he saw a shadow move out among the trees. Taking a double take, he took a long hard look. Not being able to focus on anything he started to feel at ease when he realized that there was nothing outside. He turned away from the window and looked again about the room.

There are two more doors to explore. Seth was moving away from the window he was looking out of, and toward the center of the room. Which one do you want to open first?

Let’s open that one over there, the one closest to the hall door. Spencer walked towards the door.

Seth walked over to the door and opened it. Boy, this is one large closet.

Are there any clothes in it? Spencer stopped behind Seth and looked over his shoulder.

Why would you think that? Seth looked back at Spencer, giving him a quizzical look.

Well, the house is full of someone else’s furniture, why wouldn’t it be full of their clothes?

Seth just shrugged his shoulders and walked into the closet. He began to rub his hands against the wall, looking for the light switch. When he found it, he turned it on and looked around. Looking at the closet in the light makes it not seem as big.

It still looks pretty big to me. Spencer turned around and walked out of the closet and decided to open the last door. Seth followed him as he opened the door to an enormous bathroom. It had all of the amenities of any luxurious bathroom even a large bay window with a Jacuzzi tub up against it as it looked over the beauty of the estate.

Boy, what a bathroom. Seth looked around with amazement. This is really nice.

I don’t think this is the original bathroom to the house. Spencer looked around at the amenities. I like this. It has both a shower and a Jacuzzi in it. It has a closet and two toilets. Why do they sit so close together?

Seth walked over to take a closer look. He pressed on the lever on the different looking commode and water shot up out of the bowl. I don’t think this is a toilet.

Why would anyone have a water fountain coming out of a toilet bowl? Spencer looked at it with curiosity.

I don’t know. Seth responded.

They looked around a bit longer admiring the many luxurious amenities.

What is on the other side of that door? Spencer walked over to the door on the other side of the bathroom and opened it. He stepped through it and found himself in another bedroom. Seth was not far behind him. This room was practically, a carbon copy of the one they were in earlier. It also had a room full of furniture as did the other room covered with dusty sheets. There were two sets of window and a fireplace like the other bedroom. Spencer walked over to the closest grouping of windows that were separated by the fireplace and peered out. He glanced out again focusing on if he could see the large figure he had seen earlier, but saw nothing. He saw basically the same scenery as he saw when he looked out the one window in the other bedroom and the bathroom.

Seth walked past Spencer and went to the other set of windows that looked out towards the back of the house. Spencer, you need to come and look out here, talk about a view.

Spencer walked over to where Seth was standing and looked out. He saw an unkempt lawn that gently rolled down to a rocky shore. The ocean was gently washing up toward the rocks and then crashing into them, shooting water up into the sky and over the rocks. It was an extraordinary sight.

I would like to wake up to this every morning. Spencer stated with amazement. I think I will take this one as my room.

Seth gave him a disapproving look and then said with displeasure. I guess I will take the one on the other side of the bathroom.

You know there is another whole floor upstairs. I’m sure there is a room above this one that has the same view. Spencer turned to look at Seth.

You mean the attic? Seth looked thoughtfully out the window. I don’t want to be that far away from the rest of the family. This place is a bit on the scary side. I don’t want to wake up to a ghost all by myself and have to run clear across the house for help.

Spencer chuckled. I don’t blame you. I feel a little safer if we stay a little closer. But any way, let’s continue looking around the house and see what there is to see.

It’s getting late and I don’t want to sleep among all this dust and spider webs. Seth ran his hand across one of the furniture covers stirring up a small cloud of dust. Why don’t we clean up and save the rest of the house for tomorrow? I also don’t want to be walking into any ghosts while it is dark.

I suppose you’re right. Spencer twisted his face at the cloud of dust Seth stirred up.

