In the Shadow

Captivating and controversial, In the Shadow, is the story of Bob Younger, the sixth of the Younger Brothers of Missouri. As a boy, Bob's privileged life is irrevocably altered through a horrific series of events during the Kansas-Missouri Border War and ensuing War Between the States. After his brother Cole becomes immersed in the deadly guerilla force of William Clarke Quantrill, a vendetta is launched against the Youngers by men who won't be satisfied until the family's home, enterprises, land and lives are systematically destroyed. As Bob grows into his adolescence, Cole turns to a life of outlawry to avenge those he loves and the defeat of the Confederate Cause; and the list of his enemies grows longer and more determined. The four remaining brothers attempt to build a new life in Texas, a location where they anticipate they will easily blend into the large group of immigrating Missourians. But the past encroaches on Bob's efforts to start over as Cole, then his brother John, become fully immersed in activism and greed. Despite Bob's efforts to live his own life and distance himself from involvement in his brothers' crimes, he finds it near impossible to be considered individually beyond Cole's reputation. After Bob experiences a devastating personal loss, the charismatic Jesse James entices him with promises of retribution against those who won't allow him the opportunities to which he feels entitled. But Bob wants something that Cole and Jesse probably don't understand and what he wants is just out of his reach. It seems his life might always be one of complications and compromise. Yet when Bob is not yet twenty-one, unforeseen encounters with two people may provide him with an opportunity to live the life he has always longed to live. One of them, someone he never thought would influence him, attempts to show him his life has value despite his past. The other, an old friend, has a proposal that might enhance Bob's future. Now Bob has to make a big decision. So do his brothers. Once again the Youngers stand to be transformed by family loyalty and unprecedented events. Yet this time, Bob holds the cards. If only he can look to the future and leave behind the boy who always stood in the shadow... "After focusing on music biography for so long, it's exciting to return to the subject of my very first book," says author Marley Brant. "I know some people may have an issue with the way I present Bob's story, as this story has never been told in this way, but that's okay. This is the story my familiarity with the subjects, some unpublished letters and statements, and my decades of research has led me to tell. This deviates from many of the accounts with which they are familiar but this is, after all, a historical novel. This is an animated version; In the Shadow is the way it might have been..."