Brother of Shadows... and Son of the Light

Zine
Title:	Brother of Shadows... and Son of the Light
Publisher:	Osiris Publications, agented later by Agent With Style
Editor:
Author(s):	Susan Matthews
Cover Artist(s):	Suzan Lovett
Illustrator(s):	Suzan Lovett
Date(s):	January 1989 (first printing), February 1989 (second printing), April 1989 (third printing)
Medium:	print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom:	Blake's 7
Language:	English
External Links:
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Brother of Shadows... and Son of the Light is a gen 87-page Blake's 7 novel by Susan Matthews, edited by Joy Harrison, illustrated by Suzan Lovett.

cover by Suzan Lovett, the art is titled "Miles to Go"

It was the winner of a 1990 Fan Q.

The zine is online here (standalone novel) and here *as part of a collection).

From a Flyer

flyer, printed in Osiris Files #7

OSIRIS Publications takes great pride in presenting the latest — and last — BLAKE'S 7 novel by talented multiple award winner Susan Matthews, acclaimed by many as the fandom's finest writer. Set in the days immediately following the debacle on Gauda Prime, it begins with a premise long popular among BLAKE'S 7 fans — that there were survivors of that disastrous encounter. But Susan Matthews never does quite what others do; she tells her own story.

For one survivor, at least, death would be far preferable to what Servalan has planned. But, even knowing the codes for her private yacht, how can he escape, when the very corridors of the Federation complex that Is her base — and his eternal, luxurious prison — are lethal to him? He knows the codes, knows the way out, and the doors are unlocked — but he knows, too, that he cannot leave, cannot venture beyond that first door... There is one way to be free, and only one — but is he strong enough to take it? An incredible story of courage and determination — and, yes, of loyalty, too — BROTHER OF SHADOWS...AND SON OF THE LIGHT is disturbing, frightening, and highly provocative. This is not a story for the weak; it contains scenes of such graphic violence that even the strongest may flinch. But, although shockingly violent at times, it is never needlessly so; it unhesitatingly explores a man's deepest fears, and becomes a triumph of his will, although at terrible cost. BROTHER OF SHADOWS...AND SON OF THE LIGHT is beautifully Illustrated by the superbly talented multiple Zen Award winner Suzan Lovett, and features a magnificently detailed colour cover.

To order this novel, a must for any BLAKE'S 7 fan — or for anyone else who appreciates truly fine writing — send a check or money order in the amount of $25.00 U.S. (first class postage included), payable to JOY HARRISON, to...

A Publisher's Summary

For Kerr Avon, a survivor of the debacle on Gauda Prime, death would have been far preferable to what Servalan has planned. But, even knowing the codes for her private yacht, how can he escape when the very corridors of the Federation complex that is her base -- and his eternal, luxurious prison -- are lethal to him? He knows the codes, knows the way out, and the doors are unlocked -- but he knows, too, that he cannot leave, cannot venture beyond that first door... An incredible story of courage and determination and deep loyalty, written by Susan Matthews and beautifully illustrated by Suzan Lovett, this story is disturbing, frightening and highly provocative. Not for the weak; although shockingly violent at times, it is never needlessly so. This novel unhesitatingly explores a man's deepest fears and becomes a triumph of his will, although at a terrible cost.

Author's Foreword

Joy has very kindly offered me this space in which to remark upon Life, the Universe, and Everything (trusting soul that she is). I appreciate the opportunity to say good-bye and best wishes to you all. You see, a little more than a year ago -- when I was finishing the first draft of this story -- I realized that, with Brother of Shadows completed, my heart just wasn't in media fandom writing any longer. All of the fan-stories I'd had in me were finished; B7, Star Wars, Escape from New York, all done. This, then, is at once the most recent B7 story I have written and the last derivative fiction I mean to write. I'd like to try to sell a non-derivative piece, now; but first I have to write one.

Twelve years in print as a fan-writer means twelve years of being edited. Seldom has the process been as painless as Joy made it; an ideal editor, Joy presented me with a manuscript that was exactly as I had written it -- only better. I know that any of you who write will understand how delightful an experience that is. My sincere thanks to Joy tor her editorial skill and sensitivity, not to mention the time and trouble she has taken to present my story so beautifully.

This story may not be fun, but I hope that you enjoy it.

From the Editor

The story you are about to read is not a "kind and gentle" tale. It is a story of courage and determination -- and, yes, of loyalty, too. It is disturbing, frightening, shockingly violent, and highly provocative. It is not a story for the weak; it contains scenes of such graphic violence that even the strongest may flinch. It begins with a familiar premise and goes on to unhesitatingly explore man's deepest fears; in the end, it becomes a triumph of his will, although at a terrible cost.

Susan Matthew and Suzan Lovett are two of the finest talents I have encountered in more than ten years of fandom. Susan tells one of the most moving -- and unsettling -- stories I have read in years. And Suzan brings that story vividly to life with her incredibly apt and hauntingly symbolic illustrations. Together, they have created something that even Terry Nation might envy...

On behalf of the entire OSIRIS Publications staff, I am honoured that she chose us to publish her last media-derived story. Will all miss her story-telling talent and her writing skills. We wish her the very best in both her life and her professional endeavours -- and we fully expect to see a great deal of her work in the bookstoresQ

Titles of Art

• "Miles to Go" (cover)
• "Gotcha"
• "Price of Freedom"
• "Black Creatures"
• "Encounter"
• "Judgement"
• "Phoenix"

Gallery

• 

  "Gotcha" -- "The first of the interior illos in "Brother of Shadows" would presumably make the zine ineligible to be seen in public at Deliverance; which is ironic indeed considering that, so I'm told, all the illos for the zine were personally vetted by Paul Darrow, who liked them very much."

• 

  "Price of Freedom"

• 

  "Black Creatures"

• 

  "Phoenix"

Reactions and Reviews

A post GP without the heavy Avon mind trip. It contains a scene not for the weak. This superior work, appropriately illustrated by Suzan Lovett, is a fitting climax story for retiring fandom writer, Susan Matthews.