They proceeded to the daunting task of cleaning their newly acquired domains. They dusted every nook and cranny being very careful when removing the sheets that covered the furniture as not to spread the dust around. When they accomplished eliminating all the dust from every place above the floor, they began to carefully sweep the dust on the floor so as to not spread it around to all the places that had already been cleaned. They would sweep the dust into a large pile in the middle of the floor and would get a bucket to haul off the piles created by all their endeavors. During all this time, Spencer would hear Seth next door in his room sneezing because of the dust. After they had finished getting rid of all the dust that was visible, they would get a bucket of water and a bunch of rags and a mop and proceeded to wipe down everything again. It wasn’t long until they turned their respective buckets of clear water into a bucket of muddy sludge. The dust was the toughest chore that had to be cleaned. When they had finished cleaning their entire room, and it was ready to occupy including the enormous closets, they met in the adjoining bathroom and began working together to clean that room. By the time they had finish cleaning their new rooms, it was late, and they were feeling pangs of hunger in the pits of their stomachs.

They went down stairs to where they could hear their parents and Stevie talking and laughing. They found them in the kitchen where obviously their mother had spent a lot of time cleaning and then prepared dinner. Everything looked so good. They sat down at the kitchen table where Stevie and their father were sitting waiting to eat. Spencer and Seth sat down with the family and had a simple but filling meal, since they didn’t have much time to fix anything big.

You would think a house this size would have a nice dining room instead of us having to eat in the kitchen. Spencer looked up at his mother and then took a bite of salad.

There is one just beyond that door. Bruce pointed toward a pair of swinging doors. We only had enough time to clean our rooms as well as your sister’s room and the kitchen. Tomorrow we will work on the rest of this floor before we tackle the rest of the house, including the basement.

After we eat, I would like you boys to take all those furniture covers down to the basement for me, please. Elizabeth put a bag of potato chips on the table.

No problem Mom. Spencer reached to take a hand full of chips and put it on his plate. By the way, has anyone seen Dog lately?

I haven’t seen him since he ran off. Seth reached for a hand full of chips himself.

You don’t think he ran away, do you? asked Stevie with sadness in her tone.

No, I’m sure he has spent the day exploring his new surroundings. Bruce looked at Stevie, giving her a little nose a twist. He has never run off before and he has always returned home by dinner time.

I hope he comes home soon. Elizabeth said. It is getting late.

I will go looking for him after we eat. Bruce gave Elizabeth a reassuring look.

I guess that’s settled then, Stevie and I will then clean up while you all do those assigned tasks. Elizabeth rubbed Stevie’s head and gave her a little smile.

They continued eating with lots of conversations and laughter. When they had finished, they each took their dishes and put them in the dishwasher and helped Elizabeth clear the table. Then they went to do the tasks that they had promised to do.

Spencer and Seth went around the first and second floors and gathered together all the furniture covers and proceeded down to the basement. Seth opened the basement door and felt for the light switch. He turned it on and the two boys tossed all the furniture covers down to the bottom of the stairs. It sure beats falling down the stairs. Spencer looked at Seth with a smile on his face; then he turned and walked down the stairs with Seth behind him. When they reached the bottom, they folded up the sheets and picked them up again.

You know Spencer turned to Seth with a look on his face expecting Seth had the answer. Mom did not tell us where she wanted us to put these.

I would think they would go to the laundry room Seth looked down the hall trying to figure which door hid the laundry room.

Do you think an old house like this would even have a laundry room? Spencer asked.

The rest of the house obviously has been remodeled so why wouldn’t there be a laundry room also. Maybe, we should see if we can find one first. Seth dropped his load and began to open doors to see if they could find one. Spencer dropped his load also and followed Seth to the first door on their left and went inside. Seth felt for a light switch. After finding it, he turned it on and was surprised at what he saw. The room had funny looking shelves all over. Shelves shaped like diamonds and inside a few of the diamond were dark looking bottles. Of course they were all dusty.

