Helpful Score: 4
The Charm is written in an easy-to-read narrative that begins to sound like one of the old Native American stories itself. The characters are charming, unassuming people who have not asked to have this burden thrust upon them, but rather have answered a call to save not only their own peoples, but all of humanity. The non-Native Americans of course fight the idea of a supernatural force at work against mankind, but slowly learn, as Hamlet said, "There are more things in heaven and earth ... than are dreamt of in [White man's] philosophy." The Charm is a great read, whether you're a usual fan of fantasy or not. Especially fun if you're a fan of Native American South-western literature.
Helpful Score: 2
The Author and my husband used to be friends and part of the same Writers group when this book was being written years ago. I have not actually read his book. Not my style, but was present in the author's life while he was writing it. I hope I am not in it somewhere as a victim.
Arizona archeologist Jack Foreman unwittingly unleashes a demonic, tornado-like force on the Southwest in Niswander's fast-paced, well-written debut, the first installment in a projected three-volume series entitled "The Shaman Cycle." Imprisoned 500 years ago by a "Great Gathering" of Native Americans and the power of a sacred charm, this instrument of mass bloodshed and destruction must be stopped by a second gathering. Enlisting the aid of Arizona police detective Greg Johnson, New Mexico tribal police sergeant Ed Twohats Redfield and TV weatherman Matt Sharp, Foreman helps shamans from 12 tribes join together to defeat the "beast" in two temporal and three spiritual domains--not an easy task, even with the ancient amulet. An ultimate sacrifice seems to be required, and Jack volunteers to make sure the demon is destroyed once and for all. Niswander invests his characters with colorful personalities, displays knowledge of and respect for Native American culture and knows how to weave disparate story lines together into a compelling whole.
Arizona archeologist Jack Foreman unwittingly unleashes a demonic, tornado-like force on the Southwest in Niswander's fast-paced, well-written debut, the first installment in a projected three-volume series entitled "The Shaman Cycle." Imprisoned 500 years ago by a "Great Gathering" of Native Americans and the power of a sacred charm, this instrument of mass bloodshed and destruction must be stopped by a second gathering. Enlisting the aid of Arizona police detective Greg Johnson, New Mexico tribal police sergeant Ed Twohats Redfield and TV weatherman Matt Sharp, Foreman helps shamans from 12 tribes join together to defeat the "beast" in two temporal and three spiritual domains--not an easy task, even with the ancient amulet. An ultimate sacrifice seems to be required, and Jack volunteers to make sure the demon is destroyed once and for all. Niswander invests his characters with colorful personalities, displays knowledge of and respect for Native American culture and knows how to weave disparate story lines together into a compelling whole.
