I heard about Shadowmancer from a student. I teach 7th through 12th grade at a Christian School where Harry Potter is banned. I read Harry Potter and thought it was mediocre. When I heard about Shadowmancer being hailed as the "Christian Harry Potter" I was skeptical. And personally, I think that is an insult. Father Taylor writes much better and his description is amazing. I love this book. I have four of my students reading it with me this summer. This genre is not my favorite, but I loved Shadowmancer. It had whisps of George MacDonald's depth and C.S. Lewis's as well. It is very evangelistic and I think a wonderful tool for young people today. I actually would love to see Father Taylor write a book of this type for adults where he veiled the scripture a bit more so that would be obscure except to those who truly seek to find it. Sincerely, Natalie Skutlin

P.S. I don't know if Wormwood is out yet in the U.S. but I look forward to reading it.

Louise Murdoch (08/08/2004)

My mum read an article in the Daily Mail about a new author and his remarkable life. There were a few hints as to what his new book was about, but nothing to spoil the story. So, as soon as it was released I went and bought the book, Shadowmancer, and started to read it through.

To be honest, I wasn't impressed at first..but I kept on, and soon enough I was gripped. The idea for the story was fantastic, and to hear it was a vicar who was writing it was a pleasant and much needed breath of fresh air. I'm currently reading Wormwood - and I'm trying to stay away from the reviews of that, I don't want it spoilt. ^___^

Thank you Rev. Taylor! (Have you managed to buy your motorbike back yet?)

Genevieve O' Connor (08/08/2004)

Hi, my name is Genevieve O' Connor and I've read Shadowmancer. I thought it was really exciting and I just couldn't put it down! Raphah was my favourite character as I found him very brave as his faith in Riathamus was so strong. I also loved the twists in the plot and was frightened by how evil Pyratheon was. At the moment I'm reading Wormwood and I think the plot is just amazing. I would like to congratulate you for writing two amazing books and I will definitely look out for other books written by you.

Jes Schumacher (07/08/2004)

I love your book. Almost as much as I love everything else. Thank you for writing it. My friend was transformed from an obese slob to a hard--working Christian.

Neville Sexton (07/08/2004)

I'm standing, applauding this fine book(slow clapping to start of
course!). A rich, earthy tale that drags the reader through the superbly
dark world of the Shadowmancer. I've read some other reviews, and
there's a lot of talk of religious themes, theological merits etc.
Forget that(politely put!). This is simply a damn good story! A stoic,
twilight world has just been born, which I'm delighted to have ventured
through. I can only imagine and envy the sense of absolute pride that
you must feel Mr. Taylor. In finishing I'll add this: Wormwood is even
better! I love the character of Thaddeus and the whole haunted bookshop
image. You're my kind of writer....long may it continue!

Juanita Vance (06/08/2004)

Dear Mr. Taylor,
I have to say, I really enjoyed your book, Shadowmancer.
I got it only four days ago, and finished it in about 2 3/4 days.
At first, I just glanced at the beginning, but then, the
book really interested me. After that, I really got into it.
God really guided your hand with this book, and I'm glad it's
on the shelves for other people to read. I'm definitely going
to get the Wormwood book, for I know it won't disappoint me,
because Shadowmancer was just awesome. I also hope that Shadowmancer
gets turned into a movie, because I would love to see it, and
would try to be one of the first to get tickets. :)

Tim Cook (04/08/2004)

A great book, fantastic and much deeper than expected. I am going to have to read it again, because I had heard it compared to Harry Potter so much that I expected a similar, character driven, long term story. Shadowmancer is, on the other hand, fast paced and much more event driven than character centered. For both books' sake, the comparisons to Harry Potter should stop...they are both masterpieces in their own right, and in different ways. Constantly comparing Mr. Taylor's work to Ms. Rowling's demeans Taylor's work as just one more bandwagon fantasy novel. It is nothing of the sort, and in all actuality comparisons to such fantasy classics as A Wizard of Earthsea and A Wrinkle in Time are much more applicable. In any case, a wonderful work, better when read on its own merits. Bravo, can't wait to read Wormwood.

Pastor Dave (03/08/2004)

Veerryyy interesting! Kudos for engaging a sanctified imagination for the kingdom.

Several theologically fuzzy things I hope can be clarified in the film: We depend upon Raphah to tell us the truth amidst the evil doings, and he is reliable until p.158 where he affirms that God can be prevented from taking a soul home. Ouch! Secondly, the plot element of Pyratheon bringing the two Keruvim together to pull God off his throne is the sort of deception characteristic of the deceived, but on p. 274 you have another redeemed character (Adam) affirming that it was only because Raphah was temporarily dead that the plot did not work. Yikes! In both cases the omnipotence of God is diminished. The tiniest of edits could fix them both--just put the confusions in the minds of the unredeemed, not the truth-tellers.

I am praying that many Christians will take up the arts along with you to speak truth to this post-modern age.

Blessings,

Aoife (03/08/2004)

Dear Mr Taylor I have just recently finished reading both Shadowmancer and Wormwood. I found them both really intriguing from start to finish and was disappointed to learn that there is no other books to read by you. I have found it really hard to find an another book that comes close to your standard of writing. I have nothing but praise for your books and have recommended your book to all my friends and family.

both you books are fiction but really believable at the same time. Thanks for keeping my week days interesting.

Erin Essex (03/08/2004)

I've just read the published reviews on your website. I noticed that there is not a single negative review.

I find that very odd. You obviously choose what goes on the site and that gives me even a lesser opinion of the author. I felt Shadowmancer was one of the worst books I had ever read. It is simply a unimaginative rehashing of the many Christian religions, mostly Mormon.

I kept reading, hoping that it would improve and it simply got worse and more trite. I was shocked this book was ever published and even more shocked that it was marketed as a children's book. I believe one review was comparing it to Harry Potter.

I think this book should be pulled off the children's book shelves and put into the Christian areas so people can have an idea of what they are choosing to read.

I'm sure this book was a hit with the vigilantes and I feel highly deceived by the marketing and cover of this book. I though I was going to have an enjoyable, magical read and instead I was given a very tired lecture about God.

I love a refund.

Joe Cox (02/08/2004)

This is really pathetic. Im sure the only reason "Shadowmancer" sold as much as it did is because of its whole "Christian alternative to Harry Potter" slogan. Is that why the author wrote it, in Spite of Harry potter?

So, Harry potter and his friends use magic. Are they evil? I dont understand your criteria for evil or witchcraft...Are we still judging things by the Malleus Mallificarum? Last time i checked, we werent.

There are many books that are popular that deal with magic and witchcraft. While they may not be as popular as Harry Potter, why not start a campaign against them too, given your moral agenda. Heck, why not write books in spite of them too!

I believe you publicly battle Harry Potter for personal gain and not out of goodness or love. Go worship your god(s), deny that they are simply allegory. I have magic powers.

Heather Nixon (31/07/2004)

I LOVED shadowmancer. It was great, i could not put it down. I went to Greece last week and instead of going swimming i sat in the apartment and read it. I really felt like a part of the book and also felt the worries of, Raphah, Kate and Thomas. Jacob Crane was a really good character but very mysterious as you said in the blurb.

It would be brilliant if it was to be made into a film.

It was action packed and is by far the best book i have ever ever read!

No Name Given (30/07/2004)

I just finished reading Shadowmancer. I have never been so disappointed in a book. All you did was write down the highlights from the Bible in story form and change the names. Before writing anything else make sure its original and less of a sermon.

Thanks for a waste of time and money!

Marcel & Paula Kerkdijk, Vriezenveen, The Netherlands (26/07/2004)

I have started reading Shadowmancer in the Dutch translation and i really enjoy it. What a great book. God really blessed your talents! I hope and pray that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of the readers that don't now Jesus as their Saviour. My wife Paula and i are going to visit your aria in september this year and i can't wait to see all the places from the book come to life before my eyes. Maybe we see you there on a sunday in church or just around Whitby or Scarbourough.

God bless and keep up the good work. In Christ allone!

Jodee Simpson, Bradford, West Yorkshire (26/07/2004)

have just finished reading Shadowmancer. I really admire you as a Christian author writing something so daring in the secular market. Kids are so interested in the supernatural these days, I am really relieved that there is now something that speaks the truth about God and doesn'y romanticise/condone witchcraft and the Dark Arts.

Thankyou

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