What is your opinion?
The Showman and the shade
"This book was excellent! 10/10, would definitely recommend "
The Showman And The Shade
"Really enjoyed reading this book... The plot was interesting and suitable for teenagers and adults alike. "
On the Verge
"Wow.. Very well written from start to finish. The characters were brought to life with such detail that I . quickly developed a love hate relationship with most of the characters. I felt so much compassion for the teller of the story not to mention all the lost souls. The story twists and turns kept me wondering exactly where the story was leading. The ending was not exactly as expected but fitting. I will always wonder if the girl ghost will forgive him for what he did and if they will ever meet again. I will forever wonder what happened to him after he completed the final task. I can hope that they met again and that they both moved on from their stay on earth. Great writing keep up the good work. Thoroughly enjoyed this story. thank you."
Amazing story!
"Wow! This story is awesome. I can't put it down because I'm so into it. "
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
"I'm no expert but I know when I have read a good book and this was one. From the beginning it had me wondering where it was going next and what the outcome would be. If you fancy a read with a slightly different perspective from the norm then I would certainly give this book a read. I will look out for this author in the future. "
The Showman And The Shade
"Really cool story- made me think twice about pissing people off in life! Clever twists throughout and, as someone else has already pointed out, every chapter has it's own payoff. I would happily read more of these books to find out what happens next. Really fast-paced and well written."
The Showman and the Shade
"I was recommended this book by both a close friend and also colleagues at work and i was not dissappointed in my purchase. The story is very unique and captured my attention instantly with its theme. It is a very easy, comfortable read and i found myself half way through before i even realised how much i had read in one sitting. Will definitely appeal to those interested in the paranormal, whilst not being gory or intentionally horrifying in its content Look forward to the sequel Highly recommended "
Emily is a great character
"A great little book this one. I really liked the characters particularly Emily, the spirit of a small Victorian era child. Full of action really good. :-)"
Rocking in the afterlife
"Fast paced ghost action straight out the mortuary!! I loved the descriptions and atmosphere of the scenes... dragging like a knife across the canvas of the afterlife. Deep, meaningful and in control all the way, this tale leads you by the scruff of the neck along a disturbing path of bodily death and into the hell of the eternal afterlife and servitude to your crimes. I totally recommend this book. Nothing else matters when your reading it!!!!"
Really Cool Ghost Story
"Still reading this one but I am really happy I downloaded it! Jack is such a d*ck but hilarious - I can see Bob Odenkirk (aka Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad) playing him. You do feel for Frank and it's intriguing seeing things from 'the other side' (so to speak). Recommend this one for sure."
So good, I read it in a day!!!
"So I had a day off work (its hard being a Sith Lord ;-) ) I downloaded the book after joining Inkitt as a friend had recommended it over a year ago. I believe they got a paperback version from somewhere. It had been on my to do list, to get a copy for awhile, so when my friend said it was on here and free I thought why not. I almost downloaded it thinking I wouldn't finish it (I have started a few books recently and abandoned them halfway through) due to time constraints or lack of interest. So I sat down with a hot drink thinking I would read a chapter or two.... that was around 9am (I think) and I am looking at the clock and realise I have been reading for 4 hours maybe more as its 1pm. To say it was engaging is an understatement. Plus the last 3-4 chapters are a rollercoaster. I feel the first half of the book sets the scene and there is a gradual ramping up of tension between the characters and by the halfway mark, you kind of know its going to get explosive and boy does it. The ending with a surprising twist or two is a real joy, so its worth getting through the slower first few chapters. Having finished this and seeing there is a second book I will definitely be looking at getting this, probably before my next holiday. I hope the writer does well with this as I'd like to see more of their work.... Give it a read, Oh P.S there is some adult rated stuff, blood etc and a few episodes of bad language so not one for younger readers :-)"
Dark Yet Thought-Provoking
"I really enjoyed this book. It puts a different spin on life and death and an idea of what the after-life must be like. The characters are not one-dimensional and are as complex as any real-life person I know, this is what made the book so compelling to read. More than just being scary, it makes you think about the possibilities of what happens when you die - and I would definitely do what Frank did! It is fast-paced and very easy to read - I found myself binge-reading as had to find out what happened. I can't wait to read more in this series - I have found more from this author on Google so will be checking them out as well. Give it a read, but be warned; it will get you hooked!"
