N22: The Shadow People by Margaret St. Clair

Book Review!

N22: The Shadow People by Margaret St. Clair

In the AD&D Dungeon Master’s Guide “Appendix N” Gary Gygax recommended Margaret St. Clair’s novel The Shadow People. I really enjoyed reading this work of modern fantasy; my paperback copy of the book came in at 189 pages with a copyright year of 1969.

The Good

*From the beginning, the story gives the perspective of a romantic hero looking for his lost love.

*The mystery drive the plot, bringing the protagonist into a mysterious setting.

*The magic sword stood out as an interesting object.

The Bad

*Margaret St. Clair named her main character Dick.

*If readers dislike exploration novels, then they may find themselves disappointed when pages go by simply explaining the journey and surroundings of the main character without any other interactions.

D&D Connections & Inspirations

*I think this book provides a great template for the underdark, which Margaret St. Clair calls the Underearth or Otherworld.

*Dick’s friend/maid Fay in the beginning clearly has a name meant to allude to the Fey.

*With shadow people, underdark caverns, and a hero carrying a sword - this book feels very much like a solo D&D adventure.

Overall

I loved this story and the suspense, thus I give the work a 7/10 rating.