Lost Shadows Kindle Edition

I’ve been a fan of Julie Elizabeth Powell for quite a long time now, and every new book of hers that I pick up only makes me fall in love with her writing even more. They’re all incredibly well-written, and it’s a pleasure to read them just because of the beautiful language used. The subject of each book - it’s always something deeply philosophical with elements of mysticism - makes you reflect on certain aspects of life, and the unique manner in which such topics are presented make Ms. Powell’s works even more fascinating.In this particular story, we meet Adam, a young boy who lost his parents in a tragic accident. Only, he doesn’t seem to remember anything at all, not even his own name, and soon becomes a riddle that a psychologist, who works with police, will do anything to solve.I really enjoyed the intricate mosaic of seemingly unrelated people, whose fates get interconnected in the most interesting way, thus making the story impossible to put down. And the final few chapters were simply outstanding, resolving the story’s riddle in a most unexpected manner. Another great story from the author whose works I always find fascinating. Five stars.

Having already read a book by Powell, I was well aware what an incredible imagination she possesses. I wasn't disappointed in that department with Lost Shadows. This was Powell exploring everything and anything inside her head.Lost Shadows is a series of interlinked stories that have one common thread - memories, or more specifically the inability to remember our memories. Looking at Powell's other titles, memories seems to be a thread that is a regular part of her writings.I really enjoyed how the author managed to juggle such an ensemble cast of characters, in different arcs and bring them together for the climax. Her characterisation was excellent and it was easy to identify and empathise with all of them, even the nasty ones. I have to admit there was the odd time or two where I found myself getting lost in the many strands of the plot, but that certainly didn't deter my enjoyment of the book.This is a wonderful fantasy adventure, with real people. The fantasy is more inside the minds than in the real world. If you love dark vs light stlye books and you love a writer's fervid imagination, I know you will enjoy Lost Shadows. A really good read, for me. .

“There are various reasons why individuals lose their memory, ranging from simple Mild Cognitive Impairment to full-blown Alzheimer’s. Not everyone realizes this, but memory loss can even be the result of depression or alcohol. Then of course it can also be due to trauma – either physical or emotional…”This unusual story begins as a thriller/mystery then ends as a sci-fi/fantasy. Along the way, it focuses on memory loss from nearly every angle possible – trauma, disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, pugilistic dementia from abuse, alcoholism, etc. In many books, readers struggle to learn who the characters really are their stories are. In this book, the characters themselves don’t know either.British English, so expect a few unexpected terms (plasters instead of band-aids, trolley instead of shopping cart, jacket potato instead of baked potato.) Most are pretty understandable in context, although I never did work out what the author meant by “scarper”. Despite the minor language bobbles, the writing style is elegantly descriptive: “Sounds too seemed sucked dry, no noise; gone was the crunch of gravel, the rustle of leaf and the breath of night. No longer did the warm breeze caress, as if it had been drowned in stillness, like the motionless of space had enraptured them in its thrall.”Overall, an engaging read. Recommend.Footnote: Today’s new 50 cent word, courtesy of this author: PETRICHOR. The earthy smell after a long awaited rain.

Lost Shadows started a little slow for me. I gave it 4 stars because it picked up and came to a nice ending.

I couldn't wait to start reading this book, I loved The Puzzling Brain of Martha Tidberry so much. I liked the early chapters; I have either experienced the problem, know someone who has, or seen it explored on television or read about it in a newspaper. It was fascinating to see each character develop as their "take" on memory loss, or some other childhood experience, affected them. Doubts arose with Mildred, for two reasons. She was ashamed of being abused. Maybe abused women do feel shame: the feeling they admit to, if they ever reveal the abuse, is guilt they are so convinced they deserved to be treated badly. The second reason is that Mildred, understandably, is afraid of her husband, yet she makes notes to aid memory he could find, including one to make a doctor's appointment she wants to keep secret. What he does take from her, catching her in a lie for which he will punish her, is the doctor's report. That made a sort of sense. Adam, the first character introduced, gripped me from the start and his story, intermingled with those who try to help him, is brilliant. Not quite a five star, but a fascinating, if rather difficult, book to read.

Julie yet again expertly manages to have multiple story lines running in parallel and making them connect putting it all together as one cohesive story. At first the perspective of the different characters is a little difficult to follow since she introduces them all rather quickly, but within a short period of time you get used to your characters and their story. The pace is on the quicker side but in this case I find it appropriate making this a thrill ride of a read.Adam is our hero in this story who is a very likeable boy. He is supported by an incredible well balanced mix of individuals. The villain is rather creepy but makes perfect sense in this story.The ending was a little too rushed though and I feel like I missed something. I wished the ending was a little bit more elaborated and made clear.All in all I really enjoyed this book and could hardly put it down once I started. I can recommend this and I will continue reading books from this author.I have received the book from the author for an honest review.