Shadows Of The Past Come To Life In Andrew K. Clark's Novel 'Where Dark Things Rise'

It’s been said that those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it. Whether that sage wisdom concerns the wider worldly scope of global events or the more intimate nature of our own personal life stories, it’s an inescapable truth that the past influences and informs the present and, by extension, the future. Crimes and misdeeds, in particular, cast long shadows across time; think of slavery in America, the Holocaust in Europe, or any murder case that comes to mind. The trauma of abuse, too, can linger with survivors long after the acts themselves are over. And while confronting old hurts can ultimately heal, the journey towards catharsis can be fraught with danger. Excavating the wounds of years gone by is akin to opening Pandora’s Box; once those metaphorical demons are loose, they are difficult, if not impossible, to put back.

North Carolina native Andrew K. Clark is one author unafraid to plumb those shadows of the past in his upcoming Quill & Crow Publishing House novel (due September 16th), the Appalachian-set Where Dark Things Rise, an electrifying sequel to his extraordinary 2024 debut, Where Dark Things Grow.

In 1985, fourteen-year-old Gabe is involved in a violent car crash that claims the lives of both his parents. Sent thereafter to live with his paternal grandparents, crusty retired-policeman Leo and free-spirited Lilyfax, Gabe is haunted by both the lingering guilt impressed upon him by his fanatic fundamentalist Christian mother and visions of the giant, spectral red wolf that he swears caused their fatal accident. Two years later he’s still barely adjusted to his new life, but finds a kindred soul in Mina, the cute, quick-witted redhead living in a nearby trailer park. Mina feels imprisoned by her lower-income life, and devotes herself to schoolwork hoping to escape to a faraway college after graduation. But she also harbors a secret: ever since childhood, Mina’s been able to literally control shadows, forming them into a menagerie of grotesque three-dimensional creatures. At first the power manifests when she’s angry or upset, but after an uncomfortable incident with local jock jerk Emerson Schmidt (a.k.a. Emerson Shit), she discovers the shadow entities can be harnessed freely by her will and resolves to use them right the wrongs she sees in her everyday life.

Unbeknownst to Gabe or Mina, however, a malevolent force has descended upon their cozy Appalachian hills. Reverend Ezra, an old boyhood chum of Leo’s who helped him and Lilyfax defeat a sinister cult during their youth, has taken up the mantle of their long-ago enemy. Envious of the power Leo once wielded over the wolf-like shadow wulver, Ezra has finally succeeded in his lifelong quest to attain his own otherworldy avatar. With an ever-expanding evangelical ministry providing the manpower to aid in his maniacal machinations, Ezra has instigated the ritual kidnapping of teenagers throughout the county in a bid to rebuild the evil Blue Man’s temple. When Mina’s friend Erin goes missing after being forced to attend one the Reverend’s annual outdoor Christian rehabilitation camp retreats, it sets up an epic confrontation as long-simmering rivalries reemerge. Can Leo overcome his one-time ally? Will Gabe and Mina rescue Erin, or will Mina’s temptation to use the shadows for vengeance mean she’ll be lost to the dark forever?

Though it can easily stand on its own, Where Dark Things Rise is a true sequel, continuing and deepening the storyline from Where Dark Things Grow. The skill and patience with which Clark sets his main stage is masterful; he possesses a natural storyteller’s gift, knowing what to reveal and when, and takes time to endear his main characters to the audience before throwing complications in their path. While many of the themes concerning family, friendship, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, and the misuse of power are carried over from its predecessor, Where Dark Things Rise also earnestly examines the cause-and-effect consequences between past and present, the struggle of class division, and, most prominently, the effects of religious trauma. Indeed, the novel’s most harrowing sequences are undoubtedly those chapters dealing with Erin’s time at the Christian youth revival. Starved, deprived of sleep, and abused mentally, emotionally, and physically, Erin’s non-stop suffering exposes the bitterest underside of religion in all its heinousness, the ugly ways in which some pervert genuine belief in order to persecute anyone who does not fit neatly into the confines of their narrow ideologies. It’s an evil more sadly real than any make-believe horror film monster, and Clark’s unflinching depiction of the teens’ abominable treatment serve as the book’s greatest horror.

Though Gabe is ostensibly the main character, the true lead of Where Dark Things Rise is Mina. Headstrong, resourceful, intelligent, and loyal to her friends, she’s the classic girl-next-door anyone could fall for, and her character arc is among the most fulfilling. When we initially meet her, Mina aims to rise above her undeserved white trash cliché reputation in the posh, designer-label obsessed ‘80’s. Her greatest fear is becoming trapped in the same dead-end life as her mother, and Mina becomes determined to escape that seemingly preordained trailer park fate, rejecting romantic attachments despite her growing feelings for Gabe out of concern such emotions could potentially derail her plans. But as Mina’s supremacy over the shadows increase, so does her inner strength and the self-assuredness that she can love, and be loved, without worry or restraint. As inheritor of the mysterious wulver Leo was connected to as a teen, she’s tempted, as he once was, to use the shadows for revenge. In that way a parallel also exists between Mina and Ezra; yet while Ezra became corrupted by his pursuit of unearthly power, Mina ultimately harnesses the darkness not to glorify herself, but to protect others.

While there are plenty of heavy, heady moments in Where Dark Things Rise, Clark infuses his novel with generous dollops of humor and plenty of welcomed wink-and-nod nostalgic throwbacks to the music, movies, cars, and questionable fashion choices of the Reagan era. References to Prince, Ratt, Bon Jovi, Jason Voorhees, and Back to the Future make Where Dark Things Rise more immediately accessible to readers than its Depression-set forebearer. Coupled with the book’s sharp dialogue, intense character interaction, supernatural mystique, and unbridled action, Clark fosters a gripping, page-turning reading experience that earns it the full 5 (Out of 5) on my Fang Scale. This is one novel that proves sequels can be every bit as good as the original. You’re two for two, Mr. Clark. Well done.