Customer Reviews

Numenon: A Tale of Mysticism & Money (Bloodsong, Book 1)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Synopsis: Join author Sandy Nathan on a revelatory journey of self discovery as she leads the reader along two divergent storylines; one revolving around Will Duane, the richest man in the world and his massive financial empire functioning under the name "Numenon". The other half of the tale concerns a Native American Shaman and visionary known as Grandfather who is about to present his sacred teachings in one last gathering, or pow-wow at an ancient Indian sacred site in Tucson, Arizona.

Will Duane and his "best warriors" ("a warrior is a warrior" even in a business suit) are on an unprecedented excursion to this sacred gathering to meet with Grandfather for reasons only known to Will and Grandfather. A clash of Spirit is about to occur, something ordained by powers beyond the control of either man. Whatever happens will be of monumental significance and the Powers of Light and Darkness will have their say before all that is to be is brought to fruitition.

Critique: The new release `Numenon' by Sandy Nathan is one of the most superbly developed, intensely riveting and profoundly moving works of fiction I've read in quite a long time. The author's attention to detail, in-depth character development and cohesive, constantly evolving storyline will keep the reader transfixed from beginning to end.

Even more impressive (if that's possible) is the fascinating spirituality so beautifully and intricately weaved throughout this wonderful first volume of `The Bloodsong Series'. The spiritual teachings constitute the Story behind the story and introduce the reader to potent, invisible energies and beings flowing around and through physical creation. Yes even today in this jaded, profane 21st century world they continue to impact us whether we're consciously aware of their presence of not.

More often than not when anything of a spiritual nature finds it way into a work of fiction one immediately becomes aware of the distinct possibility of a hidden agenda on the part of the author, the ever-present fear of attempted evangelization have ruined many a good book. However that is certainly not the case here. The author has done a masterful job at blending the profane with the sacred that can be enjoyed on so many different levels whether you're spiritually inclined or not.

It just doesn't get any better than this, 'Numenon' receives my highest recommendation. I anxiously await part two!

It was with some hesitation that I started this novel. I've been approached to review too many obviously hack-written potboilers that superficially exploited spiritual themes to just make a buck. Certain people had even approached me to write such books. That was why I felt such relief and growing wonder as I quickly saw the true nature of this work. This book is something totally different from what I feared- it is the "real deal." It is obviously a work of true inspiration as related by the author in her foreword. You can't fake something like that. This book also had something else that I've learned to take as the hallmark of a genuine work of real worth, namely, synchronistic "hit" after "hit" with my own life...

As for the quality of the writing itself, I found it to be the equal (if not superior to) a King, or a Barker, or a Rice. The story just flows so smoothly and rapidly to draw you along almost against your will. The character development is also superb, for I came to recognize these people from my own lifetime of experience. However, what really jumped out at me was the spiritual substance woven into the story. It has a deeper meat and meaning which separates it from the vast majority of modern work- especially fiction. I remember Mircea Eliade stating that some more subtle topics were best transmitted by incorporating them into literature fantastique- the sacred hidden in the profane.

As for the character of Grandfather and his teachings, this is no rip-off of Native American culture. Grandfather may be from an unnamed tribe but he clearly represents a type of holy man found in all traditional societies around the world- and throughout time. They transcend time.

I've also got to comment on the design of the book itself. From the dust jacket, to the cover decoration, to the end papers, to the use of acid-free paper, this book is a quality artifact. I've seldom seen better quality in a modern production.

If I had one minor criticism, it would be the importance that so many characters seem to put in academic degrees concerning esoteric subjects. From my personal experience those who claim to know so much OF a thing, seldom know the true thing-in-itself- the noumenon, so to speak...

Leading Numenon, the largest and most powerful corporation on the Earth, Will Duane carries a secret. Haunted for years by the memory of his demanding and verbally abusive father, Will compensates by driving for ever greater success at all costs. Ethics, faithfulness, relationships, all take a back seat to his overriding lust for power. But the success he achieves leaves him empty. Forever stalked by a dark presence creating a pall over everything in his life, Will finds solace by retreating within himself by physically punishing his body through excessive exercise. Nearing exhaustion, something special happens. A heightened state of awareness occurs through a glowing column of light beginning at the base of his spine. Will achieves what mystics call - Kundalini - here he is safe; here is where he finds peace; here is where he finds answers.

From his lean-to in remote New Mexico, a Native American shaman-known by many names but by his followers as "grandfather"-senses the gathering of evil. It will be at the annual gathering of his spirit warriors, simply called "the meeting", where this darkness will descend and collide with grandfather's spiritual forces and the corporate power of Numenon.

In Numenon, national award winning author Sandy Nathan takes the reader through the parallel journeys of two very different worlds - that of corporate deals and greed juxtaposed with that of Native American Indians on the reservation. Alternating between these two realities, Nathan explores each of the characters histories - their lives, choices, and experiences which have led them to the present conditions. Nearing the spiritually charged ground where the meeting is to occur, each of the characters feel the intensity of what they are about to experience and each must choose their path forward.

