Title: Shaman, Friend, Enemy
Rating:
Author: M. Terry Green
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: October 22, 2011
Review:
Shaman, Friend, Enemy by M. Terry Green is the second book in the Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman series. What is a ‘techno-shaman’, you may ask? Good question! I was wondering the same thing when I was introduced to this intriguing concept in the first book, Shaman, Healer, Heretic. In a nutshell, it’s pretty much what you would imagine – a shaman-for-hire who uses technology to enhance her powers while helping people who are experiencing an upset in their spiritual plane. Naturally, it’s a bit more complicated than that, which is why even though this works as a stand-alone book, I would highly recommend starting with the first book in the series, especially to get a sense of who the recurring characters are.
Livvy, the strong, kindhearted protagonist is in fine form in this second installment. She has made quite a name for herself in the world of shamans, and her services are in high demand. Those who have read the first book will also be thrilled to see the return of supporting characters Min, S.K., Mamacita and some of the other shamans who aided her in her previous adventures. Despite Livvy’s newfound celebrity, however, she is harboring a dark secret, one that goes against every rule of shamanism. Adding to the intrigue is an unfriendly shaman who has the ability to track and harm her in the underworld and a forbidden budding romance between Livvy and an unlikely character further complicates matters.
This book really has something for everyone – action, paranormal adventure, romance and mystery. The protagonists are portrayed realistically and are immensely likeable, and the villains are believably evil. Green does a great job of fleshing out her characters and answers many of the questions I had at the end of the previous book. Like any good storyteller, though, she raises just as many questions with the ending of this installment, which definitely left me hungry for more.
I highly recommend this book and this series if you’re looking for something just a little bit different. The world of shamans is not something you commonly read about, and the romance aspect involves two very atypical characters. I will caution that both books started out a little slow for me, but once the action picked up I couldn’t stop turning the pages! This book is suitable for teens and adults. There is no bad language, no sex and some mild violence. A great read to add to your summer reading list!
Synopsis:
Patients with fractured souls, clients threatened by deadly ancestor spirits, and now the paparazzi – it’s all in a day’s work for techno-shaman Olivia Lawson. Livvy has rocketed to the top of the shaman world, bringing old friends with her but also attracting new enemies.
Even as her career soars, her personal life spirals downward. Broken bonds of love finally force her to confront the terrible secret of her beginning in shamanism. Despite being attacked by dark shamans and navigating a spiritual plane that seems out of control, Livvy’s single-minded quest steers her into dangerous territory and puts her on a collision course with those dearest to her.
No longer interested in walking a fine line, Livvy discovers that – when the one thing you need is the one thing you can’t have – you’ll risk everything.