This must be a wine cellar. Seth pulled out a bottle and looked at it. I wonder how old some of these are. I bet there are some valuable bottles down here. Seth rubbed the years of dust off the label. WOW, this bottle is from 1854!!!

We will have to bring this to dad’s attention Spencer pulled out a bottle, cleared away the dust. 1895!!! He will really like to know about this.

They looked around a while and then left, turning off the lights and closing the door behind them. Then they went across the hall to the next room. Here they found another room with shelves. This time the shelves looked normal. They had a few boxes of different sizes on them. There was also a large tool box with many different types of tools in it. This must be a storage room. Spencer rummaged through the tool box. We could put those covers in here until we can find the laundry room.

Sounds good to me. We could put them over there in that corner. Seth pointed to a large section of the room that was empty. They stepped out of the room, picked up the furniture covers and put them on the floor next to the wall.

Spencer was putting the last arm full of covers down with the rest of them. Suddenly he froze, slowly standing up he turned quietly to Seth and put his finger to his lips, Do you hear that?

CHAPTER TWO

S eth joined Spencer in listening intently for the sound that Seth had heard. There was a silence and Seth was getting ready to say so when suddenly the sound retu rned.

Seth listened closely. What is that sound?

They moved around the room slowly, listening attentively, trying to determine what the noise was and where it was coming from. It sounds like it is coming from over there. Spencer pointed over to the wall facing the outside of the building.

What could it be? Seth followed his brother towards the noise as the hairs on the back of his neck began to stand up.

Spencer studied carefully the wall as he focused on the noise. He slowly bent down. It sounds like something is scratching on the other side of this wall. Spencer and Seth listened very closely, focusing meticulously to determine exactly from where the noise was coming.

The hairs on the back of Seth’s neck felt like someone was going to pull them right out of his skin while his heart began to race faster and faster. He looked at his brother for some sense of reassurance that he was not alone in this chilling moment. Slowly bending down onto their hands and knees they began to determine the exact spot from where the noise was coming. They stopped at a spot not much higher than the floor.

What could be living between the walls? Seth asked with trepidation. Mice?

It sounds too big to be mice. Spencer responded with just as much apprehension.

Maybe rats then.

Spencer listened a little closer. It sounds even bigger than that. Something that big can’t be living inside the walls.

Seth’s breathing was starting to get heavier. Whatever is making that sound has to be on the other side of this wall.

How can anything be scratching on the other side? Spencer asked with contempt. There is nothing on the other side of this wall but dirt; remember, we are in the basement. He quickly stood up and started examining the shelving unit as if he might find some answer in among the shelves.

Bewildered, Seth looked at Spencer. What are you looking for? He stood up and stood next to his brother.

In the movies, these old houses always have secret passageways. I think that might be what we have here. Spencer began to move his hands over all parts of the shelving unit.

A secret passageway? Seth asked with astonishment. Well, I guess that would make sense. What could be making that noise? Hopefully, it’s not that thing you said you saw walking among the tree.

Spencer stopped and glared at Seth with fear in his eyes. I didn’t want to hear that. He stepped back and felt his knees starting to tremble. Staring at the wall for a few minutes, he took

Reviews for The Twilight Shadow

[nordie_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Deluxe hard back edition, released in 2013 to mark the 20th anniversary of this story. It contains the 4 stories collected together, telling the story of Tim Hunter, who meets 4 mysterious men (John Constantine etc), who show him a path of magic, should he chose to follow it.

Each story is one of the men showing him a magical world, that dazes and confuses him. Some previous Gaiman characters (some of the Endless) make a special appearance.

Despite several different artists completing the graphics, there's a decent continuity between the stories, and Dream and Death look the same as normal. Dave McKean is nowhere near this, but it's very similar to his work too.

