When Edward Kelley was young, his parents died in plane crash while on a missionary trip. Years later his sister, Beth, died as a result of a chronic medical condition that health insurance wouldn't cover. Alone in the world and grieving, Edward turns his back on the god that his parents and sister so devoutly believed in. Casting Shadows By J. Kelley Anderson World Castle Publishing January 2012 But that isn't enough. Edward wants to make sure that every human being suffers as he has. So when a mysterious note appears at his doorstep and introduces him into a world of magic, Edward leaps at the chance to use his new abilities to cause pain and destruction on a world that he feels has wronged him. Too bad it looks like he may just end up saving the world instead. Casting Shadows by J. Kelley Anderson is a story about Edward Kelley, an outcast who is doing his best to hate the world but finds it difficult to justify killing innocent people. When Edward finally meets another magic user who is doing what he can't, he is horrified by her acts of violence and general disdain for human life. The story, overall, is really a tale of redemption. Edward is pale, skinny, and socially awkward. No matter how hard he tries, he'll never be what society really thinks of as normal. But try as he might, he isn't quite capable of destroying the people who don't understand him. Edward's journey through the world of magic is also entertaining and often humorous. The inclusion of a colorful array of other characters only adds to the mix and plays on Edward's lack of social grace. In fact for me, one of the defining factors of the story is Michael. Michael is a brash, foul-mouthed police officer, who is endlessly optimistic and has insisted on being Edward's friend since high school (much to Edward's chagrin). I actually didn't like the character, but the interesting thing is that you're not really supposed to like him. He's there because he is what Edward needs. He knows Edward doesn't enjoy his company, but he stands by him regardless, because no one else will. And there's something very powerful in that description. Really, I just have to say that this story was truly a page-turner for me, and I loved every second of it. I can only hope that there will be more to come from Mr. Anderson about our unlikely hero and his bumbling foray into magic.