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Olivia Lawson, Techno-Shaman #1
Shaman, Healer, Heretic
Even for a techno-shaman, a kachina in the bedroom isn’t exactly part of the drill. When Olivia Lawson wakes to find one towering over her, she panics. A Hopi god visiting the real world isn't just wrong–it's impossible. Or is it? Soon Olivia learns that the kachina is the least of her worries. As she struggles to save her clients, clashes with other shamans, and fends off the attacks of real-world vigilantes, Olivia finds herself in the destructive path of a malevolent ancient force intent on leaving the spiritual realm to conquer this one. Left with few options, Olivia is forced to defy centuries of shaman prohibitions. As she and her allies risk everything in their bid for survival, Olivia ultimately learns that the rules are there for a reason and that breaking them has a terrible cost.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2011
151 people are currently reading
1613 people want to read
About the author
M. Terry Green
15 books46 followersHi, I’m Terry.
Personally: My husband and I live in Los Angeles and we’ve both lived in California all our lives. The only way I can summarize my personal life succinctly is to tell you that we stopped being two separate people decades ago. Our natural and usual state is happy, upbeat, and quiet.
Professionally: I write full-time and have for the last several years. My non-fiction, under a different name to dispel confusion, has been published by Simon & Schuster and Penguin and my articles have appeared in the NY Times and Cosmopolitan, among others. I have a Ph.D. in archaeology but a B.S. in physics.
Sardonically: Writing about yourself in the third person would be a great way to create an exemplary bio, but that’s not why I’m here. Although I’m healthy, the number of days that I have left to live is finite (real mortality estimate). With that in mind, I’m considering how best to use those days–and I am writing.
Personally: My husband and I live in Los Angeles and we’ve both lived in California all our lives. The only way I can summarize my personal life succinctly is to tell you that we stopped being two separate people decades ago. Our natural and usual state is happy, upbeat, and quiet.
Professionally: I write full-time and have for the last several years. My non-fiction, under a different name to dispel confusion, has been published by Simon & Schuster and Penguin and my articles have appeared in the NY Times and Cosmopolitan, among others. I have a Ph.D. in archaeology but a B.S. in physics.
Sardonically: Writing about yourself in the third person would be a great way to create an exemplary bio, but that’s not why I’m here. Although I’m healthy, the number of days that I have left to live is finite (real mortality estimate). With that in mind, I’m considering how best to use those days–and I am writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
February 21, 2017
Olivia Lawson is a techno-shaman who earns her living helping clients with various ailments. To do this she uses a pair of goggles to enter the middle world and underworld to help retrieve souls and bring them back to their bodies. Olivia wakes one morning to find a Kachina in her room. As she goes about her normal situations with her clients she discovers that a Sumerian god is on the loose and killing people in the underworld.
I read this a few years ago and I've always meant to read the whole series. I recently bought all of the audios and decided to reread for prep.
Techno-shamans rule! Okay, I'm kind of a sucker for shamanic stuff anyway.
I read this a few years ago and I've always meant to read the whole series. I recently bought all of the audios and decided to reread for prep.
Techno-shamans rule! Okay, I'm kind of a sucker for shamanic stuff anyway.
April 6, 2012
4.5 Stars
Books like these are the reason I am willing to try work from self-published authors. I have to admit, I was a wary of the title and the cover, but I am so glad that didn't stop me from reading this book. It's fresh. The pacing is good. The plot is unpredictable without being unstable. And it has a great cast of characters which only pulled me in more, the further I read.
Livvie is a shaman. Armed with a special gift that allows her to send her spirit to another plane, she makes her living helping people whose spirits are trapped. Some clients are in a coma, some have serious physical illness, and others have psychological issues she can help them overcome.
As the book begins, things are a bit "off" on that other plane. At first, the changes are small. But when an ancient Hopi god --a kachina-- manifests himself in Livvie's bedroom, things begin to snowball. There is a powerful, destructive entity wreaking havoc on the other side. Even as skilled as she is, Livvie can't fight it alone. So she reaches out to others of her kind, hoping together, they can defeat the beast.
There were a lot of things I liked about the story. One was the plot. It was never boring; it never lagged. And while the progression felt natural, it never felt formulaic. The characters were three dimensional and nuanced. I liked Livvie, though I would have liked to know a little more of her backstory. Her shaman-middleman, SK, totally stole the show, though. I loved how his personality and his feelings were revealed over time. And by the end of the book, he was easily my favorite character.
There's not really much in the way of romance, but there are romantic interests. There are definitely feelings going on (but I won't spoil the particulars.) The world-building is very cool. And it's obvious that the book was professionally edited.
My only (minor) complaints: I wish we knew more about why Livvie left her medical career to become a shaman. We get bits and pieces of her history but not really enough to paint a complete picture. Maybe the author is saving that for later books. --I also didn't love the part of the storyline involving the potential love interest Joel and how that turned out.
But overall, I really enjoyed the book. And I'm looking forward to starting the next installment. 4 1/2 stars.
*Book provided by author for review
Books like these are the reason I am willing to try work from self-published authors. I have to admit, I was a wary of the title and the cover, but I am so glad that didn't stop me from reading this book. It's fresh. The pacing is good. The plot is unpredictable without being unstable. And it has a great cast of characters which only pulled me in more, the further I read.
Livvie is a shaman. Armed with a special gift that allows her to send her spirit to another plane, she makes her living helping people whose spirits are trapped. Some clients are in a coma, some have serious physical illness, and others have psychological issues she can help them overcome.
As the book begins, things are a bit "off" on that other plane. At first, the changes are small. But when an ancient Hopi god --a kachina-- manifests himself in Livvie's bedroom, things begin to snowball. There is a powerful, destructive entity wreaking havoc on the other side. Even as skilled as she is, Livvie can't fight it alone. So she reaches out to others of her kind, hoping together, they can defeat the beast.
