Tomes of Shadowstalking

Welcome to the land of shadows, where evil is the greatest power, where nightfall marks the birth of terror, where your very soul is at risk. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with black magic and dark souls and encounter the monsters rule these wicked places.

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Jenna Rosen thought her life ended when her young son, Bobby, died after falling overboard during a vacation in Alaska. For a time she lost herself in alcohol and drugs, shutting herself down to the bare minimum of consciousness and coherence needed to survive. Then, when things start to go wrong in her marriage, she leaves Seattle for Alaska once more. There, she discovers that her son might not be truly dead yet, although he can no longer be truly alive either. It is on the ferry north that she begins to learn about the kushtaka, Tlingit spirits who save dying men and women--and children--on land or sea, but whose powers are such that those so saved often become kushtaka themselves. Now, with her spirit dying within her, does Jenna have a chance at saving her son's soul, or will she become the next victim of the kushtaka?

Raven Stole the Moon is a rather ambiguous title, but it's precisely that which drew me to the book. Having heard many stories about Raven, his pranks and his gifts, and having seen various adaptations of the legend (including the one in Gargoyles), I just had to pick up this book. Of course, the mention of a netherworld between life and death certainly helped in convincing me to pick up this book.

There are a few racy scenes that require discretion in perusing, and a few scenes that take a slightly stronger stomach than normal to read. Mostly these scenes are just brief descriptions of this or that, but there are a few that are not for immature or conservative eyes. And yet, these scenes are necessary to illustrate exactly what's wrong with Jenna's marriage and the situation of the native Tlingit spirits. Without such descriptions of erotic stimulation or violent fights and struggles, I think the book would lose much of its impact.

Although not a short book, Raven Stole the Moon is also not a long book. If Native American mythologies are your thing, then this is a book I'm certain you'll find a wonderful read, and the length will definitely not put you off. So why not give it a chance? I mean, it isn't like you have to worry about someone stealing your night light, right? Or do you?

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Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail. Also, if this review prompted you to read the book, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.

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