The publication of Shadow of the Storm marks the realization of a lifelong ambition for author Robert Edward Graham, a dream that was repeatedly delayed by personal tragedy but ultimately fulfilled days before his death from cancer. The novel, co-written with C. S. Fuqua, is a science fiction adventure set in a dystopian future where Earth is dominated by a giant corporation called Nattech, Inc., and society is sharply divided between the haves and the have-nots. The story begins with the discovery of a mysterious rock on Mars, a return mission that goes awry, and the subsequent disappearance of people amid civil unrest and natural disasters.
Protagonist Jim Pleasant Wolfshadow, a Cheyenne former Navy SEAL and retired Nattech operative, emerges from retirement to find his missing friend Max. During a meeting with The Seven, a group of leading physicists, Wolfshadow himself vanishes and is transported to Earth's bleak future. There, he teams up with a shapeshifter on a quest to rescue Max and confront Mahu, a godlike entity from another dimension that feeds on chaos. Mahu has dispatched a monster named Briareus to destroy humanity, but its actions threaten to unravel time and space across the universe. Wolfshadow's battle against Mahu on the entity's home world culminates in a moment of hopelessness that is unexpectedly reversed by a surprising ally.
While the novel's plot offers a thrilling adventure, the story behind its creation is equally compelling. Graham, a stage and film actor, model, and founding member of the 1960s band The Penthouse Five, had long aspired to write a novel. In the 1990s, he was paired with instructor C. S. Fuqua through the Writer's Digest school. After the course, Graham enlisted Fuqua as a co-author. However, their collaboration faced numerous interruptions due to Graham's battles with cancer and addiction, which sidelined the project for extended periods. Despite these challenges, Graham remained committed to the work. On his deathbed, he dictated the novel's ending to his brother David, and the first draft was completed just days before he passed away.
C. S. Fuqua, the co-author, brings a wealth of literary experience to the project. His extensive publication record spans non-fiction, science fiction, dark fantasy, mainstream and literary fiction, poetry, and mystery/suspense. His books include The Crosses (with Bonnie Lynne Del Aguila), Walking after Midnight: Collected Stories, Big Daddy's Fast-Past Gadget, White Trash & Southern: Collected Poems, and Native American Flute: A Comprehensive Guide. His short stories have appeared in a wide array of publications, from Cemetery Dance to The Christian Science Monitor. Fuqua currently resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The novel is published by Foolscap & Quill, an independent publishing company based in Jefferson County, Colorado.
The release of Shadow of the Storm is significant not only as a gripping tale of courage and cosmic conflict but also as a testament to the enduring human spirit. It underscores the idea that creative endeavors can transcend personal suffering and mortality, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of art. For readers, the book offers both an escape into a richly imagined world and an inspiring glimpse into the life of an author who refused to let go of his dream.