[octjillery · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First of all, reading this on the Kindle was an amazing. I was hesitant because it's a comic and I wanted to have the art in book form, but the Kindle edition was cheap and I didn't want to buy a used copy off some rando. I was pleasantly surprised by the panel-focus option, in which each swipe takes you to the next panel or obvious section to read, zoomed in and easier than viewing a full page. It also showed the full-page spreads after you finish the last panel on that page, which was really cool. It made it much easier to focus when there's so much jargon and such to wade through.

As for the story, I enjoyed the way it was broken down into four major journeys. I liked most of the characters, and found the plot lines interesting overall. Because each of those journeys was a single issue, I feel like some things could have been given more attention, or more time spent on riddles/other trials than like two panels. However, those riddles weren't really the purpose of each of those journeys, so it's not really a complaint.

I really enjoyed the exploration of possible futures, the end of the world, end of the universe, end of time, etc. That's something that people seem so afraid to address in various media, even if they have a really interesting take on what the far (far, far, far, far) future might look like. Sure, we see all kinds of futuristic sci-fi, but not in this sense.

I loved the lineart so much. The coloring was great too, but the characters art was so gooooood.

[moonlit.shelves · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the art in this graphic novel and liked seeing Baba Yaga and some of the Endless show up, but I wasn't very invested in the story. Timothy Hunter wasn't an interesting character and there really wasn't much depth to him.

[linyarai · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found this one a bit confusing and abstract, I would have liked a clearer journey with each of the teachers.

[grandpahobo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have never read a graphic novel before, but decided to give it a try. Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors, so something by him seemed like a good choice.

It was ok. I found the illustrations to be distracting, and the story choppy. I have a feeling that is just the nature of the graphic novel form. If you like graphic novels, this is probably a great book.

[lucky2loki · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great walk through all of DC Comic's major (and many minor) supernatural characters, captivatingly told and illustrated (though I personally am not too crazy about the style of the artist for the final of the four issues).

[forevermasterless · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors and one of my favorite things about him is his unabashed, genuine, passionate love of story and myth. The Sandman is his greatest work because it allowed him to delve deep into this love and while I love or at least enjoy almost all of his other work, The Books of Magic is really the only thing I've read that captures that same magical enthusiasm that made The Sandman so captivating and thought-provoking so long ago.

In typical Sandman fashion this story is low on conflict but high on powerful themes. Basically, a group of DC characters with magical leanings decide that it's time to teach a boy about magic, because he could be the greatest magician of his age, and because others are eyeing the boy with envy and they want to make sure he knows all the choices laid out before him (obviously hoping that he will choose to use his magic for good).

What follows is, quite simply, magic. Pardon the pun, but really, it is. Between the illustrations, the themes, and Gaiman's beautiful prose this book made me feel like Alice, tumbling down the rabbit hole.

They show the boy how the universe was born, and how it ends. They show him the various planes of existence that exist beside our own: Faerie, Hell, The Dreaming, etc. Dream, Death, Destiny, Cain, and Abel from The Sandman all make an appearance. Many other DC characters I wasn't familiar with do as well.

My favorite line from the book was from Titania, queen of faerie, and perfectly shows off Gaiman's masterful prose which washes over you like a waterfall and smashes into you like a tsunami:

"You wish to see the distant realms? Very well. But know this first: the places you will visit, the places that you will see, do not exist. For there are only two worlds--your world, which is the real world, and other worlds, the fantasy...These worlds provide an alternative. Provide an escape. Provide a threat. Provide a dream, and power, provide refuge, and pain. They give your world meaning. They do not exist; and thus they are all that matters."

[jlharmon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was really interesting. I picked it up because the cover was REALLY familiar, but I didn't remember ever reading a Neil Gaiman graphic novel before. I hadn't. However, this had been turned into a non-graphic novel by Carla Jablonski. I don't really remember reading that either, but this goes to show the power of a cover. I feel like it would have been better if I were more well-versed in DC Comics lore, but the story itself was interesting enough to hold my attention. All the name-dropping of other DC characters was a little rough for me, and I'm thankful for wikipedia. The art was also quite good. I thought Tim's (the main character) glasses were a little hilarious, but that's the early 90s. The concept behind this is actually quite wonderful, and I wish I had more background so I could have appreciated it a little more. Basically, TIm is approached by some trenchcoated dudes who ask him if he believes in magic. They take him on a grand tour of all the magic stuff in the DC world. Pretty neat.

