Olson does not rely upon the elements of fear and danger to drive his novel alone; he has populated this dark, mysterious world with characters whose emotions are authentic and ring true. In the unlikeliest romantic pairing Olsen brings together a huge, odorous homeless man who is either brainwashed, insane, or an unlikely hero figure with a brainy, emotionally recalcitrant heroine who may not have it all together mentally and sparks a tender flame between them. This thread of storyline is beautifully touching, and it works; a feat traditionally considered difficult for male authors – congratulations John.
The only weakness worth mentioning is the somewhat contrived presentation of the gospel message. Rather than being woven throughout the text it pops up unexpectedly, thrown into the middle of the story like a heavy rock that makes a large splash before sinking to the bottom of the pool. Flashy and obvious, the message of Christ’s forgiveness is included but affects little of the story.
Providing a more integrated, realistic element of faith in this title are the ongoing references to God and the Holy One from the main characters. References to Biblical history and early members of the human family also serve to establish a Christian worldview. It’s obvious that Melchi and Hailey are seeking to serve the Lord, though Melchi struggles under the weight of the Law.
Shade is the first novel that Olson set out to write (though not the first published), and of the two I’ve read I think it’s the best to date. The uncertainty, suspense, and driving need to solve the mysteries woven throughout had me through the novel in two sittings. Olson skillfully raised questions and dangled answers like bait before jerking them away again, leaving readers delightfully agitated and striving onward. While we aren’t presented with a cliff-hanger ending and a sense of closure is provided, there are enough open ends and future adventures sensed to leave readers crying, “Give us another one John!”
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