Shadows of the Mind by Mark Alders is the first book in The Pembroke Eve Chronicles.

Jacob has always felt like an outsider in his home town of Pembroke Eve. Being gay in a small mid western-like town is part of the problem, but the day-to-day simplistic kind of life just isn't what Jacob wants until the day that everything changed for him. One evening Jacob saw a strange flash of light with no follow up sound like you would hear after a lightening flash, and he felt compelled to investigate. When Jacob was out following the light, he ran into Derek and Callum who saw what they thought was a space ship and were looking for it. Soon after they joined forces, the three realized that that the hunters were now the hunted. While trying to escape a strange green mist that was chasing them, Derek was surrounded by the mist and disappeared leaving Callum and Jacob running for their lives. Could Derek and Jacob be right about seeing a space ship? Will Jacob ever find a boyfriend of his own? Even more important, will they get out alive?

Mr. Alders has written an incredible fast paced story with characters that come to life for the reader. Jacob's feeling of not belonging is something most people have experienced. It was interesting how the people of Pembroke Eve reacted when they learned about Jacob's sexual orientation, and I give credit to one member of the community, Mr. Barnaby, who accepted Jacob for who he was. It was wonderful to watch as Jacob and Callum's friendship quickly grew into a love as they encountered and overcame seemingly impossible obstacles with the help of their friends. The intricate descriptions of the space craft and the aliens brought them to life for the reader. It was fascinating to read about the futuristic machines the aliens had, and how Jacob and his friends used human ingenuity to fight for themselves and their community. I will be waiting for the next book in The Pembroke Eve Chronicles.

Reviewed by: Teresa