WendyP
"A thoroughly great read! Very credible characters and a storyline that keeps you hooked throughout. Not my usual genre but was recommended to me and so glad I read it. Looking forward to another book by Mr Gardiner please. "
Every chapter has a payoff!
"I joined Inkitt and downloaded this book following a friend who has been on here sometime recommending it. After they spoke about it a bit, I thought why not give it a go. Initially I only expected to read a few chapters, as I have little time to spend reading (not as much as I like). However I completely read this book. The size of the chapters made it easy for me to read a chapter when I got a chance and as the title to my review suggests every chapter has a reward. By this I mean there is something dramatic that happens, or some twist or turn. This helped keep my interest throughout. Also I love the fact this book takes a genre with ghosts and did something new with it. It avoided tired cliche's like a family moving into a nice new home, but 'oh no its haunted' etc. I liked the way it made me think what would it be like to be a ghost (or Shade as the writer calls them). Would it be weird having no heart beat, not breathing, no mass or weight etc. There are also some other novel concepts regarding spirits within this book. I have since found the author on FB and found out that although this is a self contained story there is already a sequel out 'Shades of Vengeance' by the same author and I will probably buy that, so its gotten me back into reading. I'd recommend anyone giving it a go!"
The Showman and the Shade
"An interesting and gripping first novel from Nicky Gardiner. This book is an easy read and you find yourself drawn in from the first chapter. If I had the time, I would have read it all in one sitting. It is not normally the genre of book I would read but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were interesting the the storyline well thought out. I found it hard to put it down at the end of a chapter as I wanted to find out what happened next. An enjoyable read that I would recommend to others."
Best horror I've read this year
"A brilliant storyline, easy to read as full of humour. It's great to read something different that doesn't follow one of the typical storylines of this genre. The author creates great images without the need for laborious description. Twists, that I didn't see coming, one after the other kept me hooked."
Great book
"I genuinely couldn't put this book down. This is a well paced and engaging supernatural thriller that benefits from it's originality, well developed characters, plot twists and readability. The opening chapter draws you in with it's narrative and introduction to some of the key players in the story. The author shows great skill at painting a picture of the environment and people without ever being long winded or dull. I enjoyed the writing style, subject matter and as I said before the pacing of the book. I cannot recommend this story enough, a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read. "
Dear Readers
"Dear readers, Do you enjoy stories with compelling characters, unforgettable twists, and a plot line that is sure to keep your heart racing? Do you want a book that you wish that you could put it down to get some sleep but can't? If this is so, The Showman And The Shade is the right novel for you! This novel is sure to keep you intrigued with a plot line and characters like Frank and Jack who will keep you up on your toes. To me, the plot line was very unique and original, and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy reading the horror genre. Read it before you say your final words!"
M Turner
"Brilliant book! I’m not normally a horror fan but this book had my attention from the start. It was an easy read as the lives of the characters unfolded throughout so vividly described that I felt I wanted to follow their journeys to the end. From the beginning, the story evoked many different emotions throughout until the very last page with lots of twists and leaves the reader wanting to know more. The attention to detail and descriptions of each and every character made it easy to follow individuals through the journey as I was invested in what happened to them. This is a great read from a new author and I would most definitely recommend this book from the Deadly Shades series."
Horror at it's best
"I really like the pace of this book. It has a very dark humour to it but captures how I imagine people might be in that situation. Imagine Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) ramped up for the 21st century. At first I felt really sorry for Frank and hated Jack but the more I read, my initial impressions changed and I began to understand things from Jack's perspective - although he is a selfish pr*ck! The writing style reminds me of a mix of Stephen King and Dean Koontz - I was almost crying at the end of the first chapter but laughing in the next - a real roller-coaster of emotions throughout. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone."
