What do you think?
Rate this book
Shaman's Drum
England in the near future.
Mainstream religions have been outlawed, and the old gods rule again.
Iamo has been a priest of the Great Mother and is sworn to celibacy, but his love for Riga, a Black Shaman, a magical assassin, caused him to break his vows. After being imprisoned apart from each other for three years, Iamo accepts an offer to earn them both a pardon and the possibility of marriage. If they survive.
Iamo and Riga must discover why demons are breaking through from the other side. Which of the cults are renegades who allow the demons through? Who can they trust?
Combining their powers, they face the ordeal with the help of a band of eclectic pagans, spirit creatures, Riga's Black Shaman brothers, an undercover Christian granny, and three unusually energetic Goths.
It's a tough assignment, but the hope of a life together keeps them fighting.
Mainstream religions have been outlawed, and the old gods rule again.
Iamo has been a priest of the Great Mother and is sworn to celibacy, but his love for Riga, a Black Shaman, a magical assassin, caused him to break his vows. After being imprisoned apart from each other for three years, Iamo accepts an offer to earn them both a pardon and the possibility of marriage. If they survive.
Iamo and Riga must discover why demons are breaking through from the other side. Which of the cults are renegades who allow the demons through? Who can they trust?
Combining their powers, they face the ordeal with the help of a band of eclectic pagans, spirit creatures, Riga's Black Shaman brothers, an undercover Christian granny, and three unusually energetic Goths.
It's a tough assignment, but the hope of a life together keeps them fighting.
ebook
First published January 5, 2013
84 people want to read
About the author
Ailsa Abraham
9 books38 followers Celt by birth, now living in Eastern France. Has had more jobs than she can remember but retired due to ill health so can now concentrate on writing full time.
Having followed a pagan path all her life, Ailsa writes novels that feature this with huge helpings of adventure and romance. What she does NOT write is the usual "dungeons and dragons" or "willowy teenage witches" stories.
In her village she is a shaman and healer but finds time to knit, cook and collect an unfeasibly large number of homeless teddy bears.
Her pets have included a bat, ferrets, and a raven as well as the more usual domestic ones.
Her only ambition is to continue writing and perhaps return to the UK to live one day.
Having followed a pagan path all her life, Ailsa writes novels that feature this with huge helpings of adventure and romance. What she does NOT write is the usual "dungeons and dragons" or "willowy teenage witches" stories.
In her village she is a shaman and healer but finds time to knit, cook and collect an unfeasibly large number of homeless teddy bears.
Her pets have included a bat, ferrets, and a raven as well as the more usual domestic ones.
Her only ambition is to continue writing and perhaps return to the UK to live one day.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 30, 2015
...a powerful, nuanced novel of love, spirit world, and evil versus good... loved this ...
...I’ve rarely read a more ingenious narrative... oh, for sure, there’s the primary story of the two fascinating characters, Riga and Iago, the yin and the yang of seemingly opposing, mystical, spiritual and ‘religious’ provenances... there’s the splash and clash of colour and Goth... add in dirty work at the sectish/cultish crossroads... a dab of magic powers... a powerful love story binding the entire storyline... then step back and overlay the author’s direction toward an uncanny comparison with a modern-day world, riven with differences... and how much more to be desired is a unity of goodwill... a tour de force, Ms Abraham... a tour de force...
...I’ve rarely read a more ingenious narrative... oh, for sure, there’s the primary story of the two fascinating characters, Riga and Iago, the yin and the yang of seemingly opposing, mystical, spiritual and ‘religious’ provenances... there’s the splash and clash of colour and Goth... add in dirty work at the sectish/cultish crossroads... a dab of magic powers... a powerful love story binding the entire storyline... then step back and overlay the author’s direction toward an uncanny comparison with a modern-day world, riven with differences... and how much more to be desired is a unity of goodwill... a tour de force, Ms Abraham... a tour de force...
February 8, 2016
This was an engrossing and entertaining novel. I can’t lay claim to knowing anything about Shamanism, Paganism - or indeed the other ‘new’ religions created in the futuristic story of Shaman’s Drum - but that didn’t diminish my reading enjoyment. The precepts of Peter the Great came immediately to mind, but expanding those parallels are for another venue. Riga (a Black Shaman) and Iamo ( White Monk of the Goddess) launch the reader straight into the dilemma they face as ‘top dogs’ in their dissimilar lifestyles, the use of first person making the reader immediately empathise with them. The contrast between white and black magic practitioners in Shaman’s Drum is not clear cut. There is good in bad - and there is very bad - but what does ring true from the very beginning is that true love can transcend all opposition and barriers. What seems initially like impossible restrictions are dissolved; though some compromise is necessary. True life is definitely reflected in Shaman’s Drum, two believers of dissimilar cults finding a meeting ground for a future happy life of love and respect taking some conciliation. The flashback technique made me want to read the prequel to this novel to discover why they met in the first place, and what that first battle with the demons was all about.
This review was first posted on my review blog (18th January 2013) http://nancyjardinereads.wordpress.com
This review was first posted on my review blog (18th January 2013) http://nancyjardinereads.wordpress.com
December 6, 2013
This is an interesting tale and the first piece of writing I have read by Ailsa Abraham. I liked the way the story was told by both of the main characters, giving an insight to their emotions and thoughts. Both characters are strong, Riga is a Black Shaman assassin and Iamo is a warrior monk. Despite their differences, in belief, height!, upbringing, and allegiance, their love for each other shines through.
By no means is it easy for Riga and Iamo to love each other in a world where, although mainstream religion has been banned, opinion and the thirst for power dependent on varying belief still exists. I found this to be a gripping story where the magic is real and an integral part of the person it belongs to. I loved Riga's Shamanic magic, her spirit animal and guide.
Not only do Riga and Iamo have a battle on their hands where their love for each other is concerned but they have to fight various renegades and demons - what a fight it is! Oh, there was one character in particular I really disliked and I'm glad that character received what was deserved!
Shaman's Drum is a touchingly romantic tale with fantasy and adventure, an interesting mix of characters, magic, and beliefs. I enjoyed it and if I enjoy a story, I always give it top marks!
By no means is it easy for Riga and Iamo to love each other in a world where, although mainstream religion has been banned, opinion and the thirst for power dependent on varying belief still exists. I found this to be a gripping story where the magic is real and an integral part of the person it belongs to. I loved Riga's Shamanic magic, her spirit animal and guide.
Not only do Riga and Iamo have a battle on their hands where their love for each other is concerned but they have to fight various renegades and demons - what a fight it is! Oh, there was one character in particular I really disliked and I'm glad that character received what was deserved!
Shaman's Drum is a touchingly romantic tale with fantasy and adventure, an interesting mix of characters, magic, and beliefs. I enjoyed it and if I enjoy a story, I always give it top marks!
February 25, 2013
An interesting scenario, eliminating all religions in the interests of getting rid of terrorism. What will people think of next? And yet, for some I suppose the theory could hold credibility.
Riga and Iamo (lovely names) – sensual from the first scene. The forces of darkness and light melding in psychic love to overcome the demons which threaten the world. There is dark and light in us all.
I enjoy the occasional lapses into ornery speech.
‘Cheeky sod even tried to pretend he thought I was a man.’
And ‘I don’t work with gods much but I would never willingly piss one off.’
We all have secret thoughts which never see the light of day. The Shaman dares to bring them forth.
But this book doesn’t start at the beginning. I feel the need to discover what went on before, in more than mere glimpses.
Some subtlely wicked humour creeps in, to lighten the sense of doom and disaster. But I am out of my depth, reading this book. I can’t stop at every other page to look up the references. It would spoil the flow. Then I’m blown away with enlightenment at the explanation of the different levels of magical protection, like cloaking and shape-shifting.
Now I am engaged, and the story races along in absorbing fashion to its dramatic climax at Glastonbury. And on to a more conventional denouement, where love, good deeds and procreation win through.
Riga and Iamo (lovely names) – sensual from the first scene. The forces of darkness and light melding in psychic love to overcome the demons which threaten the world. There is dark and light in us all.
I enjoy the occasional lapses into ornery speech.
‘Cheeky sod even tried to pretend he thought I was a man.’
And ‘I don’t work with gods much but I would never willingly piss one off.’
We all have secret thoughts which never see the light of day. The Shaman dares to bring them forth.
But this book doesn’t start at the beginning. I feel the need to discover what went on before, in more than mere glimpses.
Some subtlely wicked humour creeps in, to lighten the sense of doom and disaster. But I am out of my depth, reading this book. I can’t stop at every other page to look up the references. It would spoil the flow. Then I’m blown away with enlightenment at the explanation of the different levels of magical protection, like cloaking and shape-shifting.
Now I am engaged, and the story races along in absorbing fashion to its dramatic climax at Glastonbury. And on to a more conventional denouement, where love, good deeds and procreation win through.
August 20, 2013
This book had me entranced from the moment I opened it, and held me in a spell until, well, just now. I love fantasy in any form, but this was a new theme for me, one which I couldn't get enough of. Riga, the gutsy Black Shaman, made me immediately want to be here, smells and everything whilst the beautiful Iamo made me yearn for a White Priest of my own ;). What I particularly loved was that woven throughout the fantastical elements of Shaman's Drum were lovely little everyday thoughts about magic and the use of, thoughts that I will try to incorporate. I didn't expect that. Ms Abraham's voice is down-to-earth, light and easy to read, no mean feat when taking into account the subject matter, such as slaying demons. I have to admit to having a desire to become a Hedgie too :), I did love them. Heck, if I can't be a Black Shaman, why not Hedgie!! Lucky those of you who have yet to read it and I am looking forward to reading more about Riga and Iamo's adventures.
September 8, 2014
I read the prequel (Alchemy) first, so I didn't have a problem understanding how this situation came about.
In Alchemy, most of the story is about "ordinary" people. It is only after the half-way point that magic users appear. In Shaman's Drum, the story is completely about the magic users. However, I was just starting to get bored and wondering how much more of it I could take when I began to see parallels.
One religion plans to get everyone to convert or die. Hadn't I heard something similar the other day? Hadn't I read about similar episodes throughout history? And a love story develops between two members of different religions and each lover fears non-acceptance by the other's community - another familiar scenario.
So in this world that's supposed to be very different, very little has actually changed, and that's what makes this story so appealing.
In Alchemy, most of the story is about "ordinary" people. It is only after the half-way point that magic users appear. In Shaman's Drum, the story is completely about the magic users. However, I was just starting to get bored and wondering how much more of it I could take when I began to see parallels.
One religion plans to get everyone to convert or die. Hadn't I heard something similar the other day? Hadn't I read about similar episodes throughout history? And a love story develops between two members of different religions and each lover fears non-acceptance by the other's community - another familiar scenario.
So in this world that's supposed to be very different, very little has actually changed, and that's what makes this story so appealing.
October 22, 2013
This is a good fantasy tale of relationships set in the near future when our organised religions were banned, eventually replaced by paganism and magic. Civilisation is still as we know it, complete with Internet and mobile phones, cars and taxis, but without the angst of religious guilt or conflict. Needless to say, without conflict there is no story. And of course even in a supposedly ideal world there is still crime, jealousy, and a lust for power. Cleverly, how this state of affairs came about is not revealed in detail – save that there was a War of Religion, and most people are now non-committed; we’ll get to know more in the prequel. We begin this book with all of the above a given.
The author was a pagan and elevated to High Priestess in a coven before leaving to follow a solo course as a shaman. She is a healer and practices Reiki in her village in France.
Brother Iamo and Shaman Riga have a history, again to be detailed in the prequel; however, this doesn’t detract from the story. In effect, we’re into the tale running, without any great exposition on their past involvement. This works, due to the charisma of Iamo and Riga – the narrative is first person, from the intermittent point of view of each.
It’s as if opposites attract. They’re from different sects – Riga is a captain of the Black Shamanic Guild, an assassin, while Iamo is a priest of the Mother Goddess of Light. And such attraction displeases the hierarchy. However, the pair proved themselves very capable when they previously went up against the common enemy, demons.
The new conflict – demons destroy both mentally and physically, ‘eating the soul piece by piece’. Worse, they seem to be up against the Demon Prince, men-hating Dianics and men-only Gythi as well. Not good, even if they can deploy magic. One problem with magic, it screws up electrical energy, so they can’t resort to phones or other equipment.
