The more recent cover art.
Fade is a novel written by Franco-American horror novelist Robert Cormier, and was published in 1988. It tells the story of Paul Moreaux, a teenager in 1938 who has recently discovered he has the power to turn invisible at will, a power he calls "The Fade". Despite the cautions of his uncle Adélard, also a Fader, Paul puts his power to use eavesdropping. This power ends up bringing more trouble than he bargained for, as he witnesses horrible truth after horrible truth.
This book provides examples of:
- Attempted Rape: At one point, Omer makes a younger boy go down on his knees in front of him, with the clear intent of forcing him into performing fellatio. The reason it becomes an attempted rape is because Paul punched Omar while using the Fade, giving the would-be victim a chance to escape.
- Cynicism Catalyst: Adélard's current way of life as a wanderer started immediately after his brother Vincent's death.
- Good Girls Avoid Abortion: Aunt Rosanna got pregnant prior to the events of the story taking place. She wanted to keep the baby, in spite of her parents' disapproval. Sadly, whether or not she would keep it ended up not mattering.
- Posthumous Sibling: Paul's uncle Vincent, who died years before Paul was born. His death still haunts Adélard to this day.
- Super Powerful Genetics: The Fade is passed down from Uncle to nephew, with Paul inheriting it from Adélard.