The Serpent Slayers: A Southwestern Supernatural Thriller

by Adam Niswander

The second in an ambitious 13-book series of stand-alone-yet-connected novels by Niswander, this is an uneven but entertaining fantasy/horror tale. Set in present-day Arizona, and including almost all of the Native American shamans who joined together in The Charm to defeat a wind demon, this story also tells of the unleashing of an ancient menace, in this case a 25,000-year-old serpent referred to only as "She." Deep under Casa Malpais, an actual ceremonial complex built by the Mogollon people (A.D. 200-1400), the serpent queen takes control of the archeologists and diggers above her lair, and sends out thousands of poisonous snakes into Phoenix and Springerville to bring humans into submission . A Native American god, Yig, the Scaled One and Father-of-All Serpents, decides to help the shamans bring his "daughter" under control. The Gathering (along with herpetologist Dr. Jeremy Myers) finally puts "She" back into a near-permanent hibernation. As in The Charm , the author's portrayal of romantic/physical relations between men and women is often absurd or banal, and his excessive deference to his shamanic characters translates into some very stiff dialogue. In the end, however, perhaps any work that shows such deep respect for another culture can be enjoyed for that reason alone.

308 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1994

About the author

Born in 1946 in Flushing, New York. Graduated Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1964.
Played French Horn in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami Symphony Orchestras.
Attended Broward County Junior College in 1965.
Attended The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City in 1965-1966.
Entered the U.S. Navy in 1966, served two eleven month tours of duty in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1970.
Worked as an actor, member of Equity, until 1976.
Moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1977.
Helped create the Macro Society Community in 1979, ordained as a minister in The Macro Society Community Church.
Opened Adam's Bookstore, a used and rare specialty store, in 1984.
He is a bachelor.
He has two cats - Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser.

Reviews

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very late on posting this review but really enjoyed this Lovecraft-based piece, strange and mysterious and a good read! I had the honor of meeting the author who helped to establish an Arizona -based convention based on the tales of H.P. Lovecraft and he is a great person with a great imagination. It shows well here.

[C.S. S Bernhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When rattlesnakes begin appearing in large numbers and attacking people law enforcement call on scientist for help. But it will take more then normal means to stop these snakes.
Medicine men from the twelve major Indian tribes prepare to reunite at the Great Gathering on the Salt Riever. Each shaman is trobled by visions, ghosts or totems all warning of impending disaster.
The shaman soon find themselves working with the white men, scientist, and law enforcement to stop this terrifying threat.

Even though the thought of snakes slithering around was enough to stop me from reading this book for a long time I finally faced my fears, picked up the book and headed straight into the story. I am so glad I did. Adam has taken a lot of time getting to know the Native American culture and has weaved it into his story exceptionly well.
There's plenty of action to go around and thankfully he didn't dwell on the snakes killing for long periods.
I would and have recommended this book to friends. I give it 5 stars.