If you're an optimist you've probably heard the expression, 'When one door closes, another opens.' But for Peter Gardner, a young man fresh out of high school with a literal bank of doorways standing open to him, they all slam shut at once. A terrible accident leaves him quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down, shattering his dreams of becoming a fighter pilot, tearing his family apart, and ending a cherished relationship with his girl. Now, he wishes only for death.
But ironically, it is a brush with death which opens a new door for Peter. And when he 'steps' through, it is not into sunlight and promise, but into the darkest reaches of fury, torment and revenge. So ask yourself this: "Do I have the courage to step through that door with him?"
Sean Costello is one of the horror genre's brightest new stars and his third novel Captain Quad will only enhance his position.
Peter Gardner has the world by the tail until the fateful motorcycle accident that leaves him quadriplegic. The only people who care enough to visit him are his younger brother Sam, their alcoholic mother and for a while, his girfriend, Kelly. Gradually building inside of him is an anger and rage against the friends who have abandoned him, especially his ex-girlfriend. One day Peter experiences an out-of-body sensation and he naturally thinks he died. Soon, however, he realizes this is something he can do at will, so he now hatches his diabolical scheme to get even with those who hurt him, specifically Kelly and her new boyfriend. The action builds to a stunning climax with a nice little twist at the end.
Captain Quad is one of the more suspenseful and terrifying novels that I've read in the last while. The plot is both effective and engrossing with the prose clean and brisk. Costello creates all too real characters and gives the reader superb insights into the minds of the leading characters, especially Peter Gardner. There are lots of chills with the violence being both graphic and highly visual, especially the hockey scene, but it does not detract from the story. It's as exciting and stirring a novel as his earlier efforts Eden's Eyes and The Cartoonist, both from Pocket, and Captain Quad could be his best to date. Don't miss this one; it's first rate.