[avoraciousreader · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

*Book source ~ LibraryFrom Goodreads:A quartet of fallen mystics dubbed the "TrenchCoat Brigade" is introduced in this first collection of the adventures of Timothy Hunter. John Constantine, the Phantom Stranger, Dr. Occult, and Mister E take Hunter on a tour of the magical realms. Along the way he's introduced to Vertigo's greatest practitioners of magic and must choose whether or not to join their ranks. The artwork is decent and the story is pretty good. Though I’m not sure I understood parts of it. Anyway, ever since I read about Constantine in The Sandman, he’s been a favorite character of mine. I’d love to read more about him. The other three guys are freaky weird. I’m not sure Timothy got what they were trying to tell him. He may be blinded by the new shiny…magic. I know he’s only 12, but I hope he uses his head. If I can find the rest of the graphic novels at the library then I’ll continue on. If not, oh well.

[5eva5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Twelve-year-old Timothy Hunter, potentially the world's greatest magician, is given a tour of the (DC) magical universe by Phantom Stranger, John Constantine, Doctor Occult, and Mister E to show him the possibilities and the cost of wielding magic. This is one of my all-time favorite comics, one that I reread ever so often when I want to be transported to a world where magic is a real possibility, even for an inner-city boy like Timothy. Of course, if you know his guides beforehand from their own DC series, it adds another layer of meaning, but it's not a necessity - their characters and personalities are very well presented in just a few lines of dialog or drawings. The one I know the best is John Constantine and he is flawlessly true to character, so I have to trust that the others are thus as well. And if not, it doesn't really matter since they fulfill their roles in this story-line perfectly.

[arquay · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

One of Neil Gaiman’s lesser-known titles, The Books of Magic, is a compilation of several comic books and has recently received a deluxe reprinting, which includes the tale in its entirety and well as original panel sketches and information on the story’s creation. Some familiar characters from his beloved Sandman series are featured, as well as many others from mythology, fantasy and the DC Comic universe. The Books of Magic begins with four mysterious men observing a young boy named Tim Hunter. These men, known as the Stranger, John Constantine, Doctor Occult and Mister E., know that Tim has the potential not only to perform magic but to become one of the most powerful wizards of his time. In the four chapters of the story (illustrated by four different artists), each of the men takes Tim on a journey to understand the world of magic by showing him its many facets: its past; its present and the magical folk that currently inhabit the world; the adjoining worlds of magic; and its future. Gaiman’s tale features many of the themes that recur throughout his work (multicultural folktales and creation myths, questionable good versus questionable evil, ideas on power) which will be comforting to fans of his. Anyone new to the author, however, may need to take some time to wade through this dense, intense story. The protagonist is a bit younger than the potential audience, which may be off-putting for some readers, but one can only imagine the most advanced 12 year olds tackling this story and coming to the other side unscathed. On the other hand, anyone that says comic books and graphic novels are fluff should try reading this without needing to review pages and dialogue for clarity. It’s not easy, but for the right reader, it’s worth it.

[staceyhh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very Sandman-esque. It's no surprise I liked chapter III best, with Charles Vess' beautiful and fanciful artworks. Section IV had me just a wee bit lost at points, and I suspect a re-reading of parts of Sandman would clear up some of the confusion... or not.

