What do you think?
Rate this book
Shima
In the quiet, rain-soaked town of Ashland, Maine, Kat Shaw is just trying to survive, juggling a dead-end job, a haunted past, and the suffocating weight of loss. But when her closest friend dies under mysterious circumstances and a massive, enigmatic wolf appears at her door, Kat’s world is upended. The wolf, Shima, is more than she seems—an ancient spirit guide with ties to Kat’s bloodline and the dark legends of the North Woods.
As Kat’s nights fill with visions, lost time, and chilling encounters, she’s forced to confront the supernatural forces that have stalked her family for centuries. Ghosts, demons, and shapeshifters emerge from the shadows, each with their own agenda, and Kat realizes she’s at the center of a curse older than the town itself. With only a handful of allies - her gruff landlord, a wise tribal elder, and the fiercely loyal Shima - Kat must unravel the secrets of her ancestry before the darkness claims her for good.
SHIMA is a gripping blend of supernatural thriller and emotional drama, weaving Native American folklore, small-town secrets, and raw human resilience into a story that’s as heart-wrenching as it is terrifying. Kat’s journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bonds between the living and the dead. Each chapter peels back another layer of mystery, drawing readers deeper into a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, and where hope is as wild and untamable as the wolf at Kat’s side.
Perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and character-driven suspense, SHIMA will keep you turning pages late into the night. Will Kat break the grip of darkness and reclaim her life, or will the shadows of the past finally consume her? Step into the woods - if you dare - and discover the power of legacy, love, and the spirits that walk beside us.
As Kat’s nights fill with visions, lost time, and chilling encounters, she’s forced to confront the supernatural forces that have stalked her family for centuries. Ghosts, demons, and shapeshifters emerge from the shadows, each with their own agenda, and Kat realizes she’s at the center of a curse older than the town itself. With only a handful of allies - her gruff landlord, a wise tribal elder, and the fiercely loyal Shima - Kat must unravel the secrets of her ancestry before the darkness claims her for good.
SHIMA is a gripping blend of supernatural thriller and emotional drama, weaving Native American folklore, small-town secrets, and raw human resilience into a story that’s as heart-wrenching as it is terrifying. Kat’s journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bonds between the living and the dead. Each chapter peels back another layer of mystery, drawing readers deeper into a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, and where hope is as wild and untamable as the wolf at Kat’s side.
Perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and character-driven suspense, SHIMA will keep you turning pages late into the night. Will Kat break the grip of darkness and reclaim her life, or will the shadows of the past finally consume her? Step into the woods - if you dare - and discover the power of legacy, love, and the spirits that walk beside us.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 21, 2026
This story comes complete with an interesting cast of characters, and an intriguing storyline. A modern blend of legend, lore, and small-town reality. For those fascinated by spirit animals and the native insights for them... this is a fine read, you will enjoy it. We should all have a Shima at our side...
March 3, 2026
Great story that pulls you in from the start
I truly enjoyed this book. In a genre saturated with werewolves, vampires, and recycled supernatural tropes, “Shima” felt like a breath of fresh air. The story’s concentration on Native folklore gives it depth and uniqueness, grounding the supernatural elements in something older and far more meaningful. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, blending small-town life with ancient spiritual forces in a way that feels both haunting and authentic.
Kat—Katona—is a wonderfully written protagonist. She’s endured a tough life, marked by tragic natural events and unsettling supernatural experiences, yet she refuses to be broken. What I appreciated most was her resilience paired with a sharp, striking sense of humor. Even when life throws more punches—and curses—her way, she faces them with grit and wit. Her emotional journey feels genuine, and her growth throughout the story is compelling to witness.
And then there’s Shima. The dog—or wolf—who will absolutely steal your heart. As someone who is a huge fan of dogs in stories, I found Shima to be one of the most touching and powerful elements of the novel. Loyal, mysterious, and deeply connected to Kat’s fate, he adds warmth and emotional gravity to an already strong narrative. “Shima” is a gripping supernatural tale with heart, folklore, and unforgettable characters. A solid five-star read for me.
I truly enjoyed this book. In a genre saturated with werewolves, vampires, and recycled supernatural tropes, “Shima” felt like a breath of fresh air. The story’s concentration on Native folklore gives it depth and uniqueness, grounding the supernatural elements in something older and far more meaningful. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, blending small-town life with ancient spiritual forces in a way that feels both haunting and authentic.
Kat—Katona—is a wonderfully written protagonist. She’s endured a tough life, marked by tragic natural events and unsettling supernatural experiences, yet she refuses to be broken. What I appreciated most was her resilience paired with a sharp, striking sense of humor. Even when life throws more punches—and curses—her way, she faces them with grit and wit. Her emotional journey feels genuine, and her growth throughout the story is compelling to witness.
And then there’s Shima. The dog—or wolf—who will absolutely steal your heart. As someone who is a huge fan of dogs in stories, I found Shima to be one of the most touching and powerful elements of the novel. Loyal, mysterious, and deeply connected to Kat’s fate, he adds warmth and emotional gravity to an already strong narrative. “Shima” is a gripping supernatural tale with heart, folklore, and unforgettable characters. A solid five-star read for me.
January 4, 2026
Just finished reading "Shima” by John Thayer; writer of many words. It starts quietly as he introduces you to the world of Kat, an indigenous member of a small Penobscot tribe in Maine, trying to make it on her own. Kat has all sorts of troubles — trouble with her foster dad, trouble with her work boss/landlord, oh and yeah, she sees dead people.
Some minor spoilers below -
What starts out slowly builds up very fast and before you know it, she’s neck deep in a paranormal thriller full of vengeful ghosts, homicidal spirits and a really nasty curse. But Kat gains an ally who won’t give up…her spirit wolf, Shima. Kat and Shima stand side by side as she quite literally fights for her life and the lives of those she cares about.
If you love paranormal thrillers with a some nice indigenous backstory and a faithful wolf, this story is perfect for you.
Some minor spoilers below -
What starts out slowly builds up very fast and before you know it, she’s neck deep in a paranormal thriller full of vengeful ghosts, homicidal spirits and a really nasty curse. But Kat gains an ally who won’t give up…her spirit wolf, Shima. Kat and Shima stand side by side as she quite literally fights for her life and the lives of those she cares about.
If you love paranormal thrillers with a some nice indigenous backstory and a faithful wolf, this story is perfect for you.
January 22, 2026
Shima is an intriguing and emotionally charged story that leans heavily into mystery, suspense, and darker paranormal elements, with a strong undercurrent of crime. The atmosphere is moody and compelling, pulling the reader forward with questions that keep unfolding as the story progresses.
The book is quite dialogue-driven, which gives it a cinematic feel and helps the characters’ emotions come through clearly. While the story would benefit from some additional editing and tightening in places, there are no major issues that detract from the overall experience.
The presence of the wolf - Shima - adds a powerful, symbolic layer. Everyone needs a Shima. Overall, it’s a dark, engaging read that will appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with paranormal mystery at their core.
The book is quite dialogue-driven, which gives it a cinematic feel and helps the characters’ emotions come through clearly. While the story would benefit from some additional editing and tightening in places, there are no major issues that detract from the overall experience.
The presence of the wolf - Shima - adds a powerful, symbolic layer. Everyone needs a Shima. Overall, it’s a dark, engaging read that will appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with paranormal mystery at their core.
March 17, 2026
Haunting, heartfelt, and utterly original
Shima is a beautifully atmospheric supernatural novel that grabbed me from the first page and never let go. John R. Thayer combines small‑town Maine grit, Indigenous ritual texture, and an unforgettable spirit‑wolf to craft a story that is both terrifying and deeply human. Kat Shaw is a compelling protagonist, haunted, brave, and real, and her bond with Shima gives the novel its emotional backbone.
Thayer’s imagery is cinematic: moments like “A thin line of white energy emanated from each of her fingers” make Kat’s awakening feel visceral and earned. The antagonist is equally memorable, the Skadegamutc is chilling, and its single fatal weakness (“Only fire will kill the Skadegamutc”) gives the climax satisfying, mythic stakes. The book’s final, elegiac scenes—especially Shima’s farewell (“Wave after wave came until she was gone.”), hit hard in the best way.
If you love folklore‑rooted horror that emphasizes atmosphere, ritual, and character over cheap scares, pick up Shima. It’s a powerful, emotionally honest read that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommended.
Shima is a beautifully atmospheric supernatural novel that grabbed me from the first page and never let go. John R. Thayer combines small‑town Maine grit, Indigenous ritual texture, and an unforgettable spirit‑wolf to craft a story that is both terrifying and deeply human. Kat Shaw is a compelling protagonist, haunted, brave, and real, and her bond with Shima gives the novel its emotional backbone.
