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Passageway
Chosen by mystical warriors to protect a parallel Earth from a catastrophic future, a young man must push his mental and physical abilities to the limits if he is to help save mankind.
As seventeen-year-old Darwin McQuaid flees high-school bullies, he is saved by an enigmatic stranger; an indigenous teenage warrior who was born 500 years in the past.
Strong and powerful, Daruk possesses an intelligence that exceeds his rugged youthful appearance, and Darwin is drawn to learn more about him. Surprisingly, the high-school junior discovers that the mysterious warrior has a connection to an old family friend—an elderly indigenous shaman called Uncle His.
As the physical attraction intensifies between Darwin and Daruk, the warrior reveals a secret—that he and Uncle His are Guardians of the Passageway and are destined to protect the crossroads of three parallel universes, three Earths, each 500 years apart.
Discovering worlds he never knew existed, along with an untapped power within himself, can the young man become the warrior needed to defend this ancient world from corrupt invaders? Or will the death and danger of a more primitive time prove to be too much for this 21st century teen?
As seventeen-year-old Darwin McQuaid flees high-school bullies, he is saved by an enigmatic stranger; an indigenous teenage warrior who was born 500 years in the past.
Strong and powerful, Daruk possesses an intelligence that exceeds his rugged youthful appearance, and Darwin is drawn to learn more about him. Surprisingly, the high-school junior discovers that the mysterious warrior has a connection to an old family friend—an elderly indigenous shaman called Uncle His.
As the physical attraction intensifies between Darwin and Daruk, the warrior reveals a secret—that he and Uncle His are Guardians of the Passageway and are destined to protect the crossroads of three parallel universes, three Earths, each 500 years apart.
Discovering worlds he never knew existed, along with an untapped power within himself, can the young man become the warrior needed to defend this ancient world from corrupt invaders? Or will the death and danger of a more primitive time prove to be too much for this 21st century teen?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2024
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Steven A. Coulter
7 books21 followersSteve has published his third novel, "Copperhead", after stepping back for a few years. Two additional novels will be published in the winter of 2023-24.
Student. Singer. Lover. Spy.
When his family is torn apart, a college freshman uses his charm and looks to infiltrate the world of the rich and powerful risking his life for a greater cause.
Abel Torres knew hardship growing up but with his high-octane singing voice the young man dreams of a bright future with a scholarship to San Francisco State.
A mentor at the university, knowing his desperation, makes an unusual introduction and soon the handsome 19-year-old is performing at a swank party, charming California’s political and social elites. The wealthy host offers to connect him with rich gay men who would pay handsomely for his attention. Battling his conscience and pride, he accepts the offer.
Complicating his life, he begins dating a sassy waiter who just might be the love he is seeking.
The FBI approaches him after he begins seeing a gay Congressman, asking him to work undercover to help bring down a terrorist plot on U.S. soil.
As Abel faces ever greater dangers, can he juggle his various identities as a student, singer, lover, and spy? Or will he lose everyone he loves if they discover just how far he’s gone to save them?
Here's one early review:
“Action-packed…brings top-level entertainment...Fans of LGBTQ action will love this large, well-woven plot that includes passionate love and sex, espionage, the FBI, terrorism, music, the media, and politics.
--Foluso Falaye, San Francisco Book Review
Student. Singer. Lover. Spy.
When his family is torn apart, a college freshman uses his charm and looks to infiltrate the world of the rich and powerful risking his life for a greater cause.
Abel Torres knew hardship growing up but with his high-octane singing voice the young man dreams of a bright future with a scholarship to San Francisco State.
A mentor at the university, knowing his desperation, makes an unusual introduction and soon the handsome 19-year-old is performing at a swank party, charming California’s political and social elites. The wealthy host offers to connect him with rich gay men who would pay handsomely for his attention. Battling his conscience and pride, he accepts the offer.
Complicating his life, he begins dating a sassy waiter who just might be the love he is seeking.
The FBI approaches him after he begins seeing a gay Congressman, asking him to work undercover to help bring down a terrorist plot on U.S. soil.
As Abel faces ever greater dangers, can he juggle his various identities as a student, singer, lover, and spy? Or will he lose everyone he loves if they discover just how far he’s gone to save them?
Here's one early review:
“Action-packed…brings top-level entertainment...Fans of LGBTQ action will love this large, well-woven plot that includes passionate love and sex, espionage, the FBI, terrorism, music, the media, and politics.
