Book Review: Shadows

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Shadows     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Diana G. Gallagher
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction   TV Tie In
Series: Smallville # 5
Aspect, Sep 2003, $5.99, 261 pp.

In Smallville, LexCorps owns the former Minuteman II Silo and the accompanying land, converting it into a fertilizer plant. As Clark Kent races home past the plant, he notices farmer Howard Stoner, who suddenly chokes to death. Clark’s father Jonathan believes strongly that the Luthors, Lex and his father Lionel, are polluting the environment and killed Howard. He plans to sue though it may cost the family farm. Clark disagrees as he thinks highly of Lex.

Clark investigates while his innocence and naïve manner hooks another female into liking him. This time shy Sharon Farley, recently moved to the area with her scientist turned novelist father, finds Clark cute. The evidence proves more and more that his father is right in his assertion, but Clark continues to dig even as other local residents die or are harmed. Soon he and Lana end up in a precarious situation in which only Superboy can save them from the experiment going on inside the silo.

Fans of the TV series or the comic book will enjoy this delightful slice of life in Kansas as seen through the teen years of the Man of Steel. Clark struggles with girls even as he as Superboy must save the day. The support cast, especially the Kents and Lana, add to the feel that Smallville is a real town on the Great Plains. Through brief flashbacks of Clark thinking back to an event or person, newcomers to see some of Clark’s history though this technique slows down a story line faster than a speeding bullet. This novel adds to the mythos of a great hero.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner