Of course I can provide a recap on DARK SHADOWS: THE LABYRINTH OF SOULS¢â‚¬¦
First, I won't reveal (and didn't last time) anything that would spoil the story for anyone else¢â‚¬¦
The most important observation, other than that it was a great read, is that it is very true to the organic characters/original concept of DS. This goes along with the two DS novels that were done by HarperCollins. Sadly, it has not been the case with the other various updates and rip-offs metered out over the years. In hindsight, the post-DS franchise can only be described as mismanaged. Look at the Star Trek franchise. While they were on, DS beat ST in this dept (by a mile). Now, look at what has happened to these franchises since then. Compare the "Next Generation" approach to the "Revival Series." See the difference? Now, back to the book. Mark's books are the way these characters should be "updated" (though, I would favor a "Next Generation" approach to these characters; but, let me set that aside). LABYRINTH takes the characters and updates them successfully. It respects the characters. Yet, the story is written for a modern audience. It also incorporates elements (snow) that the original series did not. These additions enhance, rather than detract, from the original characters. The character that uses too much disinfectant in the bathroom might be startling, at first, but it is accurate; this is exactly how the character would be written in 1966 -- if TV writers were able to address that sort of thing. There is more stuff like that in the story, and it makes the characters more enjoyable The original writers and actors created wonderful characters -- it's so sad that we have so little done with them. LABYRINTH treats the characters so well; it's a crime that this book isn't published. Forgive me, but why consider a musical version of DS? Why tell the Barnabas story for the FOURTH TIME? Why, when Mark Rainey, Elizabeth Massie, & Lara Parker can treat this subject with love & respect & tell NEW STORIES. It's a shame!
Mark's LABYRINTH is not only a true representation of DS -- it is also a professionally written, modern story. It is not a retro or nostalgic book. It is not fan fiction. It is a professional, modern book (didn't I just say that?). I do think I would add some more background information for readers with some degree of unfamiliarity with the original series (a couple paragraphs here and there). DREAMS was more "stand-alone," and could have fit in with the 1991 show, too. LABYRINTH is much more dependant on the original series. DREAMS OF THE DARK was pretty much set around late 1968/early 1969, if I recall. This was never specifically stated (wisely). LABYRINTH has more to go on if you want to pinpoint the exact year. I would change a few things. Again, I am not going to reveal anything that will ruin the story¢â‚¬¦ David is described as 15. I would take that out. That puts the show at approximately Christmas 1970. I don't think that's where you want it. I would say it's supposed to be more like in the range of Christmas 1972, 1973, or 1974. I think it's better to stay vague (like in DREAMS). You could say Julia is "several" years older than Quentin, rather than a "few" years older. That still flatters her. There is one page where David calls Julia "Julia" and "Dr. Hoffman." He really should call her "Dr. Hoffman" consistently. One Windcliffe needs an "e" removed (to match your favored "Windcliff"). I was not editing, but I did notice one "." that should be a comma & one ".?" that should be a "?" only. But, really, there isn't much wrong with this book.
If I were editing, I would change one more thing. I would leave out one phrase. I couldn't explain it last night & I still can't explain¢â‚¬¦ it's the way you describe a character. There is one phrase that gave something away, for me¢â‚¬¦ I don't know if anyone ease would get it¢â‚¬¦ maybe not. Anyway, this is such a beautifully written book, it hardly matters anymore! The story is delicious. It just grabs you. The pace is perfect. I had to leave it for supper, once (alas, not at Pennock's); to digest what was happening. There were several points when I thought it would be nice to have 20 more chapters like this. The setting was beautiful! I could picture the scenes beautifully. I quoted some beautiful bits of language last evening. I am not going to try to recall that -- but the language is beautiful. Collinwood on a snowy morning¢â‚¬¦ "skeletal tree branches" seemingly swayed by a "mischievous hand" and "a loose shutter on one of the upper windows occasionally struck its sash with the sound of a cruel slap." The poetry/prose/writing is never overdone/overwrought, though; it elevates the Dark Shadows. The use of italics is perfect. Here, I could say stuff to ruin the story. I really recommend everyone read this story; then, you'll see what I mean! The story is not only faithful to the original DS -- it also adds to the understanding of the original show. That would be an example of the italics¢â‚¬¦
I could "cast" all the characters, except one¢â‚¬¦ P Mathis. Who would play P Mathis? I made some references in the great "lost" response from last evening to the character Rathburn. I miss him! I like what you did with him. I remember very well the beautifully done flashback with Rathburn and Jonah Collins. There are dozens & dozens of stories to tell (like these) without altering anything already in the canon. All you need is imagination¢â‚¬¦
I also mentioned in that (now legendary!) lost response that I thought Dan Ross and some of the original actors/writers would enjoy LABYRINTH. I know Dan and Grayson aren't with us, but maybe Marilyn & Sam would like the story? I caught the nods to Ross, of course.
I see that I did focus on different things tonight. Last night, I was more into the love LABYRINTH. I think tonight I'm a little down because of my disappointment that this doesn't get published and promoted. It's so sad to have all these great characters out there¢â‚¬¦ just wasting away while someone like Mark Rainey is so capable of breathing life into them, but cannot. What nut is responsible for this crime?
It's almost Christmas, so everyone get over to that web page and read LABYRINTH OF SOULS for a fine Christmas present (you'll like it better than a Mexican silver broach in the shape of a Quetzalcoatl!).
-- wes