--Foluso Falaye, San Francisco Book Review
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 3, 2024
Darwin McQuaid, is seventeen and attends Beckman High. He comes from a modest family: Dad, Mom and three boys, plus Tiger the Weiner dog. His parents are supportive and sometimes went a little to far, but life was normal. Darwin had decided to try out for the school musical, he liked to sing. His mom encouraged him. But he doubted he would get the part he wanted. Darwin was often bullied at school by Kevin and his four, bigger than Darwin, bullies. Because of an incident in fifth grade Darwin’s dad, started him working a regiment. It helped some but he still couldn’t take on Kevin and the other boys. Darwin is best friends with Miguel Medina. He’s attractive, a constant talker, cocky and a proud Hispanic. They became friends in third grade and at age eleven they became neighbors. For Darwin and Miguel they still have a lot of growing up to do.
A special member of the family is Katnu Hisman. He is often referred to as “Uncle HIs.” He and Darwin would visit often and go on outings. He taught Darwin how to respect the land and nature. He also shared his tales and artifacts of the Ohlone and other tribes. Katnu lost his love Ahuic a long time ago. Besides their love, they had shared their hearts with Daruk. Daruk was an orphan and at age four they adopted him. It broke both their hearts when Ahuic was taken from them. Katnu is a proud, powerful Shaman with great wisdom. Daruk is also studying under Katnu to become a great Shaman. When Daruk stayed or visited Katnu, he often kept an eye on Darwin. He kept his distance until the time was right, plus he had many responsibilities.
On one particular day, Darwin finds himself being harassed by Kevin and his bullies. Even though Darwin had been working out, there was no chance he could fight them all. As the bullies chased him, he ran to Buena Vista Park and just needed to get into the woods. He came upon a stranger and with a leather strap and stone, he hit one of the bullies. Darwin couldn’t help but notice the hunting knife and the wavy blade the young man carried. He had no problem handling the bullies. Darwin is surprised that the young man already knows his name and introduces himself as Daruk. He explains that they have a special friend in Katnu. With what Darwin saw Daruk do: fighting off the bullies, handling of the weapons, interacting with a coyote and hearing more of Ohlone. He asked if he could contact him and with a hug and kiss to his cheek, Daruk tells Darwin he can always reach him through Katnu.
As Darwin’s curiosity grows he has lot’s of questions and agrees to meet with Katnu.
Darwin also has to be careful with what he shares with Miguel. Darwin has kept secrets about Katnu and how he came to acquire the cabin, with rooms and tunnels at the edge of Buena Vista Park. Sometimes his questions are avoided by Katnu. The closer he get’s with Daruk, Darwin’s world is headed for a fantastic and adventurous change. He has no idea how his future will be effected.
Steven A. Coulter creates an amazing tale about the history of the native Ohlone tribe. The Ohlone tribe was known to live in San Francisco, Monterey Bay and along the coast. They were a tribe that were known for more than one item, as they hunted for many species and grew many types of vegetation. They spoke several languages, had one religion and were very much a free people. Destruction, death, disease, and enslavement came to them when the Spanish came and colonized them. Religion, culture, government, greed for gold and war was a major reason the Indigenous population lessened. The author also brings historical facts with fiction, as he presents the connection between the 3 earths, 3 universes on a single axis and the centuries: 17th, 21st and 26th. It tells of the different centuries that will never exist because they will never be built. Uncle His’s cabin holds the secret of the “Passageway” in Buena Vista, the significance of the eagle medallion and the renegades who illegally trespass using the Passageway.
It’s an epic tale of: Major Tribal Chiefs, the Council, corruption, conspiracy, soldiers from the future, mercenaries, danger, excitement, and adventure. There are stories of the: Guardians and warriors and the powers of: Psychokinetics, pyrokenesis, precognition, mental and physical powers and more.
The author does well with his characters as they are all likable. Darwin really made efforts to not hurt his best friend Miguel. They loved each other like brothers but Darwin had a loyalty to Daruk and Katnu. Miguel also brought lot’s of humor to the story. Daruk was a character of strength, humiliation and respect and knew his place in the different worlds. Katnu is a strong character that all respect but he is understanding and kind. The author made this a sweet romantic story as it is for the YA (young adult) audience, and there are moments of various emotions. The science fiction, time travel and historical look into Native American Tribes made this a very solid and interesting tale.
I highly recommend “Passageway” for all ages. It’s well written and has a good flow to it and Steven A. Coulter packed the content with interesting ideas. There are also: “End Notes” that explain the indigenous characters and the term Shaman and more information that relates to this novel.
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A special member of the family is Katnu Hisman. He is often referred to as “Uncle HIs.” He and Darwin would visit often and go on outings. He taught Darwin how to respect the land and nature. He also shared his tales and artifacts of the Ohlone and other tribes. Katnu lost his love Ahuic a long time ago. Besides their love, they had shared their hearts with Daruk. Daruk was an orphan and at age four they adopted him. It broke both their hearts when Ahuic was taken from them. Katnu is a proud, powerful Shaman with great wisdom. Daruk is also studying under Katnu to become a great Shaman. When Daruk stayed or visited Katnu, he often kept an eye on Darwin. He kept his distance until the time was right, plus he had many responsibilities.
On one particular day, Darwin finds himself being harassed by Kevin and his bullies. Even though Darwin had been working out, there was no chance he could fight them all. As the bullies chased him, he ran to Buena Vista Park and just needed to get into the woods. He came upon a stranger and with a leather strap and stone, he hit one of the bullies. Darwin couldn’t help but notice the hunting knife and the wavy blade the young man carried. He had no problem handling the bullies. Darwin is surprised that the young man already knows his name and introduces himself as Daruk. He explains that they have a special friend in Katnu. With what Darwin saw Daruk do: fighting off the bullies, handling of the weapons, interacting with a coyote and hearing more of Ohlone. He asked if he could contact him and with a hug and kiss to his cheek, Daruk tells Darwin he can always reach him through Katnu.
As Darwin’s curiosity grows he has lot’s of questions and agrees to meet with Katnu.
Darwin also has to be careful with what he shares with Miguel. Darwin has kept secrets about Katnu and how he came to acquire the cabin, with rooms and tunnels at the edge of Buena Vista Park. Sometimes his questions are avoided by Katnu. The closer he get’s with Daruk, Darwin’s world is headed for a fantastic and adventurous change. He has no idea how his future will be effected.
Steven A. Coulter creates an amazing tale about the history of the native Ohlone tribe. The Ohlone tribe was known to live in San Francisco, Monterey Bay and along the coast. They were a tribe that were known for more than one item, as they hunted for many species and grew many types of vegetation. They spoke several languages, had one religion and were very much a free people. Destruction, death, disease, and enslavement came to them when the Spanish came and colonized them. Religion, culture, government, greed for gold and war was a major reason the Indigenous population lessened. The author also brings historical facts with fiction, as he presents the connection between the 3 earths, 3 universes on a single axis and the centuries: 17th, 21st and 26th. It tells of the different centuries that will never exist because they will never be built. Uncle His’s cabin holds the secret of the “Passageway” in Buena Vista, the significance of the eagle medallion and the renegades who illegally trespass using the Passageway.
It’s an epic tale of: Major Tribal Chiefs, the Council, corruption, conspiracy, soldiers from the future, mercenaries, danger, excitement, and adventure. There are stories of the: Guardians and warriors and the powers of: Psychokinetics, pyrokenesis, precognition, mental and physical powers and more.
The author does well with his characters as they are all likable. Darwin really made efforts to not hurt his best friend Miguel. They loved each other like brothers but Darwin had a loyalty to Daruk and Katnu. Miguel also brought lot’s of humor to the story. Daruk was a character of strength, humiliation and respect and knew his place in the different worlds. Katnu is a strong character that all respect but he is understanding and kind. The author made this a sweet romantic story as it is for the YA (young adult) audience, and there are moments of various emotions. The science fiction, time travel and historical look into Native American Tribes made this a very solid and interesting tale.
I highly recommend “Passageway” for all ages. It’s well written and has a good flow to it and Steven A. Coulter packed the content with interesting ideas. There are also: “End Notes” that explain the indigenous characters and the term Shaman and more information that relates to this novel.
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May 27, 2025
Totally love this story!
Beautiful story with great character interaction. The world building and description are incredible, especially considering the lack of information. You truly feel the location the story leads you. The action is non-stop and brings to life the pages as you read. The story deals with realities we ignore and fail to address in our real world. You will fall in love with the main characters and will not want the book to end! Thank God there's a second book, going to read and hope fot more.
Beautiful story with great character interaction. The world building and description are incredible, especially considering the lack of information. You truly feel the location the story leads you. The action is non-stop and brings to life the pages as you read. The story deals with realities we ignore and fail to address in our real world. You will fall in love with the main characters and will not want the book to end! Thank God there's a second book, going to read and hope fot more.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews