From the Shadows

The Complete Series

Young Adult - Sci-Fi
326 Pages
Reviewed on 04/22/2015
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

I grew up in small Wisconsin towns. Due to my father's work, I attended three high schools in four years and has fond memories of each: Wayland Academy, Sparta Sr. High, and Beaver Dam Sr. High. (All in Wisconsin.)

As you can see from my photo, I was a bit of a geek even back then. You wouldn’t guess that I played HS football and lettered in Wrestling, would you?

I spent the first fifteen years of my adult life as a theater designer, director and playwright.

With the introduction of the Macintosh computer, I moved into web design and computer education. I created the interface and more than 600 educational programs for the EduNet Network, and hosted live educational broadcasts into K-12 classroom across the country.

I like to read mysteries, science fiction, and some fantasy. As a kid and young adult, I read H. G. Wells, Arthur Conan-Doyle, André Norton and Robert Heinlein. STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND was the first book the showed me that fiction can impact a person’s life. Some of my favorite current authors are Jasper Fforde, Scott Lynch, and James R. Benn.

Always interested in the reluctant male reader, Keith started the “Spectrum Children's Book Club” on the Internet which grew into iPulpFiction.com.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

From the Shadows: The Complete Series is a young adult science fiction series written by KB Shaw. It contains two volumes: Separate Paths and Convergence. Cameron Rush and Rosa Costas are best friends and fellow geeks, but they've never really seen each other. He lives in Wisconsin and she's a cowgirl on a ranch in New Mexico. They've gotten to know each other through GundTech's multiCom technology, which comes equipped with AI personalities. Cameron's AI is named Sam, and he's got the program ready as Cameron rushes into his bedroom after school. He and Rosa have been waiting all day to hear GundTech's news conference, and they've arranged to listen to the announcement together. GundTech's spokesperson presents the results of some revolutionary strides the company's made in the field of quantum computing, and, even better, they're announcing the formation of the IHT International Academy, which will offer free tuition and is accepting applications effective immediately.

KB Shaw's young adult science fiction series, From the Shadows: The Complete Series, is filled with action, adventure and technology -- the perfect recipe for an enthralling and exciting read. Shaw's characters are well-defined and intriguing, especially the AI personalities who turned out to be quite a bit more individualized than I ever thought they could be. The Academy is a virtual one, and it makes for an interesting mix of home and regular school with the challenging and futuristic demands on the young tech wizard-trainees. Shaw has Easter eggs pop up in the plot and plants a few of his own in the storyline; including those found during a marvelous time travel adventure that Rosa designs to celebrate Cameron's birthday. Sometimes I could see a glimpse of Philip Pullman's classic fantasy series, His Dark Materials, in the AI companions each student has, as well as the more obvious ties to Rowling's magical rather than techie, Hogwarts, but From the Shadows is much more than a reflection of these influences. While the author may, purposely or inadvertently, cause readers to think of these authors when reading the book, the world presented in this story is in a class by itself, and its marvels would promise a fascinating future indeed. From the Shadows: The Complete Series is most highly recommended.

K.C. Finn

From the Shadows: The Complete Series is a collection by author KB Shaw, which includes two stories entitled Separate Paths and Convergence. This young adult science fiction series centers on fifteen-year-old Cameron and his friend Rosa as they embark on a journey to discover the boundaries of technological possibility, and perhaps even the meaning of life itself. Cameron Rush is an incredible tech prodigy entering GundTech IHT Academy, a prestigious cyber school where he can show off his geeky skills, and inevitably have his talents lead him towards trouble. Here begins a hi-tech adventure that extends far beyond the classroom, with thrills, romance, darkness and plenty of scientific adventures.

KB Shaw has created an instant classic with all the desired ingredients for great young adult fiction. The advanced age of the characters allows for true darkness to enter the storyline at the appropriate intervals, and though there were romantic elements, there was mercifully nothing unsuitable for younger readers. The tale is exceedingly well written and split into easy chunks that even the most reluctant readers will cope with, with authentic teen dialogue and charming characters with plenty of flaws as well as their talents. From the Shadows: The Complete Series is a must-read for fans of Star Wars and Ender’s Game, adult and child alike, who will find plenty of detailed pseudo-scientific jargon in a not too distant future that could almost be real. Overall, I’d highly recommend this adventure-packed collection to anyone looking for their next literary obsession.

Paul Johnson

From the Shadows by KB Shaw all starts with a portrait from the distant past which holds the key to the future. Four people at the most critical moment of their lives will face a dark and sinister force. A Norwegian technology company has developed an awe inspiring computer networking technology that has surpassed every predictable practice known or any believed to be possible. The GundTech Corporation, lead by a mysterious mastermind, has threatened the foundation of the computer industry. This new technology is designed to ultimately change modern society and revolutionize facets of everyday life, from communications to entertainment and education.

Education and entertainment are two things that appeal to teenage computer nerds Cameron and Rosa, and start them on a journey of self discovery. This journey weaves an intricate tale of humor and suspense as the two teens, along with a network news reporter and the mysterious creator of this new technology, race toward their destiny.

KB Shaw has crafted an appealing science fiction novel. The cast of characters is first rate, showing their individuality with humor and common sense. The plot was completely new for me. The story seemed to start a little slowly, but that quickly changed. As the author moved the story along, a reader couldn’t help but become more and more involved. Shaw has shown a great grasp of information technology and a way to keep it from being boring. I thoroughly enjoyed the escapades of the two young computer whiz-kids. This is a story that will appeal to the young adult crowd and to any lover of science fiction. Well done.