Thayer’s imagery is cinematic: moments like “A thin line of white energy emanated from each of her fingers” make Kat’s awakening feel visceral and earned. The antagonist is equally memorable, the Skadegamutc is chilling, and its single fatal weakness (“Only fire will kill the Skadegamutc”) gives the climax satisfying, mythic stakes. The book’s final, elegiac scenes—especially Shima’s farewell (“Wave after wave came until she was gone.”), hit hard in the best way.
If you love folklore‑rooted horror that emphasizes atmosphere, ritual, and character over cheap scares, pick up Shima. It’s a powerful, emotionally honest read that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2026
Haunted by the deeds of past generations.
A dramatic tale of family secrets, friendship and resilience, interwoven with Native American folklore and the supernatural.
Beset by the loss of loved ones, Katona Shaw begins to get visions, and is tormented by supernatural forces. But there's more to these forces than she realises. They want revenge.
Enter Shima; she-wolf and spirit-guide. Together with a group of trusted friends, Kat and Shima battle the curse which has haunted her family for generations and lay these spirits to rest. An enjoyable read.
A dramatic tale of family secrets, friendship and resilience, interwoven with Native American folklore and the supernatural.
Beset by the loss of loved ones, Katona Shaw begins to get visions, and is tormented by supernatural forces. But there's more to these forces than she realises. They want revenge.
Enter Shima; she-wolf and spirit-guide. Together with a group of trusted friends, Kat and Shima battle the curse which has haunted her family for generations and lay these spirits to rest. An enjoyable read.
March 7, 2026
Shima by John Thayer
You will fall in love with these characters as the author keeps you up at night wondering what will happen next! The amount of paranormal activity coupled with the anticipation of what will happen next will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night. You will walk away wishing you had a Shima of your very own!
I love the lure that the author brings in that ties with Native American culture.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can should
June 24, 2026
Absolutely highly recommend this book and author. This was a fantastic gripping supernatural thriller containing Native American lore and descendants, relationships, heartbreak, friends who are family and the wonderful Shima (wolf). This is fast paced following Kat dealing with all the twists and turns that are thrown at her. Gripping and highly enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next instalment. Everyone should have a Shima.
December 16, 2025
This story will stay with you. Kat struggles to cope with grief and anger but people surround her and help her fight her demons. Everything you need is here in this book, ghost, the paranormal, generational stories, curse, hexes, grief, love and realization by the character (maybe even yourself) are capable of more than you know.
December 18, 2025
The imagery in this book was wonderful! The author really sets the tone for a creepy, suspenseful novel. The main character is a strong female who will capture your heart. She has been through a few things and you want to reach out and give her a hug. Lucky for us though, Kat has Shima and the rest of her friends to see her on this path.
January 15, 2026
A supernatural adventure in the woods in Northern Maine
Kat has a friend in Shima and you are rooting for her the whole story. The woods in Northern Maine is a mystical setting for all the supernatural events that unfold. John, the Author, is a great supporter of other Indie Authors so glad I was able to read his books.
Kat has a friend in Shima and you are rooting for her the whole story. The woods in Northern Maine is a mystical setting for all the supernatural events that unfold. John, the Author, is a great supporter of other Indie Authors so glad I was able to read his books.
March 7, 2026
thrilling adventure
You will fall in love with these characters as the author keeps you up at night wondering what will happen next! The amount of paranormal activity coupled with the anticipation of what will happen next will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night. You will walk away wishing you had a Shima of your very own!
You will fall in love with these characters as the author keeps you up at night wondering what will happen next! The amount of paranormal activity coupled with the anticipation of what will happen next will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night. You will walk away wishing you had a Shima of your very own!
March 8, 2026
Native American Lore Meets Mystery
This was an excellent read.
I wan not expecting the Native American element as I started the book.
As the story deepens and events happen, everything makes sense.
Shima is a wonderful character, and, in my opinion, the best part of the book.
I will look forward to reading more books by Mr. Thayer.
This was an excellent read.
I wan not expecting the Native American element as I started the book.
As the story deepens and events happen, everything makes sense.
Shima is a wonderful character, and, in my opinion, the best part of the book.
I will look forward to reading more books by Mr. Thayer.
December 16, 2025
absolutely amazing. move this up on your reading list and curl up.
December 20, 2025
An engaging ride from start to finish. The story was solid with rich detail throughout.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews