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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Shaman is a fantastic read, January 9, 2009
This review is from: The Shaman: Science, Nature, Prophecy (Paperback)
The Shaman is all that it promises and more. I went in with the expectation of a tropical jungle thriller and it certainly delivered on that. By the middle of the book I was totally hooked and couldn't put it down until I finished the last chapter. But the book is much, much more than that. Beyond being a combination of Indiana Jones and a Tom Clancy page-turner, Longo weaves in fascinating subplots and threads of exploratory science, philosophy, and a general curiosity and awe with nature. More than just a good plot, these episodes (mostly done through several very good characters) really bring substance to the book. There were many times when I looked up from the book, simply amazed, and spent time thinking about what had just happened. It is a seamless blend of interesting characters, driving plot, cutting-edge thinking and science, and a uniting world-view and philosophy that really leaves an impression on you when you finish the book. For anyone who appreciates nature and the sad state of our environment, this is a must read. For everyone, I highly, highly recommend it.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beware of the Spirits and Ancient Prophecies ..., December 27, 2008
This review is from: The Shaman: Science, Nature, Prophecy (Paperback)
Mark D. Longo writes a tremendously enjoyable fictonal adventure story based in Guatemala, which combines the importance of natural conservation with the spiritual views and religious ceremonies of the ancient Maya, along with a threat to global health related to the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012. The author writes a hair-raising account of the disappearance of two land developers who want to clear the Guatemalan rainforest for modern construction without much concern for the lives of the displaced animals nor for the trees that are destroyed. It turns out, the famous filmmaker Jared Foster, whose passion is making documentaries about nature, plans to shoot footage of this unspoiled region with an anthropologist, Christopher Burgeis, who will be his new production assistant. They first learn of the dangers associated with their project while staying at a hostel near the region they plan to explore. Locals, tourists, and businessmen have been disappearing without a trace while visiting the rainforest.
Prior to his arrival in Guatemala, while enroute driving through Mexico, Jared discovers a beautiful female past associate Sybil Lee sunning herself on a nude beach at a seaside resort. She is a biologist, a cohort who shared his passion for environmental issues in the past. At the time, he *nearly* revealed his true feelings for her but she always seemed to fall for someone else just when he was most vulnerable. Oddly enough, by pure chance, they met up in Guatemala and somehow she maneuvered herself to be part of his filming project. She also convinced Jared to include her handsome and muscular British friend, Alan Hotchworth, on this dangerous trip. He is the Director of Strategic Giving for a global philanthropic organization started by his grandfather . Sybil is certain Jared could benefit financially if Alan finds this trip worthwhile.
Along with wonderful descriptions of the rainforest and animal life, the author uses his knowledge of biology and ecology to shed light on the gradual destruction of natural environments and how it can be slowed down. Most fascinating and impressive is how the author weaves Mayan spiritual beliefs and religious ceremonies into the plot which includes a self-appointed Divine King God, called "K'uhul Ajaw Kab" whom Jared discovers is not only a personal threat to visitors of the Guatemalan rainforest but who has sinister plans to change the world. In this novel the author creates a highly engaging and tightly woven plot in which suspense builds and reaches a crescendo with some surprising results. There is a good balance of both serious and humorous moments within the book and the personalities of the main characters are thoroughly developed. I recommend this book most highly for anyone who loves Indiana Jones-like adventure. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bridging the gap between science and spirituality, December 17, 2008
This review is from: The Shaman: Science, Nature, Prophecy (Paperback)
This is a great book that can be read on many levels. On the surface, it's a straight forward action-adventure based on environmental themes and Maya legend. On this level there are plenty of thrills, memorable characters and a gripping storyline. But dig a little deeper and you'll discover that the story can be interpreted as a complex parable of our modern alienation from nature. The main character's quest is a quest to reconnect. Then there are the spiritual aspects of the story. Traditionally, shamans are those members of society who act as intermediaries between the material and the spiritual worlds, and this book as a whole serves that same function -- It provides a rational path towards a spiritual awareness. The author is currently working towards a PhD in Biology. He seems to know his science well and discusses a number of interesting parallels between modern scientific thought and ancient mystical knowledge. Beyond all these intriguing aspects of the book there are symbolic elements that I'm still trying to get my head around. Is Sybil Lee supposed to represent the old goddess of the wild earth, Cybele?
There is sooo much in here. Definitely worth a read, or two.
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