In the debut novel DREAMS AND SHADOWS, screenwriter and noted film critic C. Robert Cargill takes us beyond the veil, through the lives of Ewan and Colby, young men whose spirits have been enmeshed with the otherworld from a young age. This brilliantly crafted narrative - part Neil Gaiman, part Guillermo Del Torro, part William Burroughs - follows the boys from their star-crossed adolescences to their haunted adulthoods. Cargill's tour-de-force takes us inside the Limestone Kingdom, a parallel universe where whisky-swilling genies and foul-mouthed wizards argue over the state of the metaphysical realm. Having left the spirit world and returned to the human world, Ewan and Colby discover that the creatures from this previous life have not forgotten them, and that fate can never be sidestepped. With sensitivity and hopeful examination, Cargill illuminates a supernatural culture that all too eerily resembles our own. Set in a richly imagined and constructed world, complete with its own richly detailed history and mythology, DREAMS AND SHADOWS is a deeply engaging story about two extraordinary boys becoming men.
Industry Reviews
As a noted film critic, there is evidence that C. Robert Cargill draws inspiration from urban legends tackled by the big screen. After reading the first chapter, you will be left wondering how on earth the remaining 359 pages are ever going to live up to the the ones just turned. C Robert Cargill's debut crams so much into its first chapter, can there be any more story to tell? Emphatically, the answer is yes. * SCI FI NOW *
' novel with talking dogs, angry genies and very, very drunk angels. It's also a perfect chaser for American Gods. * STARBURST *
For a first novel, it's phenomenal. Deliciously moreish, expect Dreams and Shadows to become modern horror fantasy legend and Cargill's lore to soar. * SFX *
Writing a story that has the capacity to both frighten and capture an audience takes a rare talent, but Cargill's characterisation and humour, sparked by genuinely terrifying moments, makes this one of the best debut novels of 2013. * WE LOVE THIS BOOK *
The author has created a world where genies argue philosophy and complain about booze, and angels use rooftops as a place to perch. Though none of this is terribly original or subtle, it is very well put together and the narrative is multi-layered and clever, but not so cunning as to be a difficult read. If you liked American Gods and Some Kind of Fairy Tale, then this will be right up your alley. Undoubtedly one to watch, C. Robert Cargill has penned a thoroughly enchanting debut novel. * STARBURST *
Dreams and Shadows has elements of Gaiman, Rothfuss and the Brothers Grimm themselves. But make no mistakes, this is Cargill's novel - a majestic tale of love in the shadows and death in bloody dreams. It's an astounding novel, and hard to believe this is Cargill's debut. If he ever decides to return to the world of the Limestone King, I'll be there. * FANTASY FACTION *
Dreams and Shadows examines humanity - the imperfections and the tenacity of the human spirit. Imaginative, alluring with astoundingly enhancing writing, if you are a fan of urban fantasy or contemporary fairy tales Dreams and Shadows will blow your socks off. -- Antony Jones * SFBOOK.COM *
All in all, this was a fantastic book - as strange at times as the characters within its pages, but ultimately satisfying and an excellent exploration of the delights and horrors of the fairy world. Superb reading, highly recommended. * THE BOOK BAG *
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