The Shadow of the Serpent: A Coyote Moon Story (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ancient Native American lore, spirituality and philosophy are brought to vivid life in James Joseph's first novel, Shadow of the Serpent. Using a compelling blend of fact, fiction and fantasy, Joseph spins an adventure yarn full of action, mystery and intriguing parables ...

This is a rousing, action-packed story, but its real strength lies in its parables, the moral lessons of life and nature that bring harmony and purpose to our lives. Sequannah learns that loyalty and sacrifice for the family, the good of all, are more important than individual desires of safety. Groups of people might be different in many ways, but they are the same in the ways that count. Good will always triumph over evil if people will set aside their differences and work together toward a common goal.

Joseph's well-crafted narrative is detailed, varied and colorful, offering a fascinating insight into the religions, customs, traditions and rituals of early Native American life. Complex and tightly woven plotting provides suspense and excitement. Sequannah is an enduring and convincing character, and apparently, Joseph thinks so too, as he is already planning a sequel and perhaps a complete series of Coyote Moon stories. -- William D. Bushnell, September 5, 1997 Brunswick Times-Record

Product Description

Set in prehistoric North America, Shadow of the Serpent is a wildly original tale of nomadic peoples, exotic civilizations, and the inevitable struggle for dominance. The most powerful nomads ever known rule the plains, forests and mountains of ancient America. The Minnecou tribe faces the end of their way of life if they succumb to the awesome power generated by a sophisticated and oppressive culture. Using a masterful blend of myth and mysticism, James Joseph dispels the illusions of "civilization", exposing not only its weakness, but the obsession to control.

This action-packed adventure is a tale of epic proportions, steadily luring the reader into an indigenous mindset, and providing the experience of facing a civilization with fantastic powers. A haunting and entertaining blend, destined to bring about a whole new genre of fiction.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 423 pages
• Publisher: Audenreed Pr; 1st edition (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879418800
• ISBN-13: 978-1879418806
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,974,450 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Grabber!, January 21, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Williamsburg, VA) - See all my reviews

SHADOW OF THE SERPENT is a thrill-packed and emotionally-charged epic adventure which beckons those of us on the "war path" to follow a better Way. I had a sense of being irresistably drawn through misty woods into mysterious caverns, only to hear the whisperings of shamans sharing the wonders of ancient Truth: Go back and live in the Light. Henceforth, whenever I see patterns of yellow and black, I will be unable to ignore the metaphorical warning. Read this important mystical work. --Dan Gallagher

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful Native fantasy novel, December 9, 1997

By	[e-mail] (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) - See all my reviews

If someone asked me to review this book with just one word, I think "great" wouldn't be enough. It was an enthralling experience to learn more about the Native American ways and wisdom through such a fantastic story. Also, the narrative is quite elegant and detailed and the story never loses its pace. In the story, we are introduced to the Mineccou clan, a peaceful, yet strong tribe that are pushed into war when a powerful enemy nearly wipes out all the other clans in the area and enslaves the survivors. Sequannah, a young Mineccou warrior is also captured and enslaved, but soon he finds that he will play a very important role in his tribe's struggle. For he will have to fight not only for his own freedom, but also for the freedom of his clan's ways. A story full of wisdom that makes us think about our own ways.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A wonderfully creative,Native fantasy debut.", September 3, 1997

By A Customer

I spent hours reading the book,absorbed by the writing technique of James Joseph. The book starts in early and keeps dragging you in deeper after every chapter. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel by James Joseph. He is a promising author