There were a lot of things I liked about the story. One was the plot. It was never boring; it never lagged. And while the progression felt natural, it never felt formulaic. The characters were three dimensional and nuanced. I liked Livvie, though I would have liked to know a little more of her backstory. Her shaman-middleman, SK, totally stole the show, though. I loved how his personality and his feelings were revealed over time. And by the end of the book, he was easily my favorite character.
There's not really much in the way of romance, but there are romantic interests. There are definitely feelings going on (but I won't spoil the particulars.) The world-building is very cool. And it's obvious that the book was professionally edited.
My only (minor) complaints: I wish we knew more about why Livvie left her medical career to become a shaman. We get bits and pieces of her history but not really enough to paint a complete picture. Maybe the author is saving that for later books. --I also didn't love the part of the storyline involving the potential love interest Joel and how that turned out.
But overall, I really enjoyed the book. And I'm looking forward to starting the next installment. 4 1/2 stars.
*Book provided by author for review
December 31, 2014
3.5
Great characters! I enjoyed the book very much simply because of the characters.
Were there holes in the story? Sure. Some of them huge. But, that's not what put a smile on my face at the end. It was the characters themselves that grew on me.
Fun ride, well worth the time.
Great characters! I enjoyed the book very much simply because of the characters.
Were there holes in the story? Sure. Some of them huge. But, that's not what put a smile on my face at the end. It was the characters themselves that grew on me.
Fun ride, well worth the time.
October 29, 2014
3.5 stars.
Considering that I got this for free from the kindle store I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was more interesting and well written than other books I have paid significantly more for. I may well have given this a full 4 stars if there had been just a tad more consistent world building thrown in (at one point it's stated that no-one really believes shaman exist, but at other times shamanism is very prominently covered (scaremongered) in the news and regular people on the street seem to be in the know about shaman to the extent that most react with fear and violence towards anyone they even suspect may be a shaman).
I liked most of the characters, even the minor ones, and I have to say that I was quite impressed with how the author added a character with dwarfism to the book and then made it a non-event (like it should be). It was never forgotten that SK was shorter than average, but at the same time it wasn't A Big Deal to (nearly) all of the characters, he was just who he was and the world kept spinning like always.
I was quite caught out by the ending, which doesn't happen often to me. Perhaps I should have expected it since it wasn't like it was anything truly original or special, but I'm kind of glad I didn't because it gets boring having everything figured out before the story gets there.
Also how can I not like an author who dedicates their book "for cheese"?
I'd recommend this to any fan of the Urban Fantasy genre. It's not dark and gritty, but neither is it inconsequential fluff. There are some holes, though I'm putting that down to being a first book in the series and still trying to find its feet. Still, I enjoyed it enough to buy the next one in the series and I set a pretty high bar after all the UF I've read in the past, so make of that what you will.
Considering that I got this for free from the kindle store I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was more interesting and well written than other books I have paid significantly more for. I may well have given this a full 4 stars if there had been just a tad more consistent world building thrown in (at one point it's stated that no-one really believes shaman exist, but at other times shamanism is very prominently covered (scaremongered) in the news and regular people on the street seem to be in the know about shaman to the extent that most react with fear and violence towards anyone they even suspect may be a shaman).
I liked most of the characters, even the minor ones, and I have to say that I was quite impressed with how the author added a character with dwarfism to the book and then made it a non-event (like it should be). It was never forgotten that SK was shorter than average, but at the same time it wasn't A Big Deal to (nearly) all of the characters, he was just who he was and the world kept spinning like always.
I was quite caught out by the ending, which doesn't happen often to me. Perhaps I should have expected it since it wasn't like it was anything truly original or special, but I'm kind of glad I didn't because it gets boring having everything figured out before the story gets there.
Also how can I not like an author who dedicates their book "for cheese"?
I'd recommend this to any fan of the Urban Fantasy genre. It's not dark and gritty, but neither is it inconsequential fluff. There are some holes, though I'm putting that down to being a first book in the series and still trying to find its feet. Still, I enjoyed it enough to buy the next one in the series and I set a pretty high bar after all the UF I've read in the past, so make of that what you will.
November 3, 2011
This book is immediately engaging. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Livvy's life. The book is sprinkled with tantalizing details about the work of the shaman and how it integrates into the modern LA scene, giving the reader the joy of gradually discovering the details of this world. I loved the idea of the goggles and the multiverse, and I found the "rules" of this existence to be intriguing. It was evident that there was a lot of thought that went into how things would work for the shaman in this setting.The plot flows nicely from one event to another without ever feeling like it dragged, and the writing style made for an easy, quick read. The ending was generally satisfying (with the exception of Joel's part), and it even held a twist I wasn't expecting.
Livvy was easy to get to know and I was interested in her and her work. I really liked her character and she just felt "right" for the job. Working as a broker of shaman services, SK was a good accompaniment for Livvy's character. He was tough, but with a soft spot for Livvy, which made him realistic and gave us sympathy for his character. Each of the other shaman had very interesting and unique personalities, and the distinctions between them were well drawn by the author. The descriptions made it easy to picture the majority of the characters and imagine their interactions with one another. Joel's character, however, was one that didn't seem to fit for me. When he first burst onto the scene, I thought he might be interesting. As the story progressed, he seemed "off" to me. He felt less developed than the other characters- almost more like an afterthought to add some tension and a love interest. I couldn't figure out why Livvy seemed to trust him immediately, and his reaction to her line of work felt unexpected. As the story progressed, I found him even more unbelievable, and his part in the ending detracted from the story for me. If he didn't fit before, he seemed almost ludicrous by that point. I really don't think the story needed his character in order to be complete. I think it does just fine on its other merits.
Originally published at GraceKrispy's MotherLode blog
Livvy was easy to get to know and I was interested in her and her work. I really liked her character and she just felt "right" for the job. Working as a broker of shaman services, SK was a good accompaniment for Livvy's character. He was tough, but with a soft spot for Livvy, which made him realistic and gave us sympathy for his character. Each of the other shaman had very interesting and unique personalities, and the distinctions between them were well drawn by the author. The descriptions made it easy to picture the majority of the characters and imagine their interactions with one another. Joel's character, however, was one that didn't seem to fit for me. When he first burst onto the scene, I thought he might be interesting. As the story progressed, he seemed "off" to me. He felt less developed than the other characters- almost more like an afterthought to add some tension and a love interest. I couldn't figure out why Livvy seemed to trust him immediately, and his reaction to her line of work felt unexpected. As the story progressed, I found him even more unbelievable, and his part in the ending detracted from the story for me. If he didn't fit before, he seemed almost ludicrous by that point. I really don't think the story needed his character in order to be complete. I think it does just fine on its other merits.
Originally published at GraceKrispy's MotherLode blog
May 12, 2013
2.5 stars.
Ah this book was interesting. A great premise but a few things really frustrated me and confused me. Unfortunately all of them are spoilers so forgive me. This is a rather long review, so don't be surprised by the wall of text hidden behind the spoiler tag.
The first begins with a character by the name of
The last thing I can remember that I wished to talk about was the fact that a Kachina was used in this book. Which is all well and good; fantastic actually! But not many people would know what a Kachina is. I only knew about it because I took an anthropology course. It was because I knew what a Kachina was already, that I was able to continue reading and enjoy the story (at first), If I had not taken the class I would have had to put the book down and do some research to understand WHAT a Kachina is and their importance to the Hopi. I feel like the author could have incorporated the Kachina in a way that better described what it was and its importance.
Ah this book was interesting. A great premise but a few things really frustrated me and confused me. Unfortunately all of them are spoilers so forgive me. This is a rather long review, so don't be surprised by the wall of text hidden behind the spoiler tag.
The first begins with a character by the name of
The last thing I can remember that I wished to talk about was the fact that a Kachina was used in this book. Which is all well and good; fantastic actually! But not many people would know what a Kachina is. I only knew about it because I took an anthropology course. It was because I knew what a Kachina was already, that I was able to continue reading and enjoy the story (at first), If I had not taken the class I would have had to put the book down and do some research to understand WHAT a Kachina is and their importance to the Hopi. I feel like the author could have incorporated the Kachina in a way that better described what it was and its importance.
February 27, 2014
What’s a Shaman have to do to catch a break, anyway? You haul butt around, all over LA, finding lost souls (literally) and nobody gives you a lick of respect. Ugh. As if slipping on the Technogoggles and hoping around the multiverse, looking for people’s wandering souls was an easy thing to carry off!
Livvy is a Techno-Shaman, a Shaman who uses 3-D goggles combined with the technology of the “God Helmet”, which uses an electromagnetic field and shamanic symbols created with light and magnets in order to open the way into the multiverse of the middleworld – the entryway world where she meets her spirit helper, her guide through the middle and down into the Underworld, the land of the Spirits. The money isn’t all that good, but hey, it’s a living – even though you have to dodge the occasional religious fanatic or prejudiced A-hole. Only, suddenly, Techno-shamans are dieing. And Livvy isn’t sure that she won’t be next.
As more Shamans die, and the underworld becomes more and more dangerous to enter, Livvy works with S.K., the dwarf who acts as intermediary for the Los Angeles area Shamans, to gather together the Shamans in order to stop the deaths and changes in the middle and under worlds. But pulling together the secretive and isolationist Shamans into a working group is harder than one might think. And it soon appears that, even working together, it might be too late to stop the destruction of the multiverse, and possibly of all time and space.
Shaman, Healer, Heretic is a quirky sort of Urban Fantasy, set in the gritty and unhappy back alleys and hovels of Los Angeles. Seeped in multiple world views and superstitions, the author blends differing belief systems into a satisfying whole, making it one of the more creative books of it���s type that I have read recently.
I picked up my copy of M. Terry Green’s Shaman, Healer, Heretic (Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman) as a freebie on Amazon. If you are a lover of Urban Fantasy as am I, this is a book you should add to your reading list. I intend to add the next two books, Shaman, Friend, Enemy and Shaman, Sister, Sorceress to my TBR stack and try to work around to them in the near future. If the next two are as good as this one, I will be happy I did.
Livvy is a Techno-Shaman, a Shaman who uses 3-D goggles combined with the technology of the “God Helmet”, which uses an electromagnetic field and shamanic symbols created with light and magnets in order to open the way into the multiverse of the middleworld – the entryway world where she meets her spirit helper, her guide through the middle and down into the Underworld, the land of the Spirits. The money isn’t all that good, but hey, it’s a living – even though you have to dodge the occasional religious fanatic or prejudiced A-hole. Only, suddenly, Techno-shamans are dieing. And Livvy isn’t sure that she won’t be next.
As more Shamans die, and the underworld becomes more and more dangerous to enter, Livvy works with S.K., the dwarf who acts as intermediary for the Los Angeles area Shamans, to gather together the Shamans in order to stop the deaths and changes in the middle and under worlds. But pulling together the secretive and isolationist Shamans into a working group is harder than one might think. And it soon appears that, even working together, it might be too late to stop the destruction of the multiverse, and possibly of all time and space.
Shaman, Healer, Heretic is a quirky sort of Urban Fantasy, set in the gritty and unhappy back alleys and hovels of Los Angeles. Seeped in multiple world views and superstitions, the author blends differing belief systems into a satisfying whole, making it one of the more creative books of it���s type that I have read recently.
I picked up my copy of M. Terry Green’s Shaman, Healer, Heretic (Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman) as a freebie on Amazon. If you are a lover of Urban Fantasy as am I, this is a book you should add to your reading list. I intend to add the next two books, Shaman, Friend, Enemy and Shaman, Sister, Sorceress to my TBR stack and try to work around to them in the near future. If the next two are as good as this one, I will be happy I did.
July 30, 2016
ORIGINAL POST: SHAMAN, HEALER, HERETIC Kept Me Up All Night
SHAMAN, HEALER, HERETIC
An Olivia Lawson, Techno Shaman Novel
Kindle File Size: 416 KB
Paperback: 336 pages
This novel came highly recommended from another blogger, and it did very well in the Amazon competition mentioned above so I decided to check it out via the first chapter which is free online (you can also listen to it free via M. Terry Green's website).
I was impressed enough that I popped for the ninety-nine cents and bought the book. I read it all in one sitting, late into the night. It is really fantastic. I don't know if she sent out queries but whoever didn't snap this up was a fool.
The story is well written, and pulls you in from page one, which is when the action starts. There aren't many books that will keep me up but this one did. The characters are approachable and, mostly likable. They evolve (or devolve) and learn well throughout the book. There are a few loose-ish ends that have left me wondering, and the story might have been a little cleaner if they were left out or modified. I suspect at least two are set-ups for the next story.
Filled with action and cool technology that helps make shamanism believable. I was just fascinated with Green's approach to the spiritual planes. There is a mix engaging diverse cultures in the spirit-world: the multiverse as Green has labeled it. The shamans are also a diverse bunch. The setting is an alternate contemporary earth where shamans are known to actually have spiritual abilities and are used regularly if not fully accepted.
A pretty original plot and concept. I liked the writer's voice and felt there was a good balance between showing and telling. No info-dump and no hot and heavy moments.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND I immediately bought the next book in the series so I have put my money where my pen is.
Disclosure: Blogger purchase.
SHAMAN, HEALER, HERETIC
An Olivia Lawson, Techno Shaman Novel
Kindle File Size: 416 KB
Paperback: 336 pages
This novel came highly recommended from another blogger, and it did very well in the Amazon competition mentioned above so I decided to check it out via the first chapter which is free online (you can also listen to it free via M. Terry Green's website).
I was impressed enough that I popped for the ninety-nine cents and bought the book. I read it all in one sitting, late into the night. It is really fantastic. I don't know if she sent out queries but whoever didn't snap this up was a fool.
The story is well written, and pulls you in from page one, which is when the action starts. There aren't many books that will keep me up but this one did. The characters are approachable and, mostly likable. They evolve (or devolve) and learn well throughout the book. There are a few loose-ish ends that have left me wondering, and the story might have been a little cleaner if they were left out or modified. I suspect at least two are set-ups for the next story.
Filled with action and cool technology that helps make shamanism believable. I was just fascinated with Green's approach to the spiritual planes. There is a mix engaging diverse cultures in the spirit-world: the multiverse as Green has labeled it. The shamans are also a diverse bunch. The setting is an alternate contemporary earth where shamans are known to actually have spiritual abilities and are used regularly if not fully accepted.
A pretty original plot and concept. I liked the writer's voice and felt there was a good balance between showing and telling. No info-dump and no hot and heavy moments.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND I immediately bought the next book in the series so I have put my money where my pen is.
Disclosure: Blogger purchase.
May 10, 2014
I was enthralled by Shaman Healer Heretic. That being said, I think I may have been more in love with the idea of techno-shamans than with the book itself. That is not to say the book was bad. Far from it. The plot was compelling, the characters lovable and relatable, and the setting believable. I am unsure if my slight dissatisfaction comes from the book not being longer and fuller, for being a touch simplified, or if I had built expectations that were too high from reading the back cover description. Perhaps I am only seeing the possibilities of the modern world sub-culture Green has created in introducing the techno-shamans. While I very much enjoyed this book, I was not blown away by it. I did not experience any dizzying highs or devastating lows in listening. I did find myself guessing at what was to come, to have myself proven partially correct.
The plot was very well wrapped-up, leaving the characters and world open to development. True to the philosophy I take in writing, elements were not thrown in frivolously. A detail that may seem unimportant or overlookable early on comes back for a major reason as the plot reaches its climax. I haven't yet decided if I will pursue the series further. I do feel like I have been enriched by reading Shaman Healer Heretic (or rather, by listening to it) but I feel like it was a meal served with too small a portion.
The plot was very well wrapped-up, leaving the characters and world open to development. True to the philosophy I take in writing, elements were not thrown in frivolously. A detail that may seem unimportant or overlookable early on comes back for a major reason as the plot reaches its climax. I haven't yet decided if I will pursue the series further. I do feel like I have been enriched by reading Shaman Healer Heretic (or rather, by listening to it) but I feel like it was a meal served with too small a portion.
July 20, 2014
I liked this. It's fun, shamanism and nature religions share some universals world and history wide, but they're also all unique, and this book manages to deal with that quite nicely. The magic system and world building is done very well, bearing in mind I am miss anti-exposition and I don't mind having to look up the odd word (Actually, if you just look up Kachina and Nahual, you can probably manage the rest :)
Full review @ Booklikes.
July 27, 2015
Review posted on Audible
August 16, 2015
Olivia Lawson ("Livvy") is a twenty-something techno-shaman, a medium that connects with the spirit world but relies on technology, rather than hallucinogens or other drugs, to get there. She uses her craft to heal people, though the pay isn't very good. Skeptics treat her with cynicism at best; violence at worst. One morning she's contacted by a kachina, a spirit being of southwestern US Native American cultures. Such a visit is supposed to be impossible.
While Livvy attempts to figure out why she's being contacted by a Hopi Indian god, trouble is brewing in the physical and spirit worlds. Her clients and friends are threatened while other shamans disdain her practice. Once people start dying, Livvy finds herself under assault from all sides, including an ancient being longing to wreak havoc upon the world.
M. Terry Green draws upon her archaeology background to craft a highly believable world where shamanism thrives in contemporary Los Angeles. Green introduces us to this world through Livvy and her agent, SK, a dwarf. We accompany Livvy as she heals those too poor or desperate to utilize modern medicine. A former medical student herself, Livvy barely scrapes by on what people can afford to pay for her services. When Livvy encounters a problem that neither she nor SK can answer, we are brought deeper into this world and meet other shamans.
It is through these latter encounters that Green's talent at developing diverse characters comes to light. Each of the shamans is distinctly different from the others in both her skills and personality. We also learn that this is a very territorial business and "sisterhood" is a concept that is secondary to a profitable enterprise.
Short chapters and an active dialogue move the story along at a quick pace. Green crams so much into Livvy's days, and thus the story, that she wears the poor girl out! The reader feels her fatigue.
Although Green isn't marketing this as a Young Adult novel, there's very little here that would preclude it from being read by a teen. There's no foul language, no sex (a couple of kisses), and only one incident involving alcohol. And the latter was definitely portrayed in a non-glamorous light. I think that teen girls would be able to relate to Livvy and her struggle with self-doubt, not to mention her love life.
As for the technicals, Green hired an editor so the quality of the manuscript is at a professional level. It made for very easy reading. Let that be a lesson to all of you indie authors out there!
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green is an enjoyable read. Green provides us with a diverse group of realistic characters and is adept at creating a highly believable and easy to visualize setting. Her very personable protagonist is a charming guide to Green's Techno-Shaman world and I expect to be seeing more of her adventures in the future.
While Livvy attempts to figure out why she's being contacted by a Hopi Indian god, trouble is brewing in the physical and spirit worlds. Her clients and friends are threatened while other shamans disdain her practice. Once people start dying, Livvy finds herself under assault from all sides, including an ancient being longing to wreak havoc upon the world.
M. Terry Green draws upon her archaeology background to craft a highly believable world where shamanism thrives in contemporary Los Angeles. Green introduces us to this world through Livvy and her agent, SK, a dwarf. We accompany Livvy as she heals those too poor or desperate to utilize modern medicine. A former medical student herself, Livvy barely scrapes by on what people can afford to pay for her services. When Livvy encounters a problem that neither she nor SK can answer, we are brought deeper into this world and meet other shamans.
It is through these latter encounters that Green's talent at developing diverse characters comes to light. Each of the shamans is distinctly different from the others in both her skills and personality. We also learn that this is a very territorial business and "sisterhood" is a concept that is secondary to a profitable enterprise.
Short chapters and an active dialogue move the story along at a quick pace. Green crams so much into Livvy's days, and thus the story, that she wears the poor girl out! The reader feels her fatigue.
Although Green isn't marketing this as a Young Adult novel, there's very little here that would preclude it from being read by a teen. There's no foul language, no sex (a couple of kisses), and only one incident involving alcohol. And the latter was definitely portrayed in a non-glamorous light. I think that teen girls would be able to relate to Livvy and her struggle with self-doubt, not to mention her love life.
As for the technicals, Green hired an editor so the quality of the manuscript is at a professional level. It made for very easy reading. Let that be a lesson to all of you indie authors out there!
Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green is an enjoyable read. Green provides us with a diverse group of realistic characters and is adept at creating a highly believable and easy to visualize setting. Her very personable protagonist is a charming guide to Green's Techno-Shaman world and I expect to be seeing more of her adventures in the future.
August 23, 2014
Personal techno-shaman, Livvy Lawson, is having a weird week which is saying something, given how unusual her daily life is. Livvy uses a pair of 3-D goggles to put herself in a trance-like state to venture into the spiritual worlds of Middleworld and then below to Underworld, where she helps people heal. But all is not right in any world right now. An angry ancient god has arrived to kill everything in its path. Meanwhile, a soaring number of people in the real world are flocking to hospitals with unexplained illnesses, and shamans are being blamed. Livvy is assaulted, her home trashed, and she can’t solve anything without help. The problem is that shamans hate working together. Even more problematic is that Livvy’s quest requires her to venture to the Upperworld, a place no one dares speak of let alone visits.
Shaman, Healer, Heretic is the first in what I think will be great series. The novel is filled with interesting characters, unique situations, and the ultimate hero’s journey for a smart and likeable character. I have to admit that the idea of using goggles to transport oneself seemed kind of silly but as I got into the story, I was swept up by Livvy’s obstacles and challenges.
She’s a well-rounded character with a past, a shaky present, and an uncertain future. Certainly, she’ll have to deal with fearful hate-mongers in the future. There’s also a prevailing sense of loneliness. Livvy hasn’t found love or even a good friend she can relate to, with the exception of her business associate SK. The story’s pace works well, although I would have liked a little more backstory about how Livvy came to be a shaman or why there are only female shamans. I imagine more will be revealed in later books, three of which I believe have already been published. Urban fantasy fans will want to add this one to their collection.
Shaman, Healer, Heretic is the first in what I think will be great series. The novel is filled with interesting characters, unique situations, and the ultimate hero’s journey for a smart and likeable character. I have to admit that the idea of using goggles to transport oneself seemed kind of silly but as I got into the story, I was swept up by Livvy’s obstacles and challenges.
She’s a well-rounded character with a past, a shaky present, and an uncertain future. Certainly, she’ll have to deal with fearful hate-mongers in the future. There’s also a prevailing sense of loneliness. Livvy hasn’t found love or even a good friend she can relate to, with the exception of her business associate SK. The story’s pace works well, although I would have liked a little more backstory about how Livvy came to be a shaman or why there are only female shamans. I imagine more will be revealed in later books, three of which I believe have already been published. Urban fantasy fans will want to add this one to their collection.
April 28, 2012
Let's start this off by saying that this book took me to completely new place, and that's not easy to do these days. I've read all different genres, though urban fantasy is my favorite. I'm not sure why the Native American myths are not a favorite of authors, perhaps it doesn't seem exotic enough. In any case, this was a good solid adventure, taking place across different worlds.
Olivia (Livvy)is a techno shaman, who travels to other planes using a pair of goggles as her transportation medium. I remember thinking that the elimination of mind altering substances might make this novel a possible young adult read, and I can say now that this might be a possible market for this series.
While traveling, Livvy is assisted by spirits, which I will avoid going into to avoid spoiling the fun, but I will say that the mythology is very well done. I am a bit of a geek when it comes to exotic spiritual practice, and never for a moment did I feel as though something was out of place or odd--even though there are monsters and all sorts of oddities, they all fit with the story.
The only faults I can find here are in the area of character development and pacing. I never got a chance to get to know the characters very well, because the action is so fast paced. Livvy is constantly moving. Things happen simultaneously in all worlds, as they should, but that means the reader has to keep up with everything at once. At times it seemed a little tiring, and the traveling a little repetitive. I don't think it is enough of an issue to keep anyone from reading, though. This book is very well written, and I enjoyed the journey, I just wish there was a bit of sightseeing in between, a chance to admire the beauty and make note of it.
Olivia (Livvy)is a techno shaman, who travels to other planes using a pair of goggles as her transportation medium. I remember thinking that the elimination of mind altering substances might make this novel a possible young adult read, and I can say now that this might be a possible market for this series.
While traveling, Livvy is assisted by spirits, which I will avoid going into to avoid spoiling the fun, but I will say that the mythology is very well done. I am a bit of a geek when it comes to exotic spiritual practice, and never for a moment did I feel as though something was out of place or odd--even though there are monsters and all sorts of oddities, they all fit with the story.
The only faults I can find here are in the area of character development and pacing. I never got a chance to get to know the characters very well, because the action is so fast paced. Livvy is constantly moving. Things happen simultaneously in all worlds, as they should, but that means the reader has to keep up with everything at once. At times it seemed a little tiring, and the traveling a little repetitive. I don't think it is enough of an issue to keep anyone from reading, though. This book is very well written, and I enjoyed the journey, I just wish there was a bit of sightseeing in between, a chance to admire the beauty and make note of it.
July 6, 2012
A novel that springs to life right from the start, M. Terry Green’s Shaman, Healer, Heretic introduces the idea of a techno-shaman using technology rather than drugs to access the mysterious worlds of Native American mythology. The author resists any urge to over-explain, bringing readers up to speed through the protagonist’s very natural thoughts about her rather curious healing profession. A former medical student, Livvy uses her shamanic skills to rescue lost souls and care for those whose ailments can’t be addressed by modern medicine. And she does it all very convincingly.
But a kachina appearing in her bedroom isn’t meant to happen. Soon other things are invading the middleworld and breaking bonds in the underworld. Life on the edge seems almost ready to tip over the edge. And Livvy, led by the curious kachina, might just be a shaman’s only hope.
Fast-paced, brightly up-to-date with nicely interwoven mythology and a genuine touch of modern medicine too, the story pulls readers into Livvy’s heresy, brings fascinatingly different shamanic characters together on a common quest, and tells a pleasingly complete story in a world that’s perfectly prepared to uphold a series.
I enjoyed the author’s willingness not to tell everything—enough to keep the reader intrigued, to respect the reader’s intelligence, and to leave scope for further tales. How did Livvy end up as a shaman? How did shamans end up using technology? How do different views of the otherworlds combine? Ah, there’s so much still to learn and I know I shall enjoy reading more.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.
But a kachina appearing in her bedroom isn’t meant to happen. Soon other things are invading the middleworld and breaking bonds in the underworld. Life on the edge seems almost ready to tip over the edge. And Livvy, led by the curious kachina, might just be a shaman’s only hope.
Fast-paced, brightly up-to-date with nicely interwoven mythology and a genuine touch of modern medicine too, the story pulls readers into Livvy’s heresy, brings fascinatingly different shamanic characters together on a common quest, and tells a pleasingly complete story in a world that’s perfectly prepared to uphold a series.
I enjoyed the author’s willingness not to tell everything—enough to keep the reader intrigued, to respect the reader’s intelligence, and to leave scope for further tales. How did Livvy end up as a shaman? How did shamans end up using technology? How do different views of the otherworlds combine? Ah, there’s so much still to learn and I know I shall enjoy reading more.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 24, 2018
All I was expecting and more......off to buy book 2!
June 21, 2018
What you don’t get a lot in fantasy or urban fantasy, at least in my experience so far, is a story in which the main character is a healer. Superhuman demon hunter who can shove her fist through a monster’s ribcage? Yes. Snarky warlock who can incinerate all enemies with green fire? Yes, that too. Defenders, protectors – yes. But not often someone who’s priority is to heal.
I played massively multiplayer online games for several years and in the time that I did so, I gravitated towards the healer roles. So I was interested when I came across this novel. Livvy Lawson is a shaman living and working in LA. She scrapes by while travelling into the spirit world to rescue those who are spiritually ill, or who have had a spell of ill intent cast upon them by another shaman. And then someone unleashes an ancient monster from the dawn of time. Livvie, who just wants to help people, has to do something about it.
The author has made a point of keeping the book young reader-friendly and that not really being my thing, I think that made it a little harder for me to connect with it more. But I think it’s a well-written book and if the above sounds good to you, you should give it a try. It deserves the good ratings it gets. If you’re looking for an urban fantasy read that veers away from the usual vampires/werewolves etc, take a look at Shaman, Healer, Heretic.
I played massively multiplayer online games for several years and in the time that I did so, I gravitated towards the healer roles. So I was interested when I came across this novel. Livvy Lawson is a shaman living and working in LA. She scrapes by while travelling into the spirit world to rescue those who are spiritually ill, or who have had a spell of ill intent cast upon them by another shaman. And then someone unleashes an ancient monster from the dawn of time. Livvie, who just wants to help people, has to do something about it.
The author has made a point of keeping the book young reader-friendly and that not really being my thing, I think that made it a little harder for me to connect with it more. But I think it’s a well-written book and if the above sounds good to you, you should give it a try. It deserves the good ratings it gets. If you’re looking for an urban fantasy read that veers away from the usual vampires/werewolves etc, take a look at Shaman, Healer, Heretic.
July 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book!
Not only was the pacing great, and the characters rounded and real...
But as someone who has done shamanic work, this was accurate to my experiences in many ways. (Note: I use drumming, not drugs nor tech.) While some of the details differ, the overall feel was excellently portrayed.
Mostly the plot worked well, with some interesting surprises. However, there were aspects of the Big Bad(s) that were not foreshadowed- indeed, at least one detail basically completely contradicted the eventual revelation. I cannot say more because of spoilers, but that's partly why I gave this very entertaining novel 4 instead of 5 stars.
I also found the shaman's position in society to be problematic. Are they fringe whackos? Are they a persecuted minority? Are they celebrated and wealthy? It seemed that this changed according the needs of some sub-plots, and probably as Green was feeling her way through it; having read a teaser for the next in the series, things change dramatically yet again.
Anyway, despite these quibbles- it's a very readable novel with strong characters and a fascinating premise. If you like urban fantasy but are tired of vamps and weres, check this one out!
Not only was the pacing great, and the characters rounded and real...
But as someone who has done shamanic work, this was accurate to my experiences in many ways. (Note: I use drumming, not drugs nor tech.) While some of the details differ, the overall feel was excellently portrayed.
Mostly the plot worked well, with some interesting surprises. However, there were aspects of the Big Bad(s) that were not foreshadowed- indeed, at least one detail basically completely contradicted the eventual revelation. I cannot say more because of spoilers, but that's partly why I gave this very entertaining novel 4 instead of 5 stars.
I also found the shaman's position in society to be problematic. Are they fringe whackos? Are they a persecuted minority? Are they celebrated and wealthy? It seemed that this changed according the needs of some sub-plots, and probably as Green was feeling her way through it; having read a teaser for the next in the series, things change dramatically yet again.
Anyway, despite these quibbles- it's a very readable novel with strong characters and a fascinating premise. If you like urban fantasy but are tired of vamps and weres, check this one out!
April 10, 2012
I love the authenticity of M. Terry Green's credentials for this first book in her unique new series of Olivia Lawson novels.
A long-term author with an important reputation in nonfiction, Green is, as it happens, also both a technology professional and an archaeologist who's lectured at UCLA, with expertise in the mythology she uses for Livvy's journeys between alternate universes. It's a kind of bizarre combination of contradictory areas of expertise---but the exact combination she needs to imbue Livvy's adventures with that essential authenticity that distinguishes professional-level storytelling.
Olivia Lawson: techno-shaman.
She's savvy and conflicted, skilled and heart-torn, uniquely-talented and backed against a really bad wall. You've never met anyone like her---or the extraordinary, unexpected forces threatening not just her. . .but all of us.
It's the ultimate test of a woman on the edge.
And the world can't afford for her to fail.
A long-term author with an important reputation in nonfiction, Green is, as it happens, also both a technology professional and an archaeologist who's lectured at UCLA, with expertise in the mythology she uses for Livvy's journeys between alternate universes. It's a kind of bizarre combination of contradictory areas of expertise---but the exact combination she needs to imbue Livvy's adventures with that essential authenticity that distinguishes professional-level storytelling.
Olivia Lawson: techno-shaman.
She's savvy and conflicted, skilled and heart-torn, uniquely-talented and backed against a really bad wall. You've never met anyone like her---or the extraordinary, unexpected forces threatening not just her. . .but all of us.
It's the ultimate test of a woman on the edge.
And the world can't afford for her to fail.
May 3, 2015
Shaman, Healer, Heretic starts with a spark and retains it throughout. It is fast-paced and easy to get wrapped up in. Techno-shamans are an interesting addition to the paranormal genre and I really appreciated the inclusion of some lesser used cultural and religious references, Hopi and Sumerian for example.
I found some of it a little predictable, but this was more than compensated for by the engaging characters. While Green left some aspects of Livvy's character shrouded in mystery she was a lot of fun. The other shamans each had a distinct character, adding variety to the book. On the downside, since the book is so fast-paced there wasn't a lot of opportunity to become as invested in the characters as one did in the conclusion of the challenges presented. You liked them, but didn't have a deep understanding of their personality. Mostly I would just call Shaman, Healer, Heretic a fun, quick read.
I found some of it a little predictable, but this was more than compensated for by the engaging characters. While Green left some aspects of Livvy's character shrouded in mystery she was a lot of fun. The other shamans each had a distinct character, adding variety to the book. On the downside, since the book is so fast-paced there wasn't a lot of opportunity to become as invested in the characters as one did in the conclusion of the challenges presented. You liked them, but didn't have a deep understanding of their personality. Mostly I would just call Shaman, Healer, Heretic a fun, quick read.
May 15, 2018
3.5 stars.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the story. I guessed who the bad guy was, but only because the foreshadowing was decent and not because it was super obvious.
My biggest issue is with the writing. There's a lot of filler words and passive voice. For example "Olivia heard the roar of thunder in the distance." instead of "Thunder roared in the distance." As well as "She started to walk to the door." "She started to turn." "She started to scream." After a half hour of listening, I "started" to scream. And the "said". Holy crap, it might be an invisible word while you're reading, but it's not when you're listening to an audio book! Hearing it eight times in a matter of two minutes was nails on a chalkboard.
I had to listen to the book in spurts so my frazzled nerves had a chance to calm down. Overall, I did like the story and I totally wanted Olivia to get with SK.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the story. I guessed who the bad guy was, but only because the foreshadowing was decent and not because it was super obvious.
My biggest issue is with the writing. There's a lot of filler words and passive voice. For example "Olivia heard the roar of thunder in the distance." instead of "Thunder roared in the distance." As well as "She started to walk to the door." "She started to turn." "She started to scream." After a half hour of listening, I "started" to scream. And the "said". Holy crap, it might be an invisible word while you're reading, but it's not when you're listening to an audio book! Hearing it eight times in a matter of two minutes was nails on a chalkboard.
I had to listen to the book in spurts so my frazzled nerves had a chance to calm down. Overall, I did like the story and I totally wanted Olivia to get with SK.
March 8, 2015
This is the first in a fantastic new urban fantasy series. When shamans start dying, young techno-shaman Livvy is the only one willing to bend the rules of their underground society to figure out what's wrong. This is an adventure story which crosses between worlds as often as its heroine, and I loved the colourful characters and vivid description. Definitely a favourite, and I can't wait to read the next one.
April 15, 2012
I read this book on the recommendation of Jen from Red Hot Books.
It is a great book. There are some gaps in the backstory, but the world building is phenomenal. I was also very surprised about who the traitors were in the end.
Great story, I would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal or science fiction type story. No romance, but there does seem to be a bit of a love interest.
It is a great book. There are some gaps in the backstory, but the world building is phenomenal. I was also very surprised about who the traitors were in the end.
Great story, I would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal or science fiction type story. No romance, but there does seem to be a bit of a love interest.
November 30, 2014
A tale very well told. Characters and plot are nicely developed and unfolded without feeling "forced". I love a female protagonist that is independent AND easy to like--a role model, if you will. Well done, Ms. Green!
February 12, 2017
I really enjoyed the writing style by the author. I enjoyed the characters and the story line. It was different from other books I have read. I will have to read more by this author in the future. So many books to read so little time!
April 27, 2022
Excellent delve into an alternate reality
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
The characterisation is good, the people we learn most about are SK and of course, Livvy.
There are some really well written supporting characters too, with Wan Li being my favourite.
The plotline is engaging, with the author introducing the setting through interaction rather than blunt force world building, which is easier to get into.
The book isn't specifically aimed at the YA audience but as there is no swearing or sex it could easily be purchased for the discerning younger reader.
Please don't be mistaken, I am well over legal age and I totally enjoyed the book. I actually read it some years ago and lost the Kindle account it was on, and was pleased to find it again. In fact, I will be purchasing the next book in the series.
There are a few errors but nothing to get irritated about.
I have no problem recommending the book.
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
The characterisation is good, the people we learn most about are SK and of course, Livvy.
There are some really well written supporting characters too, with Wan Li being my favourite.
The plotline is engaging, with the author introducing the setting through interaction rather than blunt force world building, which is easier to get into.
The book isn't specifically aimed at the YA audience but as there is no swearing or sex it could easily be purchased for the discerning younger reader.
Please don't be mistaken, I am well over legal age and I totally enjoyed the book. I actually read it some years ago and lost the Kindle account it was on, and was pleased to find it again. In fact, I will be purchasing the next book in the series.
There are a few errors but nothing to get irritated about.
I have no problem recommending the book.
February 11, 2019
A few misplaced words, misspellings, and grammar mistakes aside, this book was interesting! The character development was fantastic, the plot developed nicely, and it was all relatively workable. M. Terry Green set the stage for the world and wrote the characters through the conflict within the rules of the realm. There was no breaking the rules of how the world operated to make things easier for the characters. My only guff is that it seems to be a series that could be eternally open. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. All the best comic book characters will live on forever, but a series without a heading tends to fizzle, so we will see where this series goes.
March 31, 2018
Sometimes this world is too damn stressful and depressing, and in this series M. Terry Green takes you away from it all.
It's a fast read (2 days for me), is totally outside the realm of everyday, has a strong female heroine and is just simply entertaining and suspenseful. I fell in love with the characters ... and powered through the second book in 3 days. On No. 3 now and still loving Olivia and SK and all of their friends.
It's a fast read (2 days for me), is totally outside the realm of everyday, has a strong female heroine and is just simply entertaining and suspenseful. I fell in love with the characters ... and powered through the second book in 3 days. On No. 3 now and still loving Olivia and SK and all of their friends.
December 10, 2023
I read this book on the recommendation of Jen from Red Hot Books.
It is a great book. There are some gaps in the backstory, but the world building is phenomenal. I was also very surprised about who the traitors were in the end.
Great story, I would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal or science fiction type story. No romance, but there does seem to be a bit of a love interest.
It is a great book. There are some gaps in the backstory, but the world building is phenomenal. I was also very surprised about who the traitors were in the end.
Great story, I would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal or science fiction type story. No romance, but there does seem to be a bit of a love interest.
April 23, 2018
Very good
I loved this book the author did a very good job of integrating different religious articles and characters into the story line and making the story real to me the reader.
I loved this book the author did a very good job of integrating different religious articles and characters into the story line and making the story real to me the reader.
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