At the age of seven, Riga was sent away to live in the Guild, already marked down as an assassin. Iamo had a simpler childhood, going to boarding school. The interaction between these two anchors the book. They’re intriguing characters, and sometimes playful, sometimes sexy, and even humorous. ‘I don’t work with gods much but I would never willingly piss one off. You never knew who you are going to meet coming back, as they say, so I always paid lip-service to any deity I encountered.’
There are plenty of good images and phrases. ‘I stared him straight in the black eyes that could start fires faster than flint.’ Riga can go into a trance to seek aid. ‘I cast back into history and asked the spirits of my ancestors to help me: all the fierce Shamanic people who set the blood and bone in me, all the hunters and farmers, the soldiers and their women. I willed them to inspire my thoughts and strengthen my arm.’ Dramatic prose like that is sometimes leavened with humour, such as ‘It took us a good ten minutes and another cup of tea to strengthen our resolve.’ I loved that, so mundane and real! Another – ‘I was very mature and philosophical about it; I sulked.’
The showdown with the Demon Prince contains fireworks aplenty, with good description. Still, I felt that what followed was anticlimactic; true, worthwhile, to tie the knot in more ways than one, but to my mind over-indulgent. A satisfying read and I’m already curious about the prequel!
The author was a pagan and elevated to High Priestess in a coven before leaving to follow a solo course as a shaman. She is a healer and practices Reiki in her village in France.
Brother Iamo and Shaman Riga have a history, again to be detailed in the prequel; however, this doesn’t detract from the story. In effect, we’re into the tale running, without any great exposition on their past involvement. This works, due to the charisma of Iamo and Riga – the narrative is first person, from the intermittent point of view of each.
It’s as if opposites attract. They’re from different sects – Riga is a captain of the Black Shamanic Guild, an assassin, while Iamo is a priest of the Mother Goddess of Light. And such attraction displeases the hierarchy. However, the pair proved themselves very capable when they previously went up against the common enemy, demons.
The new conflict – demons destroy both mentally and physically, ‘eating the soul piece by piece’. Worse, they seem to be up against the Demon Prince, men-hating Dianics and men-only Gythi as well. Not good, even if they can deploy magic. One problem with magic, it screws up electrical energy, so they can’t resort to phones or other equipment.
At the age of seven, Riga was sent away to live in the Guild, already marked down as an assassin. Iamo had a simpler childhood, going to boarding school. The interaction between these two anchors the book. They’re intriguing characters, and sometimes playful, sometimes sexy, and even humorous. ‘I don’t work with gods much but I would never willingly piss one off. You never knew who you are going to meet coming back, as they say, so I always paid lip-service to any deity I encountered.’
There are plenty of good images and phrases. ‘I stared him straight in the black eyes that could start fires faster than flint.’ Riga can go into a trance to seek aid. ‘I cast back into history and asked the spirits of my ancestors to help me: all the fierce Shamanic people who set the blood and bone in me, all the hunters and farmers, the soldiers and their women. I willed them to inspire my thoughts and strengthen my arm.’ Dramatic prose like that is sometimes leavened with humour, such as ‘It took us a good ten minutes and another cup of tea to strengthen our resolve.’ I loved that, so mundane and real! Another – ‘I was very mature and philosophical about it; I sulked.’
The showdown with the Demon Prince contains fireworks aplenty, with good description. Still, I felt that what followed was anticlimactic; true, worthwhile, to tie the knot in more ways than one, but to my mind over-indulgent. A satisfying read and I’m already curious about the prequel!
July 29, 2013
As with all fantasy novels, the starting point is to suspend disbelief but, as with all good fantasy novels, this suspension of disbelief leads us, via a journey through the unexpected, to insights into the real world in which we live. The starting premise is the aftermath of a "war of religion" arising from a "war on terrorism," and at the end of which "organised religion" is banned. Time and place are unspecified, except that a visit to Glastonbury features, and doesn't involve a flight or sea-journey, so we must presumably be in Britain. The religions "banned" are specifically "those that proselytised," "those that made war," and "those that used terrorism," and seem to include Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism. Their place is taken by various forms of paganism (including druidism, the cults of Ra & Isis, Diana and Odin)which seem rapidly to have become as sectarian and as rigidly organised as the religions of the modern or ancient worlds have ever been. The world conjured up is at once familiar and unfamiliar, a world in which shamanistic shape-shifting and dark magic coexist with limousines, pizza parlours, showers and sofas, providing much potential for humour, sensuality and adventure, but also for reflection on the human proclivity for dividing one group against another, and the question of whether this can be overcome through love.
May 22, 2014
Iamo and Riga have such different backgrounds and beliefs, yet their love's power is enough to bring them back together at the start of this book - both romantically, and in a we-have-to-save-the-world-from-demons kind of way.
Both Riga and Iamo are clearly-drawn characters, with a history which is only revealed a little at a time as the story unfolds. I'm looking forward to reading the prequel, Alchemy, and finding out more about how their individual lives developed, and how they got together.
I enjoyed the powerplays between the dark and light energies, and the exploration of the conflicts between Riga's lifestyle and Iamo's.
Add to that betrayal and battle, with plenty of magic and spells, and we have an interesting and engaging adventure-love story!
In particular, I liked that the power of intent and visualisation, energetic shielding, and the positive force of love itself, were strong themes. As a lightworker, these are important to me!
I have only a limited knowledge of shamanism, but found plenty to keep me interested throughout the book, without feeling overloaded by new information.
Both Riga and Iamo are clearly-drawn characters, with a history which is only revealed a little at a time as the story unfolds. I'm looking forward to reading the prequel, Alchemy, and finding out more about how their individual lives developed, and how they got together.
I enjoyed the powerplays between the dark and light energies, and the exploration of the conflicts between Riga's lifestyle and Iamo's.
Add to that betrayal and battle, with plenty of magic and spells, and we have an interesting and engaging adventure-love story!
In particular, I liked that the power of intent and visualisation, energetic shielding, and the positive force of love itself, were strong themes. As a lightworker, these are important to me!
I have only a limited knowledge of shamanism, but found plenty to keep me interested throughout the book, without feeling overloaded by new information.
August 10, 2016
This sequel to 'Alchemy' is absolutely brilliant!
Iamo and Riga are back in the thick of trouble, desperately trying to work out who is doing what and why, as well as trying to keep themselves protected from their enemies - whoever THEY are.
I found that the story quickly drew me in and the characters made me care about them in this strange religion-free, but not problem-free or ambition-free world the author has so cleverly created.
I'm ready for the next book in the series - NOW!
See my review also at:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shama...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews...
Iamo and Riga are back in the thick of trouble, desperately trying to work out who is doing what and why, as well as trying to keep themselves protected from their enemies - whoever THEY are.
I found that the story quickly drew me in and the characters made me care about them in this strange religion-free, but not problem-free or ambition-free world the author has so cleverly created.
I'm ready for the next book in the series - NOW!
See my review also at:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shama...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews...
November 24, 2013
This is a fabulous tale set in the near future where the old religions are no more and new, more inclusive religions prevail. Not all is as it seems however, and Riga and Iamo are set to explore their own belief systems, challenge the restrictions and protect the world from the rise of those who would do ill in the world.
The characters are engaging, the settings believable and the Prince exquisitely drawn.
To fit this book into a specific genre is impossible. If you enjoy stories with a bit of everything; well thought through plots, intrigue and being left with a 'I want to know more' feeling when you have turned the last page, this is the book for you.
The characters are engaging, the settings believable and the Prince exquisitely drawn.
To fit this book into a specific genre is impossible. If you enjoy stories with a bit of everything; well thought through plots, intrigue and being left with a 'I want to know more' feeling when you have turned the last page, this is the book for you.
February 10, 2017
Ailsa Abraham's 'Shaman's Drum' swallowed me whole. In the near future where organized modern religions have been outlawed, people seek the old beliefs. Magic is prevalent and regularly accepted. Ailsa spins these distinct "old" beliefs from different time periods in history together in such a way that it flows and seems so natural. The world she creates by bringing the past alive in modern times is genius. I've never read anything like it and cannot wait to read more from her. Next up, I'll read her book....Alchemy!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews