Customer Reviews

Shaman

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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Sandra Miesel has a well-deserved reputation, in the appropriate ciricles, as a science fiction and fantasy critic (in which capacity I once corresponed with her). Her own fiction is less well known, which is is a shame, since this novel displays both a fine command of narrative and characterization and an impressive amount of background research.

Potential readers should be aware that an earlier form of the book appeared as "Dreamrider" (which I have also reviewed under its Amazon listing, suggesting some additional reading to the curious). I would urge anyone who read and liked that version of the novel, and missed this edition, not to pass up the revised and expanded form, which is significantly richer, and even more satisfying.

If you have not read "Dreamrider," both versions are heady mixtures of science fiction (future and alternate histories, technological and medical advances) and the mystical powers and out-of-body journeys of ritual specialists in many cultures. The heroine is based in a dystopian future that may or may not be ours, but much of the action takes place in time in which humans share the world with other intelligent species, including some playful, delightful, and realistically predatory, otters.

This book has been one of my favorites for years, and it is a pity that it is out of print; I am glad to see that used copies are circulating, so at least a few more people will get to enjoy it.

This is a quality piece of work by Sandra Miesel. It is one of those rare boks that gets you so involved that when you close it and get back to the real world, the real world seems imaginary. This has the perfect blend of characters that matter, intriguing worlds and fantasy.

As I first glanced t the book I thought it would be a childish fantasy book. I was so wrong. Everytime I put the book down, I wished to go back into the world of Ria, Lute, and the "solexes". This book truly is one of a kind, if you ever consider reading it, DO IT! Not often does a book strike me as this one did!!!