This is the first book in the Bloodsong series by Nathan. Those expecting a tidy closure to all of the plot's elements will instead find a continuously building pressure cooker leading to a climatic meeting of forces to be resolved in future volumes. This is a very enjoyable read and those interested in mysticism and Native American Culture will thoroughly enjoy Numenon.

Sandy Nathan creates a world where the giant Numenon Corporation and its founder Will Duane are seemingly all powerful. Will's people have learned that they bow to his wishes or they are out with no second chances. There is no middle ground and no limit to the greed driven ambition shown by Will's "warriors." But Will has a secret stalker as well as a mysterious woman in his past. He takes his people with him and goes on a spiritual retreat, a meeting, led by Grandfather, a Native American shaman. But reaching the site of Grandfather's retreat, The Mogollon Bowl, proves far more difficult than Will or his warriors could have imagined. Spiritual forces fight against evil and Will is nearly killed.

Ms. Nathan has done a superb job with this book, especially with the spiritual elements. Her character development is so well-done I found myself feeling understanding and pity for some of the characters even as I despised their behavior. The desert setting for most of the book is beautifully brought to life and the writing style drew me in until I couldn't stop reading.

Not all plot elements are resolved at the end since this book is part of a series. But an excerpt from the next book is included and you will want to read on.

Numenon is the first book in the Bloodsong Series, and I'll admit, I skeptically downloaded it becuase it was cheap. 'Spiritualally themed?' I imagined something preachy or in which the 'believer' triumphs over the evildoer in saccharine fashion. But I'll crack any book...

I'm glad I didn't let my assumptions steer me. The story is intriguing (as in, stay up all night to see where this is going). The pacing and tone of the writing match the story perfectly, and the text is invisible as the story unfolds. The characters are well-drawn! Each one comes to life in credible fashion, they behave truly to themselves and their inter-relationships make sense. The plot is as far from predictable as possible, and I love some of the themes that seem to be emerging - this is no simple good vs. evil. It is a great book that happens to involve a spiritual theme, rather than the other way around.

Ms. Nathan has written a terrific novel! I'm afraid, seeing only 16 reviews, that people are passing it over because of how it's categorized, but this book deserves a much wider readership. If you enjoy fantasy, sci fi or just stories that are wonderfully imaginative, this is a good choice. And the best part - it is intended to be the first of many (I think she said nine?). I can't wait for the next one, and will gladly pay for it :¬))

I read this book over the early part of the summer and enjoyed it immensely. Sandy Nathan creates a story line that rides between two worlds that are similar but distinct; the world of mystism and the world of money and power. The world and beliefs of a corporate executive and an American shaman, along with their respective followers collide in the desert, in a fictional place(somewhere in New Mexico) known as the Mogollan Bowl. It is here where the believers in the supernatural and natural worlds meet, where a series of unexplainable truths are revealed and the setting established for this first entry into the Numenon trilogy. The characters are richly developed by the author to the point where you identify with certain ones as they remind you of people you have met in life. There are many intricate, as well as superficial relationships that are outlined. It does have a bit of a soap opera feel to it at times at the author reveals the past of individuals and their current status. This makes for entertaining reading as the characters become dimensional and come to life. The language the author uses is colorful and descriptive, for some, those people that are offended by curse words may find it too colorful. This is not to say that it is full of "gutter" talk but there are a few situations where it is spicier than some may like. Myself, I liked it as it made it real because this is how many people talk. As for the story itself, it is an excellent presentation of what happens when a head of a huge(the most powerful)corporation takes his best on a spiritual retreat. His own intentions are obviously going to change radically because of the powers in the desert and the introduction of the grandfather. As I read this book it reminded me, at times, of another series that I read years ago. Elements of the late Carlos Castenada worlds, found in The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of KnowledgeA Separate Reality, where the unexplainable, in Western terms, is given meaning and detailed vividly to create alternate perceptions to common and uncommon situatons. The author explians in her authors notes her inspiration for writing this book. It is obvious, given the clarity, sincerity and expressiveness, that her own spiritual experiences have contributed tremendously to this fine book. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book as the adventure unfolded in the desert. I wanted more after finishing the book and the author did not disappoint. She included an excerpt from the sequel, "Mogollan" "The Blood Series II." I look forward to reading the next installment. I would recommend reading this adventure book as it has many insights into spiritualism and the clashes between the known and unknown.

What Pulitzer-winner John McPhee is to environmental fiction, Sandy Nathan is to both spiritual fiction and non-fiction. Nathan's fictional "Numenon" merges two parallel narratives (one centered on preparations for a Native American spiritual gathering, the other an unusual business trip via corporate RV) with a dramatic clash in the novel's page-turning final chapters.

In the process, Nathan's story-telling affords an insider's glimpse into the disparate realms of a Silicon Valley hi-tech tycoon and a Native American spiritual guru, and the historical events that bring them together...fictional histories replete with real life lessons for us all.

If the unusual combination of corporate intrique and espionage alongside pitched battle for the soul are not sufficient to keep the reader's attention, Nathan also continues to establish herself as an expert in another compelling category: equine fiction! Nathan knows horses, and their place in "Numenon" should be satisfying to both life-long horse-lovers and horse novices.

The only readers who may wish to proceed with caution are newly minted MBA's (this reviewer includes himself in this readership segment), as Numenon reads in part as a caution to those hell-bent on taking over the corporate world, and the damage such unbridled greed and ambition can inflict not only on others, but on one's soul.

The conclusion is that Sandy Nathan includes a little something for everyone in "Numenon," and in the process establishes herself as a must-read author!

WOW! I just finished reading Numenon and it was not just a book but an experience. Yes, it is an exciting story of the world's richest most powerful man(CEO of the world's largest corportion) going to meet with the world's most powerful spiritual leader a Native American Shaman. The author's writing style is excellent. She really builds up each character and makes them real, you really get a clear picture in your mind of how they look and their character. The wealthy Will Duane and the Shaman "Grandfather" are powerful creations that draw you into the story and leave you anticipating each new page.
On another level as each of the characters in the corporate contingent and the Native American's in the book soul searched, I found my self opening up and examining my own life. It was amazing how the author Sandy Nathan weaved the tale into a spiritual journey for the reader, as you read the story line. I believe you will be touched regardless of your background. Sandy Nathan also touches on many Mystic teachings as her Shaman "Grandfather" teaches and leads his spiritual warriors against the visible and invisible evil that exists in the world.
You will enjoy this book on many levels.

Having purchased a Kindle, I was anxious to get some books downloaded, but didn't have the money. Thankfully, a family member turned me on to the "cheap" books. Numenon was anything but a "cheap" read.

Frankly, I am a bit surprised by some of the negative reviews by readers. Some of them wanted ALL or most of the characters to have grown by the end of the book. I think that is plain unrealistic. One of the great things about this novel is how some characters grow and some don't, and it is all dependent upon where they see the solutions coming from (this novel suggests that the energy within will shape a person's future - ever so subtely). Contrary to what some others thought, I felt like some of these characters who clearly lacked any spirituality, seemed to be taking baby steps to growth that would pan out in future novels in the series.

I have two cautions. I thought that the opening scene of the story was difficult to understand and actually almost made me put the book down. Also, I think the scene through the canyon on the way to the Meeting was a bit long and tedious. Other than that, I really liked the connection between spirituality and corporate America - I definitely felt like the writer was on to something here. I found the author's understanding of spirituality and Native American and Eastern cultures was spot on. This is clearly an author who has done her homework.

I admit that I was surprised that it has been a while since this novel was written and that a sequel was not out yet. In the prologue, the author says she has nine drafts for nine books in the series. Some might be disappointed where this book ends in the series. However, all in all, it is a well-written novel worth a look see by those who might consider themselves to be on a spiritual journey.

I read this book over the early part of the summer and enjoyed it immensely. Sandy Nathan creates a story line that rides between two worlds that are similar but distinct; the world of mystism and the world of money and power. The world and beliefs of a corporate executive and an American shaman, along with their respective followers collide in the desert, in a fictional place(somewhere in New Mexico) known as the Mogollan Bowl. It is here where the believers in the supernatural and natural worlds meet, where a series of unexplainable truths are revealed and the setting established for this first entry into the Numenon trilogy. The characters are richly developed by the author to the point where you identify with certain ones as they remind you of people you have met in life. There are many intricate, as well as superficial relationships that are outlined. It does have a bit of a soap opera feel to it at times at the author reveals the past of individuals and their current status. This makes for entertaining reading as the characters become dimensional and come to life. The language the author uses is colorful and descriptive, for some, those people that are offended by curse words may find it too colorful. This is not to say that it is full of "gutter" talk but there are a few situations where it is spicier than some may like. Myself, I liked it as it made it real because this is how many people talk. As for the story itself, it is an excellent presentation of what happens when a head of a huge(the most powerful)corporation takes his best on a spiritual retreat. His own intentions are obviously going to change radically because of the powers in the desert and the introduction of the grandfather. As I read this book it reminded me, at times, of another series that I read years ago. Elements of the late Carlos Castenada worlds, found in The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of KnowledgeA Separate Reality, where the unexplainable, in Western terms, is given meaning and detailed vividly to create alternate perceptions to common and uncommon situatons. The author explains in her authors notes her inspiration for writing this book. It is obvious, given the clarity, sincerity and expressiveness, that her own spiritual experiences have contributed tremendously to this fine book. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book as the adventure unfolded in the desert. I wanted more after finishing the book and the author did not disappoint. She included an excerpt from the sequel, "Mogollan" "The Blood Series II." I look forward to reading the next installment. I would recommend reading this book as it has many insights into spiritualism and the clashes between the known and unknown that are unveiled in this adventure.