Stalking the Shadows by BJ Edwards

Jeyran Main · Post by **Jeyran Main** » 30 Jun 2017, 15:30

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “Stalking the Shadows” by BJ Edwards]

Stalking the Shadows is a complex story set around 12,000 years ago in megalithic Britain. The climate is harsh and fear lives amongst the Neanderthals, one of the last surviving clans. As the story begins, it is clear that there is a rivalry between the homo Neanderthals and the Homo sapiens.

Hamek, is the chief of the Homo sapiens. Hamek’s son, Dimek, is injured on a hunt trying to prove his manhood to his father. Two men of the Neanderthals help him and take him in, teaching him their ways. When Hamek is informed by this, he attacks the Neanderthal tribe and kills everyone including the ones that helped his son. An elder of the tribe, who knows magic, curses Hamek’s tribe and that is when his land becomes scarce of food. As the living situation become harsher, Dimek and Drushuk, another powerful elder figure in the tribe, set off with a few others to find better living conditions for their people.

Hamek is very angry for them leaving and sends Mugra to bring them back. Mugra finds Dimek and Drushuk and instead challenges them to a fight. Drushuk intervenes calling on the Gods. Here is, in my opinion, where the story changes perspective. There are dark Gods and good Gods within the content of the story. When Hamek realizes that Mugra betrayed him, he asks for Mugra to be killed. Mugra wants revenge and pledges to become chief instead. Two sets of armies emerge with the support of two sets of Gods. Dimek and Drushuk’s army battles against Mugra’s army. Each army is supported by their own set of Gods.

What stands out in this book is the author’s in-depth and descriptive writing of the story. The character development has been created with the utmost perfection. The historical references and the detailed relevant information truly takes you back in time and has you fully understand the harsh conditions existed in the past.

The introduction of the Gods is what sets this apart from others in its genre. While the book is very complex and various storylines are intertwined within the text, I still found it interesting to read. The author captures the emotions and feelings of its reader, with his delightful style of lyrical storytelling. The book is about friendship, love, magic, Gods, sacrifice, war, cruelty and bravery. I believe anyone that is interested in reading historical books would enjoy this one.

As always, there was room for improvement. The content failed to include a space or an indication, whenever there was a change in the point of view. This caused confusion and disconnected the smooth flow that should have naturally come with such a complex written story. For this reason, “I rate this book 3 out of 4.”

In summary, I believe that the strong world setting of the story and the picturesque descriptiveness of the writing makes this book very appealing and enjoyable to read. This is the first book of the ‘Ancient Destiny’ series and I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us.

Maigoaloyce · Post by **Maigoaloyce** » 14 Jul 2017, 12:29

Wow this book is awesome 3/4

Jeyran Main · Post by **Jeyran Main** » 14 Jul 2017, 12:46

Yes! Thank you for commenting

Post by **kandscreeley** » 14 Jul 2017, 12:59

I do love the descriptive writing and the historical information. However, I don't think this book is for me. Thanks for your review, though.

ODAS · Post by **ODAS** » 14 Jul 2017, 17:24

I think I love the book and the descriptive written is pretty good

raikyuu · Post by **raikyuu** » 14 Jul 2017, 18:37

Yes, it becomes really confusing when there isn't any indication on changing points of view. I guess it's a really good book if you give credit for its complexity. Good review.

Onyinyechukwu · Post by **Onyinyechukwu** » 14 Jul 2017, 20:33

Indeed the book sounds quite complicated. I don't know if I'd enjoy a story about prehistoric man. It doesn't seem I'll be able to relate to it.
Thanks for the review!

JOELEKURI · Post by **JOELEKURI** » 15 Jul 2017, 10:06

True there should always be an indication when the story is taking a different turn as no indication makes the story look as though it was an ill-construction or the author really isnt experienced in writing.

Pm7lucas · Post by **Pm7lucas** » 17 Jul 2017, 20:59

I love the thought of a story about prehistoric man and imagining what life would have been like back then! The conditions must have been unimaginable for us in our comfortable world. Your review makes me want to read this one!

Toluoni · Post by **Toluoni** » 21 Jul 2017, 04:36

This book is great. More of the same please.

Harmony Hills · Post by **Harmony Hills** » 30 Jul 2017, 04:41

I like it when a book presents character development clearly, and i hope every author out there do the same. And it sounds interesting that the book's characters are from the upper part of evolution theory.

Good job with the review!

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 10 Aug 2017, 15:03

I almost picked this book myself, and I was able to read the author's bio. He has been officially blind for so long. It's therefore amazing that he can write with such descriptive language. Just proves that the blind can see more than us who aren't.