It’s been fifteen years since Aaron’s brother Bobby mysterious disappeared from his room. But when Aaron’s mother dies he returns home to the funeral. Will he finally find out what happened to his brother all those years ago?

I decided to request this book from NG after reading some reviews of this book. It’s not a long story, but it didn’t need to be longer since it managed to tell the story quite well without unnecessary dragging out the story. It was a good read and I liked the story. It just wasn’t scary. Perhaps it is because the boogeyman wasn’t something that scared me as a child? I was more afraid of clowns and witches (Thank you Stephen King and Roald Dahl) than the boogeyman. I’m not even sure we have something similar to the boogeyman here in Sweden. Sure closets can be scary, but I was more afraid of dolls (Watching the Child’s Play does that to you) looking at me, so I used to hid them in the closet. But that’s it.

But the story was well written and I will without a doubt read more books by Alan Ryker!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy for an honest review! ( )

I received a free copy of this novella (in e-book form), published by Darkfuse, from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Alan Ryker is a very good writer and the strength of his writing lies in his characters. This novella is no exception. It is what gives his stories their punch. He is also one of the fine young writers producing quality dark fiction at Darkfuse.

This is the second time, from my reading, in which Ryker explores the concept of the boogieman. The first was in Nightmare Man (also from Darkfuse) in which, interestingly, the story was centered around an adult encounter rather than the traditional childhood fear. I recommend that novella as well as this one for a completely different take on the subject. Actually, I recommend reading anything and everything Ryker has written.

Where was I? Oh yes, traditional childhood fears.

I have often thought of the source of the shadow in the closet or the thing under the bed. We all feared them. They were a universal of childhood. All cultures have their equivalent. Ryker provides insight into what he deliciously calls the “sack men.” Remember “The Child Catcher” from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? If you have seen the movie you won’t forget him. For generations he has reduced children to tears of fright. But he is nothing compared to the Egyptian version that I sort of wish Ryker hadn’t told me about. From the Child Catcher to Freddie Kruger, it has been open season on kids in their night time bedrooms.

Why? Why does every child suffer through this fear, no matter what time period or part of the world? Is it the parents trying to scare their children into staying in bed and doing what they are told? Most of these stories involve “bad” or misbehaving children as is usually also the case with fairy tale encounters with monsters. Good children are never victims. Right?

Are we so sure about that?

This novella considers that we may have gotten it wrong all this time about what these creatures are and where they come from—and it is worse than we thought.
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Oh, now this story packed a punch! I love when novellas manage to suck me in so wholly. Alan Ryker proves that it doesn't matter how many pages he has to work with, he can write one hell of a story.

Since this is so short, I won't go too into detail. I wouldn't dare take the experience away from you. Instead I'll simply say that this story is very well done. Aaron's character, with his locked away memories, is believable. I understood his pain, felt his unwillingness to fight the demons lurking inside him, and cheered him on as he bravely fought anyway. There were plenty of moments that had me shivering, because the writing definitely evokes a sense of dread. Best of all, everything wrapped up in a way that I wasn't expecting.

In The Shadows Of Children starts a bit slow, but keep going. Trust me. It ends up being well worth it! ( )

It’s been fifteen years since Aaron’s brother Bobby mysterious disappeared from his room. But when Aaron’s mother dies he returns home to the funeral. Will he finally find out what happened to his brother all those years ago?

I decided to request this book from NG after reading some reviews of this book. It’s not a long story, but it didn’t need to be longer since it managed to tell the story quite well without unnecessary dragging out the story. It was a good read and I liked the story. It just wasn’t scary. Perhaps it is because the boogeyman wasn’t something that scared me as a child? I was more afraid of clowns and witches (Thank you Stephen King and Roald Dahl) than the boogeyman. I’m not even sure we have something similar to the boogeyman here in Sweden. Sure closets can be scary, but I was more afraid of dolls (Watching the Child’s Play does that to you) looking at me, so I used to hid them in the closet. But that’s it.

But the story was well written and I will without a doubt read more books by Alan Ryker!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy for an honest review! ( )

I almost put this one down at the 20% mark. Nothing had really happened, and I didn't feel a thing for the main character Aaron. Boy, am I glad I kept reading.

After his mother is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, Aaron returns to his childhood home to attend her burial and settle the estate. Some years prior, Aaron's little brother, Bobby, disappeared, and Aaron finds himself thinking back on their youth. Surprisingly enough, all this bored me. I usually love character development, but I simply didn't care here, and I don't know why. The writing was top notch, but I felt absolutely nothing for Aaron. I wanted the author to get along with the get-along.

I'm surprise the author chose to start this novella as slowly as he did. I'm wondering how many people will give up on the story for that reason alone. If any of you are planning on reading In the Shadow of Children, I cannot express this enough: it gets better. So much better.

When Bobby shows back up, I was finally intrigued enough to finish the story. What comes next is one of the more scarier scenes I've read in recent years. In a flashback, the boogeyman comes calling on the two boys, and its description is bone chilling. Alan Ryker put me in that room. I saw everything. And like the two boys in its presence, I was terrified. Bravo. A little late coming, but very well done.

And that ending. I must say, I'm impressed. I can't say any more than that because I'd be spoiling the coolest part of this book, but yeah, that ending fucking rocked.

In summation: A boring opening that I wouldn't even classify as a slow burn is soon left by the wayside as the horror kicks in. One of the best endings I've read this year. Four creepy-ass boogeymen out of five.

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