[krau0098 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have had this book on my shelf to read for a while. I finally got around to reading it. It was a very very good read. It ties into the story of some of the top magic users in super hero history, has cameos from the Endless, and discusses the repercussions of using magic.Timothy Hunter has been identified as having a great capacity for magic should he choose to use it. He is identified by the Trenchcoat Brigade (consisting of John Constantine, the Phantom Stranger, Dr. Occult and Mister E) and offered a choice to explore magic or not. Each of these practitioners of magic takes on him on a different type of tour. Timothy visits the past, the present, and the future and also the fairylands.This graphic novel takes an interesting look at the history of magic (both in general and in the DC universe), the future of magic, and realms of magic. Each magic practitioner takes Tim on a different journey and each journey emcompasses one of four “books of magic”.We meet a wide variety of magical characters throughout this story from more classical magical characters (Baba Yaga, Titania) to a number of magical characters that pepper DC comic history (including Gaiman’s own Endless). The books of magic get more abstract as they continue, with the final book (the one looking at the future of magic) being the most abstract. The illustration throughout follows this trend. Each book has a very distinctive artistic style. Charles Vess (my favoorite illustrator of the bunch) illustrates the fairy land journey and this was a perfect match for his style. The final book which journeys into the future had a very abstract style that was my least favorite of the bunch, but still matched the story very well.I will be honest in saying that a lot of the DC comic references were lost on me since I haven’t read a ton in this universe. I still really enjoyed the story of Timothy exploring all these different avenues of magic and learning about them. The story is written in a way that even comic ignorant people like me will really enjoy it.There is a fun twist at the end of the novel as well that had me chuckling. I love how the whole thing was wrapped up. Overall I really really enjoyed this graphic novel. It was well written and provided a good story about the dangers of power and magic. It should be appropriate for YA and older. I also enjoyed all the wonderfully different illustration styles as well. Highly recommended to fans of fantasy graphic novels and to fans of the magical side of the DC universe.

[jnwelch_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Being interested in all things Gaiman, and a big time fan of his Sandman series, I'd been wanting to read The Books of Magic by Gaiman (and various illustrators) for some time. It doesn't reach the level of the Sandman series, but it is continuously interesting and an entertaining read.Apparently DC Comics initiated the project because they wanted to feature some of their "magic" characters in an ongoing series. Gaiman created the story of twelve-year-old Timothy Hunter, a potential modern day Merlin who could instead choose to live normally, without magic. He tours various magical areas, accompanied by magically-powered DC characters to help him decide.Before being collected in one volume, the story was told in four comics, with a different artist to draw each issue. Charles Vess (Stardust) is probably the most generally known of them. In Book 1 Timothy learns about the history of the DC magical universe, accompanied by "The Phantom Stranger", in Book II the present day, accompanied by John Constantine, who some will remember from the Keanu Reeves movie or the Hellblazer comics, in Book III Faerie, Camelot, and other mystical worlds with Doctor Occult, and in Book IV a possible future universe with Mister E.A series based on this foundation, with other authors, continues to be published.Gaiman gets to capitalize on his extensive knowledge of mythology and fantasy worlds, and as usual tells a good story. This one would probably be most appealing to Gaiman enthusiasts, those who enjoyed the storytelling in the Sandman series, and those who enjoy well done fantasy graphic novels.

[soniaandree_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first book of the 'Books of Magic' series is not easy to read - the drawings and colours are very different, from one chapter to another, because there are different artists who participated in the narrative. The first chapter has strong colours, pastel-like, with splatters of colours as if done with an airbrush; the second chapter is definitely made with watercolour; the third chapter I like most, because it really reads like a more traditional comic - primary colours and mixed techniques, watercolour and inks; the final chapter has strong colours and strong contrasts between the light and darkness. The plot sets the first encounter of Tim Hunter with Constantine, Mister E, Doctor Occult and other characters that will be encountered in the series afterwards. The plot is nice, although the pace is different from one chapter to another. The philosophical discussions about the history of magic is well illustrated, but I prefer when Tim learns from experience, as he does in the third chapter. This is well worth a read if you want to know the origin of the series.

[phoebereading · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My wonderful husband bought me all of the many volumes of this series for Valentines Day--with a note inside that said that the best things about my writing remind him of The Books of Magic.Aw.He did warn me, though, that this first volume is closer to standard Gaiman fare than the rest of the series--where Tim's story transforms into the sort of YA fantasy that he knows I love.He was right--which isn't to say that I didn't enjoy this first volume regardless. Tim Hunter's first excursion through time and space was well-written and lovingly illustrated. Although I have little familiarity with the DC canon, characters like John Constantine and Doctor Occult still seemed likable, or at the very least intriguing. And the section most redolent of Gaiman's later work--for me, Tim's foray into Faerie--taps the same deep sense of myth and awe that he later exploits to haunting effect in Stardust.But Tim himself remains an enigma. We know nothing of him--not his personality or background--from the outset, and even by the volume's conclusion are left mostly in the dark. This was problematic for me, and I think it may have been what my husband was talking about when he said this Book of Magic was not YA.I've been thinking lately, thanks to some comments by teen writer Steph Bowe on Catcher in the Rye, about what makes a given work YA. I've come to believe that a work needs to have two things in order for the YA label to really fit comfortably: first, the author needs to intentionally be writing for an adolescent audience, taking the entertainment and educational needs into account (or at least consideration) during the process of drafting a work. Secondly, the author needs to create a protagonist with which the reader can identify. This is sometimes done by drafting a blank-slate or Everyman teen character (think: Bella from Twilight or Harry Potter), which is, in broad strokes, what Gaiman was doing here. Unfortunately, Tim Hunter is, so far, so blank as to be inscrutable. There is a brief sequence near the end of the final book in this volume where we're given a glimpse of Tim's home life. For me, this was also the most resonant and effective sequence--and it occupied all of three pages! Concluding, rather than beginning, with Tim's real life, was an unorthodox choice for Gaiman, and I'm not sure it was an entirely effective one--particularly if you evaluate this against other YA works, an almost inevitable comparison thanks to Tim's surface similarities to Harry Potter.But I'm not sure this is a fair comparison, for this volume, at least, because it's also clear that Gaiman wasn't writing specifically for teenagers here--he doesn't intend the Books of Magic to be a series primarily for teenagers. It fails my YA litmus test, even if it largely succeeds on its own.Still, I'm excited to read the rest of the series, where (I've read) later author John Rey Nieber made turning Tim into an identifiable and well-actualized teenager one of his primary goals.

[jonathangorman_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not a bad book but much of it hints and shows aspects of the magical parts of the DC world. Never having followed the DC world, I'm sure there's a lot of references I didn't get. I liked the fairyland part of this collection the best, undoubtedly because of the references to Dunsany and also just to other fairytale icons.

[phoenixterran · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Young Timothy is special-- unknown to him, he has the potential to become the greatest magician the earth has seen. One day he is approached by four strangers who introduce him to the world of magic. One shows him the past, one the present, one the alternate and parallel worlds, and one the possible future. Then he must choose. He must choose between a stable, predictable world and the much more exciting, albeit dangerous, world of magic.This graphic novel has gorgeous illustrations and a wonderful story, including appearances from some of Neil Gaiman's "other" worlds.Experiments in Reading

[halcyondays-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Neil Gaiman should have continued this series himself, though others have made respectable attempts.

[crowyhead · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Timothy Hunter, a young British boy, has the potential to become a great wizard -- perhaps the greatest the Earth has ever known. But will he accept his magic? And will he lead the side of good, or of evil? This is a re-read, but I enjoyed it even more this time around, because last time I wasn't familiar with John Constantine or the other magic users who act as Tim's guide.

[ragwaine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Art was really cool, fairly satisfying ending (beginning?) considering the subject. Cool end of time. Bad guest appearances. I would rather it wasn't linked to other comic book stuff because that makes it seem less serious.