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The Downwinders #2
The Impossible Coin
Downwind: the area of the United States that received the brunt of the fallout from nuclear testing. As a result, humans developed cancers and congenital malformations… and so did the creatures in the River, the place where people with “the gift” see things others cannot.
Young Winn has recently discovered he has this ability, though he hardly knows how to use it. When his friend Brent suggests they search for treasure in the hills surrounding their Tucson suburb, Winn joins him and puts his newfound skills to use. They discover a cave filled with mutated ghosts possessing unusual powers. Here, Winn finds something so incredible, it begins a nightmare that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Winn’s mother is distant and uninterested in mentoring his abilities, so Winn turns to Marty, a neighbor who steers him toward a solution. On the way, they meet Jeanette, a crazy but prophetic resident of their trailer court, and Ida, a firecracker who gave up part of herself to confront a similar nightmare.
If the ghosts in the cave were normal, Winn and Brent might stand a chance. But the ghosts are downwind, where radiation changed everything…
The Impossible Coin is a fast-paced adventure with an unusual twist on ghosts. It is the second book in The Downwinders series, but can be read stand-alone.
Young Winn has recently discovered he has this ability, though he hardly knows how to use it. When his friend Brent suggests they search for treasure in the hills surrounding their Tucson suburb, Winn joins him and puts his newfound skills to use. They discover a cave filled with mutated ghosts possessing unusual powers. Here, Winn finds something so incredible, it begins a nightmare that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Winn’s mother is distant and uninterested in mentoring his abilities, so Winn turns to Marty, a neighbor who steers him toward a solution. On the way, they meet Jeanette, a crazy but prophetic resident of their trailer court, and Ida, a firecracker who gave up part of herself to confront a similar nightmare.
If the ghosts in the cave were normal, Winn and Brent might stand a chance. But the ghosts are downwind, where radiation changed everything…
The Impossible Coin is a fast-paced adventure with an unusual twist on ghosts. It is the second book in The Downwinders series, but can be read stand-alone.
222 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2014
65 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Michael Richan
55 books129 followersMichael Richan lives in Washington State. He has written horror fiction for over forty years.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 31, 2014
4.5 stars, rounded up.
THE IMPOSSIBLE COIN is the second book in Michael Richan's Downwinders series (a branch off from his spectacular River series). Despite it being the second book, this one can absolutely be enjoyed on its own, as it takes us back in time to a defining moment in Winn's childhood. In this story, we get a close up look at Winn's personality, and some of the events that happened to shape him into the man he is now. Issues such as his fear of commitment (or detachment) in regards to personal relationships, his terror of caves, and claustrophobia are all touched on as we focus on his character.
This novel differs slightly from Richan's earlier novels, as we are exposed to a new type of ghastly haunting that we've never seen before. The story of Winn's earlier life is very gripping on an emotional scale, preying on delicate issues regarding childhood innocence, abuse, friendship, and an all-consuming guilt.
So far, this is my favorite episode of the Downwinders series. Richan puts enough background information into the beginning to help new readers get "into" the storyline. If anyone is interested in the very beginnings of Deem and Winn's Adventures, THE DEVIL'S THROAT is where they make their first appearances, followed by BLOOD OATH, BLOOD RIVER.
A highly emotional, visceral addition to an incredible series!
Highly recommended!
THE IMPOSSIBLE COIN is the second book in Michael Richan's Downwinders series (a branch off from his spectacular River series). Despite it being the second book, this one can absolutely be enjoyed on its own, as it takes us back in time to a defining moment in Winn's childhood. In this story, we get a close up look at Winn's personality, and some of the events that happened to shape him into the man he is now. Issues such as his fear of commitment (or detachment) in regards to personal relationships, his terror of caves, and claustrophobia are all touched on as we focus on his character.
This novel differs slightly from Richan's earlier novels, as we are exposed to a new type of ghastly haunting that we've never seen before. The story of Winn's earlier life is very gripping on an emotional scale, preying on delicate issues regarding childhood innocence, abuse, friendship, and an all-consuming guilt.
So far, this is my favorite episode of the Downwinders series. Richan puts enough background information into the beginning to help new readers get "into" the storyline. If anyone is interested in the very beginnings of Deem and Winn's Adventures, THE DEVIL'S THROAT is where they make their first appearances, followed by BLOOD OATH, BLOOD RIVER.
A highly emotional, visceral addition to an incredible series!
Highly recommended!
November 19, 2014
This is the second book in The Downwinders series by Michael Richan. This is a story about young Winn who discovers he has the gift but does not know how to use it. Winn's best friend Brent wants to go hunting for buried treasures in the foothills outside of Tucson. The boys discover a cave with some ghosts with very unusual powers. What Winn finds in the cave will haunt him for the rest of his life. Winn mother is not interested in helping him with his gift,so he turns to his neighbor Marty. It seems that Marty also has the gift and help's point Winn in the right direction. Marty became a father figure to Winn and they were very close. Winn had to tell Marty about their experience in the cave with the Caller and the other angry ghosts. Marty made Winn promise that he would never go back to cave. Winn had to break his promise and try to save the life of his best friend. Winn has one hell of a rocky road to travel before this nightmare is over.
November 10, 2014
Was his act of kindness worth a life of torture?
Winn is gifted, he can see and feel many things that others cannot, and just ask him - that is not always a good thing.
Luckily Winn finds a mentor in Marty, and older fellow who lives in the trailer park he and his mom call home. Mom is always too busy working, drinking or entertaining male guests to worry about what Winn is and is not doing. She knows that he is gifted, but would rather he be more secretive. Winn’s best friend, Brent, knows that he has some kind of “abilities” but is not too sure what that means. Winn’s ability has to do with the supernatural world that is hidden to most of the population. For all those gifted, this supernatural world can be seen easily while in “the river”. “The river” can be described as an alternate plane where the gifted ones are able to see, bee seen and communicate with the supernatural. Where Winn lives, the river has become contaminated, the area is not far from where the atomic bombs were tested – and just like the humans – the supernaturals have been greatly affected by the fall out, and not in a good way.
While searching for hidden treasure, Winn and Brent come upon a cave. Knowing something is not right; Winn drops in the river and is witness to some nasty supernatural activity. When they leave the cave, Winn finds what he thinks is an old nickel in his pocket, but when he holds this nickel a certain way, it makes him feel better than he ever has in his life. But we all know that anything that good comes at a high price. Winn is given a warning of “three days” but does not take it as serious as he should, and in the end – his life is changed horribly forever. The decision he made out of love cost him as if someone had taken a knife to his body and peeled away his skin. Will it ever stop? Can Winn be saved from being haunted by the horrors of that incident day after day? Can he trust, love again?
This is Book 2 of The Downwinders Series, a spinoff of Michal Richan’s first series, The River. Fresh, new and full of imagination, just like the rest of his books. I felt captivated, as if I was experiencing everything first hand. Even though it is part of a series, the author makes sure that it is easily read as a standalone novel. The only problem is, once you read one of his books – you are ready for more. I have read all 9 of his books, and can’t wait for number 10.
Winn is gifted, he can see and feel many things that others cannot, and just ask him - that is not always a good thing.
Luckily Winn finds a mentor in Marty, and older fellow who lives in the trailer park he and his mom call home. Mom is always too busy working, drinking or entertaining male guests to worry about what Winn is and is not doing. She knows that he is gifted, but would rather he be more secretive. Winn’s best friend, Brent, knows that he has some kind of “abilities” but is not too sure what that means. Winn’s ability has to do with the supernatural world that is hidden to most of the population. For all those gifted, this supernatural world can be seen easily while in “the river”. “The river” can be described as an alternate plane where the gifted ones are able to see, bee seen and communicate with the supernatural. Where Winn lives, the river has become contaminated, the area is not far from where the atomic bombs were tested – and just like the humans – the supernaturals have been greatly affected by the fall out, and not in a good way.
While searching for hidden treasure, Winn and Brent come upon a cave. Knowing something is not right; Winn drops in the river and is witness to some nasty supernatural activity. When they leave the cave, Winn finds what he thinks is an old nickel in his pocket, but when he holds this nickel a certain way, it makes him feel better than he ever has in his life. But we all know that anything that good comes at a high price. Winn is given a warning of “three days” but does not take it as serious as he should, and in the end – his life is changed horribly forever. The decision he made out of love cost him as if someone had taken a knife to his body and peeled away his skin. Will it ever stop? Can Winn be saved from being haunted by the horrors of that incident day after day? Can he trust, love again?
This is Book 2 of The Downwinders Series, a spinoff of Michal Richan’s first series, The River. Fresh, new and full of imagination, just like the rest of his books. I felt captivated, as if I was experiencing everything first hand. Even though it is part of a series, the author makes sure that it is easily read as a standalone novel. The only problem is, once you read one of his books – you are ready for more. I have read all 9 of his books, and can’t wait for number 10.
November 7, 2014
The first book I read in the River series was "A Haunting in Oregon." It was free, so I figured I had nothing to lose. I read the book in less than a day; I was late for work, because I just couldn't put it down. Once I finished, I bought the rest of the currently available books immediately, and subscribed to the author's website so I received a notice of new releases. These books are an amazingly creative and original addition to the suspense/horror/mystery genre.
The "Downwinders" series is an offshoot of the "River" series, and it is no less engaging. "The Impossible Coin" is the second book of the series, and follows the back story of Winn, one of the main characters. I don't tend to rehash plot points in reviews, since I feel the author does a very good job of that, but I will say that "coin" noted in the title quite an original construct.
It is certainly possible to read any of the books in the "River" or "Downwinders" series out of order. It is ideal, however, to start from the beginning of both series and allow the characters to unfold. Mr Richan does a lovely job of making these characters seem very real, warts and all.
For those of you who are readers of these books, support the author, write reviews, and spread the word. More people should know about these amazing books!!
The "Downwinders" series is an offshoot of the "River" series, and it is no less engaging. "The Impossible Coin" is the second book of the series, and follows the back story of Winn, one of the main characters. I don't tend to rehash plot points in reviews, since I feel the author does a very good job of that, but I will say that "coin" noted in the title quite an original construct.
It is certainly possible to read any of the books in the "River" or "Downwinders" series out of order. It is ideal, however, to start from the beginning of both series and allow the characters to unfold. Mr Richan does a lovely job of making these characters seem very real, warts and all.
For those of you who are readers of these books, support the author, write reviews, and spread the word. More people should know about these amazing books!!
September 26, 2017
Backstory
A lot of the back story and history of Winn is given in this book. I would have liked to have seen even more of it...
A lot of the back story and history of Winn is given in this book. I would have liked to have seen even more of it...
Read
November 27, 2017The whole premise of this book is absurd.
March 17, 2015
This book was the second story in "The Downwinders" series about gifted friends Winn and Deem, who were introduced to us in "The River" series. The Impossible Coin was found when Winn was 10 years old after entering a cave with his best friend Brent. I won't go into the story and repeat what other reviewers have written, that's not my style.
I always enjoy when a story goes back to one of the main characters childhood, it brings added layers to their personality. I like finding out what made thie characters what they are. His sad childhood perhaps explains why Winn doesn't have "normal" relationships in his love life.
Michael Richan never disapoints when you read his works. There's always just enough suspense and creepiness and his characters always come through with personality plus. I'm now waiting for the next novel in both series and they can't come soon enough.
I always enjoy when a story goes back to one of the main characters childhood, it brings added layers to their personality. I like finding out what made thie characters what they are. His sad childhood perhaps explains why Winn doesn't have "normal" relationships in his love life.
Michael Richan never disapoints when you read his works. There's always just enough suspense and creepiness and his characters always come through with personality plus. I'm now waiting for the next novel in both series and they can't come soon enough.
July 30, 2015
Whenever Richan writes from a kid's point of view, he seems to draw me in faster than his other books. Because his books are typically action packed and read really fast, we don't always see a lot of the personal lives of the main characters.
These flashbacks help fill in the needed background to his established characters really well. For example, it's one thing to say a character is claustrophobic, but learning the reason behind it and living through it with the character really drives it home. The next time we encounter this character, we feel that much closer to them.
These flashbacks help fill in the needed background to his established characters really well. For example, it's one thing to say a character is claustrophobic, but learning the reason behind it and living through it with the character really drives it home. The next time we encounter this character, we feel that much closer to them.
March 5, 2015
I want to hang at Carma's too! This was so great. It was like an origins story. Getting to see how Winn was when he was still a novice. I cried for him, it's obvious why he has relationship issues, he is just repeating what he saw. I wanted Marty or someone to pummel Brents' father, see how he likes it.
Can't wait for the new one!
By the way, love the cover art on this one, the skull coin would make an awesome pendant or keychain.
Can't wait for the new one!
By the way, love the cover art on this one, the skull coin would make an awesome pendant or keychain.
January 10, 2017
Enjoyed
Really enjoyed this story. Have liked all his others, this one just wrapped me up. Highly recommend all his books
Really enjoyed this story. Have liked all his others, this one just wrapped me up. Highly recommend all his books
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews