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Shaman: The Awakening
SUPERNATURAL THRILLER
Christopher Sands is an FBI agent with a unique ability. When his ViCAP unit takes on another serial killer investigation, they soon find themselves in deeper than they bargained for. The killer seems to be ahead of them at every turn. The search for the mysterious killer takes Christopher and his unit from the Crossroads of New Mexico deep into the Navajo Nation.
Shaman - The Awakening is a gripping supernatural thriller, filled with brilliant and in-depth descriptions and shamanistic lore.
Christopher Sands is an FBI agent with a unique ability. When his ViCAP unit takes on another serial killer investigation, they soon find themselves in deeper than they bargained for. The killer seems to be ahead of them at every turn. The search for the mysterious killer takes Christopher and his unit from the Crossroads of New Mexico deep into the Navajo Nation.
Shaman - The Awakening is a gripping supernatural thriller, filled with brilliant and in-depth descriptions and shamanistic lore.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2014
79 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
V.R. McCoy
7 books40 followersVR McCoy is a native of Washington, D.C., who attended Archbishop Carroll High School (H.S. of the famed Alex Cross/ James Patterson novels) and Howard University in Washington, D.C. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 17, 2018
Great story. I really liked the way it was written. This was pretty much a "must finish" book. it was hard to put down. Lots of twists and turns, love, suspense, thrills and great researched story. I was not impressed with the proofreader! I didnt really take to much away from the book but got a bit tedious reading around the errors. I still look forward to reading this author again and i recommend the book to those who are not picky about typos and proofing errors.
March 11, 2015
A Psychological Thriller
This is a well written and researched novel focusing on Native American traditions, and characters with inner and external issues. Protagonist Christian Sands possesses a special gift (getting into people’s dreams) and works as a consultant with the FBI. His colleague, agent Dianna Samboro, also has a special talent; she is an excellent negotiator. The fact that the two are romantically involved makes for a stimulating and sensual story line but Christian wonders about Dianna’s true intentions due to his misgivings about the government and law enforcement? But when the agents along with their team travel to New Mexico to catch an shrewd serial killer, you are taken on a cat and mouse diversion with many riveting twists and turns, supernatural happenings, criminal activities, shape-shifters and a shocking development, which you will never see coming. What I enjoyed most about this book was Christian’s sensitivity, compassion and respect he shows toward the female agents, who are intelligent, dynamic and on par with their male counterparts, and the multi-cultural/racial/ethnic characters, which is a mirror of society. I am definitely looking forward to reading more works by this extraordinary author.
This is a well written and researched novel focusing on Native American traditions, and characters with inner and external issues. Protagonist Christian Sands possesses a special gift (getting into people’s dreams) and works as a consultant with the FBI. His colleague, agent Dianna Samboro, also has a special talent; she is an excellent negotiator. The fact that the two are romantically involved makes for a stimulating and sensual story line but Christian wonders about Dianna’s true intentions due to his misgivings about the government and law enforcement? But when the agents along with their team travel to New Mexico to catch an shrewd serial killer, you are taken on a cat and mouse diversion with many riveting twists and turns, supernatural happenings, criminal activities, shape-shifters and a shocking development, which you will never see coming. What I enjoyed most about this book was Christian’s sensitivity, compassion and respect he shows toward the female agents, who are intelligent, dynamic and on par with their male counterparts, and the multi-cultural/racial/ethnic characters, which is a mirror of society. I am definitely looking forward to reading more works by this extraordinary author.
June 26, 2014
VR McCoy is very gifted with articulating the story line to create a colorful twist with the display of a great villain within these pages. The instrumental and thought provoking scenes are riveting with a great twist that will enhance your reading delight. The emotions of the characters and the writer’s imaginative creativity kept me on the edge of my seat as I read this book. I like the investigative strategies that were used to pull this into a complete package of lovable. @VictoryReviews
August 21, 2017
45% through. More than anything else the main character is having sex with his co-worker, dreaming about three ways with said co-worker and a another woman (which both women find a turn on), arresting a guy at a brothel having a three way with two women. Having dream sex with his co-worker.
Oh yeah, he has done a little bit of dream journeying but really hasn't gotten much of anywhere with that.
Hope it gets a WHOLE LOT better.
Oh yeah, he has done a little bit of dream journeying but really hasn't gotten much of anywhere with that.
Hope it gets a WHOLE LOT better.
December 6, 2014
Dreams are something most of us have in life. They can be scary, thought provoking, warnings, and sometimes erotic in nature. They are often something we keep private unless we feel like sharing with others. They are something we have the ability to control, well so we think.
There are stories in Native American folklore of those who can walk within dreams. These individuals are able to implant themselves into a dream and control what happens. They could fill your dream with so much fear it literally scares you to death. There is then the flipside to that coin in which the dream is so sensual you are filled with great emotions. The question then becomes what to do with such a gift if you happen to be one of these people.
This is the question that is asked as you read the book, Shaman – The Awakening, by author VR McCoy.
The book introduces the reader to an inmate of a mental hospital, one Christian Sands. A former contractor for the FBI that had some falling out with his bosses which landed him in this hospital. Christian begins to tell his story after a brief background on who he is.
You will learn that when he first learned about his “gift” he eventually made himself the target of the affection of many women. He just had to dreamscape with them and plant the seed of how great it would be to be with him. These women would bring themselves to him, but after a time he realized what he was doing wasn’t right. It was the start of a progress of growing up for the character that would lead to his job with the FBI.
A job that would put him into the middle of a case that would lead him to further discovery of his roots, and what his gift can really do. A case that will not only test his will, but of those he works with from the harden team leader, Steve, to the burgeoning romance with co-worker Dianne. A case in which women are being kidnapped and as they will find out murdered in a ritualistic way.
VR McCoy will take the reader from snowy Washington D.C, to the plains of the West. The reader will get to visit places in New Mexico, and learn much about the Native American tribes that inhabit the land. You will learn through Christian’s telling of his story how that tribal land can be a beautiful place, but at the same time dangerous. It is land that the natives will protect and do not welcome government employees.
The story will bring you into a team of FBI agents that are much like those you see on popular television shows. They investigate the crimes that other agents are unable to solve and this case will become very personal to all involved. Christian’s gift of dream walking will be put to a full test and often he must deliver the bad news from what he sees, or does not see, to the team. The case will bring a spotlight to the team as things do not follow their normal path and will get more attention than any could have thought.
The story makes great use of the places mentioned in the book and will take the reader into a well-developed land and people. The characters are also well crafted and described so that you get a feel of who they all are. There is some inter team relationships taking place but when you work with someone so long is it that farfetched it may happen?
VR McCoy also crafts a great villain within the pages of the book. There are a few twists that the reader should find themselves enjoying. The big thing about this book is how you are kept on your toes, figuratively through McCoy’s writing style. It’s use of modern investigation tactics and the Native American lore makes for a great read.
There are stories in Native American folklore of those who can walk within dreams. These individuals are able to implant themselves into a dream and control what happens. They could fill your dream with so much fear it literally scares you to death. There is then the flipside to that coin in which the dream is so sensual you are filled with great emotions. The question then becomes what to do with such a gift if you happen to be one of these people.
This is the question that is asked as you read the book, Shaman – The Awakening, by author VR McCoy.
The book introduces the reader to an inmate of a mental hospital, one Christian Sands. A former contractor for the FBI that had some falling out with his bosses which landed him in this hospital. Christian begins to tell his story after a brief background on who he is.
You will learn that when he first learned about his “gift” he eventually made himself the target of the affection of many women. He just had to dreamscape with them and plant the seed of how great it would be to be with him. These women would bring themselves to him, but after a time he realized what he was doing wasn’t right. It was the start of a progress of growing up for the character that would lead to his job with the FBI.
A job that would put him into the middle of a case that would lead him to further discovery of his roots, and what his gift can really do. A case that will not only test his will, but of those he works with from the harden team leader, Steve, to the burgeoning romance with co-worker Dianne. A case in which women are being kidnapped and as they will find out murdered in a ritualistic way.
VR McCoy will take the reader from snowy Washington D.C, to the plains of the West. The reader will get to visit places in New Mexico, and learn much about the Native American tribes that inhabit the land. You will learn through Christian’s telling of his story how that tribal land can be a beautiful place, but at the same time dangerous. It is land that the natives will protect and do not welcome government employees.
The story will bring you into a team of FBI agents that are much like those you see on popular television shows. They investigate the crimes that other agents are unable to solve and this case will become very personal to all involved. Christian’s gift of dream walking will be put to a full test and often he must deliver the bad news from what he sees, or does not see, to the team. The case will bring a spotlight to the team as things do not follow their normal path and will get more attention than any could have thought.
The story makes great use of the places mentioned in the book and will take the reader into a well-developed land and people. The characters are also well crafted and described so that you get a feel of who they all are. There is some inter team relationships taking place but when you work with someone so long is it that farfetched it may happen?
VR McCoy also crafts a great villain within the pages of the book. There are a few twists that the reader should find themselves enjoying. The big thing about this book is how you are kept on your toes, figuratively through McCoy’s writing style. It’s use of modern investigation tactics and the Native American lore makes for a great read.
June 14, 2014
This is the first book I have read about a shamen. I enjoyed the idea of having one with a 'special' ability with a team of FBI who could really be seen as just keeping an eye on the humans with inhuman abilities. No one really fully trusts them. The opening chapter was very interesting. Christopher Sands, the hero of this book, narrates from a sort of 'almost voluntary' mental health institute and the events unravel from there.
Christopher Sands doesn't know too much about his abilities, so we are able to enjoy him learning and using them against the villains and the crazy ass, sadistic cult. Though he is very good at 'dreamscaping' implanting thoughts, feelings and situations in other's minds while they are asleep. At first he used this to get women, not an endearing trait, but then he uses it to heighten the romance/sex between him and another on the FBI team. This dreamscaping helped him in many situations. He also goes through a lot in this book, taken prisoner, beaten bloody, hunted down and treated pretty badly by everyone involved.
One thing I enjoyed immensely was the culture and the history of Shamans and what they can do. It was nice to delve in the lore and watch Chris discover who he really is. Unfortunately I had a hard time connecting with the characters and at times the conversations could seem a little wooden, a little too proper. Its nice to hear a 'voice' (and even get a sense of their accents), one you can hear coming from the character as you read their interactions.
Still, this was a solid read and its enjoyable, with great descriptions, naughty scenes and action.
Christopher Sands doesn't know too much about his abilities, so we are able to enjoy him learning and using them against the villains and the crazy ass, sadistic cult. Though he is very good at 'dreamscaping' implanting thoughts, feelings and situations in other's minds while they are asleep. At first he used this to get women, not an endearing trait, but then he uses it to heighten the romance/sex between him and another on the FBI team. This dreamscaping helped him in many situations. He also goes through a lot in this book, taken prisoner, beaten bloody, hunted down and treated pretty badly by everyone involved.
One thing I enjoyed immensely was the culture and the history of Shamans and what they can do. It was nice to delve in the lore and watch Chris discover who he really is. Unfortunately I had a hard time connecting with the characters and at times the conversations could seem a little wooden, a little too proper. Its nice to hear a 'voice' (and even get a sense of their accents), one you can hear coming from the character as you read their interactions.
Still, this was a solid read and its enjoyable, with great descriptions, naughty scenes and action.
June 15, 2014
Very interesting story - well researched and mystical in a believable way for the profiler/thriller genre. I enjoyed the twists and turns within the story very much. The love triangle did seem a bit unnecessary but the characters were well-developed. I would have liked to see some of the action scenes fleshed out further as there felt like a lot of summary of action instead of showing the action. Based on the ending, there seems like there might be a sequel in the works and the story set-up was intriguing enough that I would most likely read the sequel to see how characters have developed from their first adventures. One confusing thing in the story is related to punctuation. For most of the novel, one character will say something, and then another character will say something, but there will not be a paragraph break between the two different speakers. That makes it more complicated to figure out who is actually speaking. That is an easily fixed problem however. In fact, the problem seems to disappear 80% into the book. Overall, great story and the book is well-worth reading!
July 10, 2014
“Shaman, The Awakening” by VR Mc Coy is an inspired blend of crime investigation with Native Indian Shamanism. I was stunned by the vast knowledge on Native Indian culture that has been skillfully woven into what is a modern day detective story about abducted women.
Our hero Chris has a unique ability around premonitions and dreams, which makes him a prefect tool for the FBI. Many a detective work with their intuition, so the Shaman powers fit in naturally into this field.
Chris is inexperienced in many ways and has to come into his own, at the same time he has been institutionalised because of his ‘gift’, so he really is already a great and interesting character before the crime story begins.
I have been an eager fan of several supernatural TV detective series but this book/ series is different from many such one-trick-ponies. The tribal roots and culture, the character depth and the well laid out plot – this is a very profound and captivating book.
Highly recommended.
Our hero Chris has a unique ability around premonitions and dreams, which makes him a prefect tool for the FBI. Many a detective work with their intuition, so the Shaman powers fit in naturally into this field.
Chris is inexperienced in many ways and has to come into his own, at the same time he has been institutionalised because of his ‘gift’, so he really is already a great and interesting character before the crime story begins.
I have been an eager fan of several supernatural TV detective series but this book/ series is different from many such one-trick-ponies. The tribal roots and culture, the character depth and the well laid out plot – this is a very profound and captivating book.
Highly recommended.
April 23, 2014
V.R. McCoy rushes us along on a desperate dream-chase to locate and prevent a serial killer from killing an FBI team member. The hero Chris Sands is a shaman who has not fully learnt how to use his powers, is set against an enemy who is just slightly over confident in his abilities. Action-packed, this is a thrilling ride as Chris fights against bureaucratic opposition and double-dealing. He is a sensual and courageous hero who is normally prepared to take a back seat in investigations, but is thrown into taking matters into his own hands. The supporting characters have substance and are carefully thrown with their emotional baggage into the mix. The reader is dragged breathless along to follow the plot’s twists with hope for Chris’s eventual success. A wonderful read and I can’t wait for the sequel.
March 29, 2017
I really like the concept,but the editing is atrocious. You don't know how to use commas or semicolons. I caught at least one instance of subject not matching verb in number. Also you don't know when to use number or amount with collective nouns. Also the girls are too fulsomely described too often. They become too perfect and unreal, comic book characters. Christian also needs a little less sparkle, just a little. The plot was very good but did you pay attention to the passage of time between Gracie's abduction and her rescue. It seemed as too much happened too fit into the 2 weeks between New moon and full moon.
It's worth doing some more work on. Would also make a good script for TV or movies. A good concept is always worth doing some editorial work. If you can't do it, find someone who can.
It's worth doing some more work on. Would also make a good script for TV or movies. A good concept is always worth doing some editorial work. If you can't do it, find someone who can.
June 12, 2015
Great plot, but...
I want start by saying this is really good story. I liked the second half of the book more than the first half. You can tell Mr McCoy has great promise. Why two stars? Well,the most glaring issue is editing so poorly done that it affected the flow. Not once or twice, but throughout. I'm used to seeing occasional typos. This looked like there was problem formatting it for the kindle. Mr. McCoy, I think you need an excellent editor and save some of the $25 words. It screams thesaurus. I'm not a writer, but I do love to read. I liked your book and will read the sequel. These are my opinions as a reader. Don't stop writing, but polish your work so that we can fully enjoy the ride.
I want start by saying this is really good story. I liked the second half of the book more than the first half. You can tell Mr McCoy has great promise. Why two stars? Well,the most glaring issue is editing so poorly done that it affected the flow. Not once or twice, but throughout. I'm used to seeing occasional typos. This looked like there was problem formatting it for the kindle. Mr. McCoy, I think you need an excellent editor and save some of the $25 words. It screams thesaurus. I'm not a writer, but I do love to read. I liked your book and will read the sequel. These are my opinions as a reader. Don't stop writing, but polish your work so that we can fully enjoy the ride.
March 23, 2015
This is a must read. The reader gets a feel for the protaganist from the very first page then the author takes you on a face paced well planned story. The idea of dreams and detective work is not novel BUT the way VR McCoy delivers it is. Christian is learning to live and cope with his gift and quite rightly find his place in Vicap and is able to channel his energies to help the FBI.
We are also able to go on the journey with Christian Sands to New Mexico and learn about Native American culture and their stories.
Shaman - The Awakening is face paced and a page turner.A very talented author.
I will definitely be following VR McCoy in his future writing.
We are also able to go on the journey with Christian Sands to New Mexico and learn about Native American culture and their stories.
Shaman - The Awakening is face paced and a page turner.A very talented author.
I will definitely be following VR McCoy in his future writing.
May 4, 2014
This is the first time I have read anything by McCoy. I was not disappointed in any way with this read. I can not sit here and write this review without giving away too much detail. So, I will say this. I could not put it down, I read it in 1 night! Shaman was very well written. The story takes hold of you and you feel as if you are there with the characters! Kudos to McCoy for a well executed and riveting story!
July 22, 2014
I read this book for an honest review. I had a hard time getting into this book in the beginning. It was really detailed, which I felt somewhat distracted from the story. It did catch my attention about three chapters in an turned out to be a pretty good story. I feel it's worth the read an would recommend it.
March 1, 2015
Exciting
Read non-stop. A few grammatical and spelling errors but did not detract from the story. Only one cultural error that I saw, people in the same clan cannot marry or be active sexually.
Read non-stop. A few grammatical and spelling errors but did not detract from the story. Only one cultural error that I saw, people in the same clan cannot marry or be active sexually.
May 26, 2015
I enjoyed the storyline and especially liked the inclusion of all the Indian lore. As much as I enjoyed it, I found it difficult to overlook the spelling and grammar errors. Someone really needs to do a better job of proof reading!!
April 19, 2015
Interesting take on dreams and how to catch a killer.
December 17, 2017
I just finished "Shaman: The Awakening." An awesome book -- it far surpassed anything I was anticipating or expecting when I blindly ordered this book via one of my local libraries. I always have enjoyed books in the Native American, mystic, mystery, Southwest, etc. genres. This book gave me many "ahos!" from the start. As many critics have noted, the editing was distracting at times; but the entire story was well worth the journey through the rough patches. As a writer and editor I can attest that V.R. McCoy shows a tremendous amount of talent and skill in his storytelling, including fine research. I would put him honestly in the same class as favorites of mine like the Hillermans, the Thurlos, Coel, Mitchell and other writers, going back to Buscaglia and Castenada. Thank you very much, artiste, and I can't wait for "The Shaman Prince!" Chankoowashtay!
September 22, 2017
Shaman...
I seldom say this, but I could barely put the book down, except to fix meals and sleep a little - about 2 hours. This snagged me on the 1st paragraph and held me until the end. The Native American thread matched things I've read before, so I hope this indicates good research and not just someone's imagination. I have always been fascinated by Chaco Canyon and the Anasazi. Thank you for a great read!
I seldom say this, but I could barely put the book down, except to fix meals and sleep a little - about 2 hours. This snagged me on the 1st paragraph and held me until the end. The Native American thread matched things I've read before, so I hope this indicates good research and not just someone's imagination. I have always been fascinated by Chaco Canyon and the Anasazi. Thank you for a great read!
February 9, 2025
Shaman: The Awakening - V.R. McCoy
Four women have been abducted and killed. Chris consults with the FBI on finding the victims via his unique gift of Dreamscaping. He has the ability of connecting to people via dreams. The FBI has reached a dead end until one of their female agents is abducted. A race between time to find the agent before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed the weaving in of Native American lore and Vision Quests to help solve this crime.
Four women have been abducted and killed. Chris consults with the FBI on finding the victims via his unique gift of Dreamscaping. He has the ability of connecting to people via dreams. The FBI has reached a dead end until one of their female agents is abducted. A race between time to find the agent before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed the weaving in of Native American lore and Vision Quests to help solve this crime.
January 31, 2018
It's a pretty good story that was not well executed. It really seemed like the book had skipped the editing process. It was full of homophones, misspellings, and plain old bad grammar. There were even places where phrases were repeated in a sentence as if the author had written, forgot he wrote it, and then wrote it again.
Personally, I won't be reading any more in the series.
Personally, I won't be reading any more in the series.
May 14, 2019
Best book I have read on a while
Here was a specialist in the FBI and he was ridiculed for his special senses he used to catch criminals. Finally found someone that he thought loved him ,then another lady came in to his life. He could look places no one else could for the killer of these girls, and then his life gets really confusing.
Here was a specialist in the FBI and he was ridiculed for his special senses he used to catch criminals. Finally found someone that he thought loved him ,then another lady came in to his life. He could look places no one else could for the killer of these girls, and then his life gets really confusing.
January 1, 2019
Hard to put down!
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the scenery, the whole native American stuff and interesting details about the use of peyote in regards to shamanism. There were sime typos but it didn't detract from the excellent story line. Still, I would get it edited.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the scenery, the whole native American stuff and interesting details about the use of peyote in regards to shamanism. There were sime typos but it didn't detract from the excellent story line. Still, I would get it edited.
July 9, 2017
I also have a Cherokee ancestry and enjoyed the journey taken in this thriller to regain that connection and family. I loved the cover also. Best to V.R. McCoy!
September 12, 2017
Good Read
Very fast paced with interesting characters. The tie in to the spiritual beliefs of the southwestern Native Americans was enjoyable.
Very fast paced with interesting characters. The tie in to the spiritual beliefs of the southwestern Native Americans was enjoyable.
June 1, 2019
Good story
Good story line, please edit too many composition errors, at least run spell check. Too good to let small errors be a distraction.
Good story line, please edit too many composition errors, at least run spell check. Too good to let small errors be a distraction.
May 18, 2020
Good
This book is one that tells about how certain people who are American Indians have special abilities to see things
This book is one that tells about how certain people who are American Indians have special abilities to see things
December 11, 2020
L’idea di base non sarebbe neanche male, ma non mi è piaciuto per niente come è scritto. Troppe parole ripetute (ma magari è colpa del traduttore), personaggi poco approfonditi e pochissima suspance
August 7, 2022
Great read!
This book had me hooked from word one. Loved the characters and the chance to learn a little about the indigenous people of North America.
This book had me hooked from word one. Loved the characters and the chance to learn a little about the indigenous people of North America.
September 15, 2015
Packed with excitement and dramatic incident, as well as a beautiful love story
Christian has a very special gift. He can travel in dreams and only needs to have personal contact with a person to be able to interact with them in the “dreamscape”. This is a great talent for an investigator to possess, so Christian is recruited as a special helper for the FBI.
When he is sent to help catch a serial killer, who has been kidnapping and murdering young women, all his abilities are needed. He comes up against evil entities, who have powers like his, but who use them for utterly malevolent purposes. This makes for a scary but absolutely riveting story. Christian also finds love along the way, but you will need to read the book for any more details on that.
I love a story that just draws the reader along and is packed with incident and excitement. This is definitely one such tale. The characters need every scrap of their ingenuity to reach the climactic ending alive. The author certainly knows how to pile on the suspense and shocks and the story is all the better for that.
I give it FIVE STARS because it richly deserves them.
Christian has a very special gift. He can travel in dreams and only needs to have personal contact with a person to be able to interact with them in the “dreamscape”. This is a great talent for an investigator to possess, so Christian is recruited as a special helper for the FBI.
When he is sent to help catch a serial killer, who has been kidnapping and murdering young women, all his abilities are needed. He comes up against evil entities, who have powers like his, but who use them for utterly malevolent purposes. This makes for a scary but absolutely riveting story. Christian also finds love along the way, but you will need to read the book for any more details on that.
I love a story that just draws the reader along and is packed with incident and excitement. This is definitely one such tale. The characters need every scrap of their ingenuity to reach the climactic ending alive. The author certainly knows how to pile on the suspense and shocks and the story is all the better for that.
I give it FIVE STARS because it richly deserves them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews