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End of the Wild
American Fiction Award Winner, Best Adventure Novel of 2018
eLit Book Award Winner, Gold Medal Popular Fiction 2019
Magical Realism set in the Pacific Northwest
Avoided by the Coast Salish tribes for generations, Hurst Island is one of the last remnants of untracked wilderness on the British Columbia coastal frontier. Not yet overtaken by logging or commercial fishing, it is a final outpost where myth lives on, heedless of human progress or desire. As their boat sinks, Amy and Ian find themselves stranded on this island, unaware of what they are about to face.
Populated by legendary creatures from Coast Salish mythology, End of the Wild will take you on a journey across time and space to discover the limits of human civilization. What happens when we reach the end of nature? What happens when all the wild places disappear from the Earth once and for all?
A sailing adventure. A story of survival after losing everything. Dense and atmospheric. A feast for the senses. Rich in coastal history and legend, End of the Wild will lead you to question the nature of wilderness and what it can mean to the human soul. A memory of a distant and brutal past. A vision of a ruined future. When turning back is impossible and forging ahead means risking everything, where can you turn?
eLit Book Award Winner, Gold Medal Popular Fiction 2019
Magical Realism set in the Pacific Northwest
Avoided by the Coast Salish tribes for generations, Hurst Island is one of the last remnants of untracked wilderness on the British Columbia coastal frontier. Not yet overtaken by logging or commercial fishing, it is a final outpost where myth lives on, heedless of human progress or desire. As their boat sinks, Amy and Ian find themselves stranded on this island, unaware of what they are about to face.
Populated by legendary creatures from Coast Salish mythology, End of the Wild will take you on a journey across time and space to discover the limits of human civilization. What happens when we reach the end of nature? What happens when all the wild places disappear from the Earth once and for all?
A sailing adventure. A story of survival after losing everything. Dense and atmospheric. A feast for the senses. Rich in coastal history and legend, End of the Wild will lead you to question the nature of wilderness and what it can mean to the human soul. A memory of a distant and brutal past. A vision of a ruined future. When turning back is impossible and forging ahead means risking everything, where can you turn?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2018
267 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 2, 2022
3.5 STARS
An engaging blend of First Nation legend and mysticism, burgeoning environmentalism, and ominous visions of a future dominated by social media and uneven distribution of wealth, End of the Wild took me back to my travels into the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, particularly Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands!
Truly wild places, Taylor expresses his love for the natural beauty of that area through this story about the shipwreck of Ian and Amy on Hurst Island while en route to Alaska. Heading north from Victoria Harbor through the Strait of Georgia, the powerful late fall winds buffeted Ian’s small sailing craft although most of the trip was uneventful, until they approached Hurst Island. The strange and unusual fog formations around the island and unusually rough seas results in their shipwreck on the island, a sacred First Nation place inhabited by native spirits that take Ian and Amy on separate and very different vision quests into the past and future. Ian’s journey into the past immerses him into destruction of the native tribes through forced assimilation. Amy’s vision of the future witnesses the destruction of the last of these very wild places and social stratification of wealth and influence.
The story tells a tale of what has been and what could be, set in the wondrous wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson immediately came to mind as I digested the warnings of environmental degradation foretold in End of the Wild.
Hurst Island is very much a real place, located off the northwest shore of Vancouver Island and part of God’s Pocket Marine Provincial Park. I love when books motivate me to explore!
One of those hidden gems in a crowded literary landscape dominated by the marketing budgets of huge publishing houses, I recommend to take a trip to the End of the Wild.
An engaging blend of First Nation legend and mysticism, burgeoning environmentalism, and ominous visions of a future dominated by social media and uneven distribution of wealth, End of the Wild took me back to my travels into the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, particularly Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands!
Truly wild places, Taylor expresses his love for the natural beauty of that area through this story about the shipwreck of Ian and Amy on Hurst Island while en route to Alaska. Heading north from Victoria Harbor through the Strait of Georgia, the powerful late fall winds buffeted Ian’s small sailing craft although most of the trip was uneventful, until they approached Hurst Island. The strange and unusual fog formations around the island and unusually rough seas results in their shipwreck on the island, a sacred First Nation place inhabited by native spirits that take Ian and Amy on separate and very different vision quests into the past and future. Ian’s journey into the past immerses him into destruction of the native tribes through forced assimilation. Amy’s vision of the future witnesses the destruction of the last of these very wild places and social stratification of wealth and influence.
The story tells a tale of what has been and what could be, set in the wondrous wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson immediately came to mind as I digested the warnings of environmental degradation foretold in End of the Wild.
Hurst Island is very much a real place, located off the northwest shore of Vancouver Island and part of God’s Pocket Marine Provincial Park. I love when books motivate me to explore!
One of those hidden gems in a crowded literary landscape dominated by the marketing budgets of huge publishing houses, I recommend to take a trip to the End of the Wild.
May 15, 2018
Great original story, rooted in history
I really enjoyed this book, it had me hooked from the beginning and I finished it in only a few days. The storyline is unique but relevant and rooted in historical facts. The author did a great job with the imagery and descriptions of this area. You'll want to know more about Salish history after reading this!
I really enjoyed this book, it had me hooked from the beginning and I finished it in only a few days. The storyline is unique but relevant and rooted in historical facts. The author did a great job with the imagery and descriptions of this area. You'll want to know more about Salish history after reading this!
October 9, 2019
I deeply enjoyed this book. Taylor has an absolute gift with description, immersing the reader in a tangible world that looks, sounds, and feels completely real. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started End of the Wild, but I was completely transported to Hurst Island, BC. The characters felt real, and the overarching theme of wilderness vs. progress is both important and extremely timely. Learning the historical significance of some of the plot points was an unexpected treat, and made me interested in a part of the world I'd never really thought much about. I'll definitely be reading his next novel!
March 2, 2019
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (02/19)
“End of the Wild” by Jason Taylor is an adventure that begins when a woman named Amy teams up with a man named Ian on a sailing journey that will take them up the British Columbia coastline, from Victoria to Alaska. Ian’s refurbished antique sailboat is his most prized possession and is dismayed when it capsizes and lands the two on Hurst Island which was originally inhabited by the Salish Indians. The island appears to be empty because the vacation season has ended and Amy and Ian have to trek across it to get to a closed resort in hopes of finding supplies and access to help. They are frightened when they see encounter a male being that is not human. Fortunately, he lets them pass by undisturbed, but little do they know how aware he is of their presence and they he has plans for them. When help does arrive, a fog lands the whole group back on the island, stranded. The rescuers tell them about the history of the island and the importance of Sasaheva, the wild man, and Tsonoqhah, the wild woman. Relying on old local traditions, it is believed the only way they will be able to get off the island is to send Amy and Ian on vision quests. The quests take Ian back to the past and Amy into the future. Both vision quests are disturbing, and Amy learns that the natural beauty of the area is in danger of being destroyed by humans. They soon learn their roles in how they can prevent this from happening.
“End of the Wild,” tells an amazing story about the history of an island off the coast of Vancouver, in an area that was originally inhabited by the Salish tribe. The author Jason Taylor did an excellent job of incorporating local folklore and true history into this spine-tingling adventure. Readers will appreciate that Taylor offers resources for further information about the history of the Salish and the area, because his story generates a lot of interest.
Taylor also has a gift of being able to vividly describe scenes that bring them alive and make them feel real. For example, when the characters had to spend a night out in the cold, I found myself wrapping up in a blanket, and worrying about spiders. When they were boating through the eerie fog, I felt like I could feel the chill and had some goosebumps as well – and I live the in the southern California desert! When Taylor writes about events involving the mythological beings, I felt like I was right alongside the protagonists who were encountering them, and I felt afraid!
“End of the Wild,” is one of those tales that will have an impact on readers, even after the story ends. Unless you don’t mind weird dreams, I don’t recommend reading it right before bedtime! I am still processing what I experienced. Readers who enjoy thought provoking fictional stories that have both mysticism and well researched history incorporated into the narrative will love “End of the Wild” by Jason Taylor.
“End of the Wild” by Jason Taylor is an adventure that begins when a woman named Amy teams up with a man named Ian on a sailing journey that will take them up the British Columbia coastline, from Victoria to Alaska. Ian’s refurbished antique sailboat is his most prized possession and is dismayed when it capsizes and lands the two on Hurst Island which was originally inhabited by the Salish Indians. The island appears to be empty because the vacation season has ended and Amy and Ian have to trek across it to get to a closed resort in hopes of finding supplies and access to help. They are frightened when they see encounter a male being that is not human. Fortunately, he lets them pass by undisturbed, but little do they know how aware he is of their presence and they he has plans for them. When help does arrive, a fog lands the whole group back on the island, stranded. The rescuers tell them about the history of the island and the importance of Sasaheva, the wild man, and Tsonoqhah, the wild woman. Relying on old local traditions, it is believed the only way they will be able to get off the island is to send Amy and Ian on vision quests. The quests take Ian back to the past and Amy into the future. Both vision quests are disturbing, and Amy learns that the natural beauty of the area is in danger of being destroyed by humans. They soon learn their roles in how they can prevent this from happening.
“End of the Wild,” tells an amazing story about the history of an island off the coast of Vancouver, in an area that was originally inhabited by the Salish tribe. The author Jason Taylor did an excellent job of incorporating local folklore and true history into this spine-tingling adventure. Readers will appreciate that Taylor offers resources for further information about the history of the Salish and the area, because his story generates a lot of interest.
Taylor also has a gift of being able to vividly describe scenes that bring them alive and make them feel real. For example, when the characters had to spend a night out in the cold, I found myself wrapping up in a blanket, and worrying about spiders. When they were boating through the eerie fog, I felt like I could feel the chill and had some goosebumps as well – and I live the in the southern California desert! When Taylor writes about events involving the mythological beings, I felt like I was right alongside the protagonists who were encountering them, and I felt afraid!
“End of the Wild,” is one of those tales that will have an impact on readers, even after the story ends. Unless you don’t mind weird dreams, I don’t recommend reading it right before bedtime! I am still processing what I experienced. Readers who enjoy thought provoking fictional stories that have both mysticism and well researched history incorporated into the narrative will love “End of the Wild” by Jason Taylor.
November 26, 2021
This book operates on a few different levels, whether it meant to or not. I will try to address how it functions on at least a couple of those levels.
The first level is just as a novel. Here, it's not a bad effort. The story line is kind of science-fiction/fantasy but because it is centred in the relationship between western society and Indigenous society as the main force in the destruction of the world, it has a very unique take. The ideas are interesting, the plot line moves. There's some suspense, some danger, and some resolution. THat's the good news. The bad news is that the characters are rather stilted and formulaic. Everything feels a bit trite. They just don't seem like real people. String emotions erupt then are resolved so quickly, it's disorienting at times. But still, it's a quick read and there's enough interest that I would say it's worth it.
Now the next level it operates on is sort of an unwitting introduction to the Coast Salish Nation, and to the concepts of Residential Schools, colonialism, and cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples. Here, it does an okay job if you're referencing an audience who has had zero or close to zero exposure to any of these things in the past. The author definitely paints a sympathetic (at first, I will address this more later) view of the Indigenous plight and the Coast Salish people in the book look strong, calm, competent, grounded, and compassionate. Clearly, the author made an effort to learn and to portray carefully and thoughtfully.
But that brings us to the next level of operation, and I was not able to unsee it. The story had a lot of white saviour aspects to it that I found a bit jarring. The fact that it was two white people who were chosen for the vision quest is clearly problematic. The ripples of that problematic text are felt throughout the story, from Ian being the one to carry the artifact, to him punching their Indigenous guide and then the situation being resolved by the Indigenous man being patient and forgiving, to having the white woman figure things out...just a lot of white saviourism.
Still, I think it's a worthwhile effort and a good introduction to some difficult concepts that many white people are sadly and unbelievably never introduced to.
The first level is just as a novel. Here, it's not a bad effort. The story line is kind of science-fiction/fantasy but because it is centred in the relationship between western society and Indigenous society as the main force in the destruction of the world, it has a very unique take. The ideas are interesting, the plot line moves. There's some suspense, some danger, and some resolution. THat's the good news. The bad news is that the characters are rather stilted and formulaic. Everything feels a bit trite. They just don't seem like real people. String emotions erupt then are resolved so quickly, it's disorienting at times. But still, it's a quick read and there's enough interest that I would say it's worth it.
Now the next level it operates on is sort of an unwitting introduction to the Coast Salish Nation, and to the concepts of Residential Schools, colonialism, and cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples. Here, it does an okay job if you're referencing an audience who has had zero or close to zero exposure to any of these things in the past. The author definitely paints a sympathetic (at first, I will address this more later) view of the Indigenous plight and the Coast Salish people in the book look strong, calm, competent, grounded, and compassionate. Clearly, the author made an effort to learn and to portray carefully and thoughtfully.
But that brings us to the next level of operation, and I was not able to unsee it. The story had a lot of white saviour aspects to it that I found a bit jarring. The fact that it was two white people who were chosen for the vision quest is clearly problematic. The ripples of that problematic text are felt throughout the story, from Ian being the one to carry the artifact, to him punching their Indigenous guide and then the situation being resolved by the Indigenous man being patient and forgiving, to having the white woman figure things out...just a lot of white saviourism.
Still, I think it's a worthwhile effort and a good introduction to some difficult concepts that many white people are sadly and unbelievably never introduced to.
March 8, 2019
Stumbled upon this book on Kindle Unlimited and thought I would give it a go. Very glad I did, this is an excellent story, masterfully crafted and full of myth, magic and an underlying message. I have a strong affinity with the Pacific Northwest and with Native American culture and history and I'm also an avid science fiction fan. This book has it all and without giving away the storyline the way the two 'visions' are intertwined and the underlying message communicated is engrossing. Hard to put down, I read the entire book in a couple of sessions. Excellent! Now off to read Jason Taylors other book, Ganymede!
August 12, 2018
This was a delightful read....the author knows his sailing and has studied the First Peoples culture of the area. Once in a awhile I get a book that I have a hard time putting down, and this is one. I did not feel adrift when he talked about sailing, either, tho my own experience is limited to kayaking. The descriptions of the natural environment are excellent, and true to my own wanderings in the forests of coastal Pacific Northwest. The book spans non-fiction and fiction and the author conveys the sense of the experiences, some of them, terrifying and some serenely mystic, of the main players very well! I hope he writes another book soon.
February 22, 2025
So I found this book by accident and absolutely loved it!! I loved the BC setting because I am very familiar to those areas and it was written so well. I thought that the mythological aspect with the First Nations was a very new take that I’m not used to, however I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also loved the way that the author incorporated the environmentalism! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, especially because it is a lesser-known book I think. I would be very interested in any other books this author may put out in the future.
December 15, 2018
This was an unexpected treasure to read. I was prepared to debunk it as a fluffy fantasy adventure. But the writing and the flow were just great. I was home sick and read the book in one day and enjoyed every bit of it. I was actually reminded of one of my favorite books, The Magus by John Fowles. It must have been the magical island... Great, coherent and entertaining voice. Thanks for the nice day of reading!
July 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Within the first few pages I was hooked with curiosity and had a hard time putting it down. While this book is fictional, the author has stayed true with historical facts and has described what our future is likely to be at the rate of unsustainablility we are "progressing" at. This was a good book that I would definitely recommend.
February 20, 2019
This book is a page turner, you always want to know what comes next! If you like fiction mixed with mysticism and history this book is for you
December 11, 2018
Unique Book
Really well thought out and well written. I liked and enjoyed End of the Wild giving it five stars, which only a handful of books have gotten from me over my lifetime.
Really well thought out and well written. I liked and enjoyed End of the Wild giving it five stars, which only a handful of books have gotten from me over my lifetime.
October 14, 2019
Pretty good.
Read
February 19, 2019Fun read. The author did a good job of bringing the reader into the waters east of Vancouver Island. Interesting to learn some of the local folklore.
Read
August 12, 2019Very entertaining tale.
June 5, 2018
The First Nations of the northwest coast of British Columbia have a long and vibrant history, one that includes numerous myths and legends that they carved into their stories as well as their totem poles. So much of that history has disappeared, along with the villages that dotted the coastal waters. Europeans came, took what they wanted in lumber, fish and wildlife, pillaging the landscape, leaving dark, cavernous stains where thick, luscious forests once graced the shoreline. But the myths and legends didn’t really die. The Sasaheva, the wild man, and Tsonoqhah, the wild woman, both wild mythical creatures of the forest who shared their visions with the humans who sought to care for the land, they remained. For now. But the ravishes of human greed will soon have their way with the wild creatures as well, until all that is left is steel and concrete and what so many would call civilization.
Ian and Amy are on an adventure, sailing along the British Columbia coastline from Victoria to Alaska. At Hurst Island, just off the northern point of Vancouver Island, their journey takes an unexpected turn, when their sailboat, Ian’s pride and joy, hits the rocks. They managed to make it to the south shore, just as the boat sinks, with only the clothes on their backs. The beautiful scenery that they had marvelled at from the boat, now looked rather sinister and foreboding and their jaunt across the island in the hopes of finding help, prove to be terrifying in ways neither one of them understands. But connecting with two First Nations men who come to their rescue, they soon learn that their journey is not over and that a spiritual journey is necessary not only to educate Ian and Amy about the past and what the future might forebode, but also how they might help in saving this pristine beauty for generations to come.
Jason Taylor’s novel, “End of the Wild: Shipwrecked in the Pacific Northwest”, is a journey of education, ecology, history and discovery. The plot develops at a good pace, weaving intricate past memories and events with the present and the future. History is told with accuracy and the plight of the First Nations and the land they nurtured for many thousands of years, is told with riveting accounts that will make the reader think twice before plundering the valuable resources of nature. The characters are certainly believable and well developed and the descriptive narratives of the narrative as powerful as the images they describe, a real painting in words. Having lived for many years and explored the northwest coast of British Columbia, this story captured my heart and my spirit at once. Brilliantly told with powerful messages to share.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
Ian and Amy are on an adventure, sailing along the British Columbia coastline from Victoria to Alaska. At Hurst Island, just off the northern point of Vancouver Island, their journey takes an unexpected turn, when their sailboat, Ian’s pride and joy, hits the rocks. They managed to make it to the south shore, just as the boat sinks, with only the clothes on their backs. The beautiful scenery that they had marvelled at from the boat, now looked rather sinister and foreboding and their jaunt across the island in the hopes of finding help, prove to be terrifying in ways neither one of them understands. But connecting with two First Nations men who come to their rescue, they soon learn that their journey is not over and that a spiritual journey is necessary not only to educate Ian and Amy about the past and what the future might forebode, but also how they might help in saving this pristine beauty for generations to come.
Jason Taylor’s novel, “End of the Wild: Shipwrecked in the Pacific Northwest”, is a journey of education, ecology, history and discovery. The plot develops at a good pace, weaving intricate past memories and events with the present and the future. History is told with accuracy and the plight of the First Nations and the land they nurtured for many thousands of years, is told with riveting accounts that will make the reader think twice before plundering the valuable resources of nature. The characters are certainly believable and well developed and the descriptive narratives of the narrative as powerful as the images they describe, a real painting in words. Having lived for many years and explored the northwest coast of British Columbia, this story captured my heart and my spirit at once. Brilliantly told with powerful messages to share.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
August 19, 2024
This was a solid three star read until the last quarter of the book. It got super preachy and whiny. Lost a whole star for the “mankind is irrevocably destroying nature beyond repair” message. BS.
August 24, 2019
I felt like this book was so focused on the mythology and the message that I didn't get to know the characters. Both Ian and Amy were vague outlines of people in this intense and outlandish situation. I also wanted a lot more detail of the island: descriptions, impressions, emotions. It was very perfunctory that way, leaving us with the actions of the characters rather than the richness of the setting.
Also, a lot of the dialogue was very simple, too much like real speech to allow the story to flow. A lot of address, acknowledgement, question, answer, response. And when the characters were separated, expected to grow into their own, they didn't. Only at the very end does Ian differentiate himself from Amy, but then he goes back on his convictions almost immediately afterward. It was a metaphor for the rest of the book: very unique and interesting in theory, but unable to commit fully to its own universe and rules.
Plus, the ending itself was very cliche.
Also, a lot of the dialogue was very simple, too much like real speech to allow the story to flow. A lot of address, acknowledgement, question, answer, response. And when the characters were separated, expected to grow into their own, they didn't. Only at the very end does Ian differentiate himself from Amy, but then he goes back on his convictions almost immediately afterward. It was a metaphor for the rest of the book: very unique and interesting in theory, but unable to commit fully to its own universe and rules.
Plus, the ending itself was very cliche.
August 29, 2019
I didn't click with this book. For me, nothing worked. The mythology seemed cartoonish, the characters two dimensional, and the plot was full of 'choose your own adventure'-type elements. Also, the book would benefit from some good editing.
I was hoping for a book that was more of a sailing adventure, but no. The only sailing was at the very beginning before the crash.
The vision quests were interesting. Hers was vaguely reminiscent of another futuristic book I've read where characters depend on social media "likes" to gain popularity and privilege.
His was ...historical? The chief of the native tribe spoke perfect English. (None of the other natives spoke English.) The author didn't even try to give him a broken English accent. And this was the first British ship to land in the Vancouver Island waters?
I think the author's message took over the writing. I did manage to read it all the way through, but I had to read two books in between.
I was hoping for a book that was more of a sailing adventure, but no. The only sailing was at the very beginning before the crash.
The vision quests were interesting. Hers was vaguely reminiscent of another futuristic book I've read where characters depend on social media "likes" to gain popularity and privilege.
His was ...historical? The chief of the native tribe spoke perfect English. (None of the other natives spoke English.) The author didn't even try to give him a broken English accent. And this was the first British ship to land in the Vancouver Island waters?
I think the author's message took over the writing. I did manage to read it all the way through, but I had to read two books in between.
September 13, 2019
I really wanted to like this book based on the reviews, and I am sad that it wasn't a better read for me. I was super excited about the concept of the tribal rituals, the shipwreck, etc...but the book just didn't gel for me.
The writing style is very simple and straight forward. The first chapter felt like I was reading an assignment by a high school creative writing student. It is articulate and well done, but no flow- no experience- nothing captured me. I was about to call it quits, but I came on Goodreads and read the other reviews, and decided to stick it out.
There are good moments and bad moments. Nothing kept me wanting to know what came next. I think the idea is there but the execution was not. Again, this is just my opinion, and there are certainly plenty of people who loved this book.
The writing style is very simple and straight forward. The first chapter felt like I was reading an assignment by a high school creative writing student. It is articulate and well done, but no flow- no experience- nothing captured me. I was about to call it quits, but I came on Goodreads and read the other reviews, and decided to stick it out.
There are good moments and bad moments. Nothing kept me wanting to know what came next. I think the idea is there but the execution was not. Again, this is just my opinion, and there are certainly plenty of people who loved this book.
April 11, 2020
End of the Wild by Jason Taylor 2/29/2020 Kindle
I picked up this book because the cover and title caught my eye, plus the first few words of description. Once I got into it, I really tried to continue reading. However, the first time I was introduced to strange happenings, I was turned off. Sorry, just not my kind of story. The opening was engaging and the writing of a level that if the story kept my attention, I’d have continued. I must admit for only the second time in the last hundred books, I didn’t finish reading it. I don’t feel qualified to recommend it, nor do I feel I can discourage the book with a low rating. Sorry, just not for me.
I picked up this book because the cover and title caught my eye, plus the first few words of description. Once I got into it, I really tried to continue reading. However, the first time I was introduced to strange happenings, I was turned off. Sorry, just not my kind of story. The opening was engaging and the writing of a level that if the story kept my attention, I’d have continued. I must admit for only the second time in the last hundred books, I didn’t finish reading it. I don’t feel qualified to recommend it, nor do I feel I can discourage the book with a low rating. Sorry, just not for me.
June 22, 2024
When I first saw 'End of the Wild', the cover photo and premise seemed interesting, but I did not know what to expect. Now that I have read the book, I would say it is part wilderness adventure, part indigenous peoples history with a mix of supernatural and part 'Silent Spring.' The main characters, Ian and Amy are sailing north to Alaska in his sailboat when they are shipwrecked on Hurst Island, British Columbia. They trek along the island, heading to a lodge on the north coast hoping for rescue. There, they meet two First Nations men who are looking for them. From then on, Ian and Amy learn of the history of the local indigenous people and realize they must go on a vision quest in order to save not only Hurst Island, but the local native people. Jason Taylor does a tremendous job describing the landscape of Hurst Island and relating the history of the Coastal Salish people. Where I believe he stumbles a bit is in his description of Ian and Amy. While we do have information about them, I think he could have gone into more depth as to who they were and where they came from. Maybe this is just my personal preference, but I like to get a clear picture of who people are. Also, the dialogue seemed a bit stilted because it did not come off as entirely natural. There also was a lack of tension at certain points in the story when the reader should feel tense and be sitting at the edge of their seat at what was going to happen next. Overall, though, the story was good and Mr. Taylor moved it along briskly. He clearly is a good writer because I didn't want to put the book down. There were a couple of grammatical errors, but nothing to get worked up about. While I do recommend this book, it may not be for everyone. If you are looking for a straight wilderness thriller, this probably won't be for you. However, if you don't mind a little supernatural, a little history of indigenous peoples and a message warning us about destroying our natural environment and the culture of indigenous people, you will like this book. I would like to read more of Mr. Taylor's work.
June 15, 2020
This is actually my third DNF in a row. I stopped reading this book a few weeks ago, but I just hadn't actually gotten to updating it...
I think the author has major potential for writing better books. This seems like it might've been a self-published book, because there were quite a few grammatical errors throughout. It's clear the author knows a lot about what he's writing on, but that's it. There is no depth to any of the characters. Everyone is a cut-and-paste, two-dimensional character. You just don't care about what's happening to them because there's no real internalization. There's a bunch of information, and then characters do stuff, but that's it.
The book started it off strong, but just got more and more boring as time went on. I made it to around 40% before deciding to call it quits. I just didn't care. I do think the author is talented and has potential... but maybe get a professional opinion before publishing.
I think the author has major potential for writing better books. This seems like it might've been a self-published book, because there were quite a few grammatical errors throughout. It's clear the author knows a lot about what he's writing on, but that's it. There is no depth to any of the characters. Everyone is a cut-and-paste, two-dimensional character. You just don't care about what's happening to them because there's no real internalization. There's a bunch of information, and then characters do stuff, but that's it.
The book started it off strong, but just got more and more boring as time went on. I made it to around 40% before deciding to call it quits. I just didn't care. I do think the author is talented and has potential... but maybe get a professional opinion before publishing.
December 3, 2018
A tale of Native legends, myths and rituals that also combines the resilience of our capacity to adapt and embrace the unbelievable.
Amy and Ian are given the chance of a lifetime in this story as their journey to Alaska takes an unexpected detour before finally resuming.
While this book seemed simple in it's beginning it soon became anything but.
An enjoyable tale that gives food for thought to anyone who reads it.o
Amy and Ian are given the chance of a lifetime in this story as their journey to Alaska takes an unexpected detour before finally resuming.
While this book seemed simple in it's beginning it soon became anything but.
An enjoyable tale that gives food for thought to anyone who reads it.o
July 4, 2019
Is this our future?
I had no idea what to expect from this book and it turned out to be so different from what I thought it would be. It’s a fantasy tale of Native Americans and an apocalyptic glimpse of a future no one wants to see. I really enjoyed a look into the way of life of the Salish Indians and the stories of their past. It is definitely a wake up call to our world today.
I had no idea what to expect from this book and it turned out to be so different from what I thought it would be. It’s a fantasy tale of Native Americans and an apocalyptic glimpse of a future no one wants to see. I really enjoyed a look into the way of life of the Salish Indians and the stories of their past. It is definitely a wake up call to our world today.
March 15, 2021
Great adventure with a good lesson
As a Washington State resident I get really excited to read books that are about the Pacific Northwest. The idea of adventure and wanderlust are never far. This book provides both a sense of adventure, satisfaction in hearing Native legends, and a harsh realization of what will become of the Pacific Northwest if things don't change. Very enjoyable read.
As a Washington State resident I get really excited to read books that are about the Pacific Northwest. The idea of adventure and wanderlust are never far. This book provides both a sense of adventure, satisfaction in hearing Native legends, and a harsh realization of what will become of the Pacific Northwest if things don't change. Very enjoyable read.
November 8, 2019
I made it two hours into the audiobook before I decided to not finish it. Good imagery and an interesting concept. But could have used some editing and more focus. I just hit pause and can't remember the names of the two characters and have zero connection to them. After reading the other reviews, I desperately wanted to like this book. Maybe I'll revisit it someday.
January 29, 2023
Interesting story.
Solid story here. Some of the interactions between characters seem forced. But the underlying story is the idea of connection between native peoples and the land. While white folks see nature as competition with humans, Native Americans viewed it as cooperative. Some of the story seems forced but it is reasonably engaging and easy to read.
Solid story here. Some of the interactions between characters seem forced. But the underlying story is the idea of connection between native peoples and the land. While white folks see nature as competition with humans, Native Americans viewed it as cooperative. Some of the story seems forced but it is reasonably engaging and easy to read.
July 1, 2023
I enjoyed the book for the most part. Love the setting of Pacific Northwest and the Natve American culture/mythology. Also got the message of protecting nature and native culture.
The characters were not really fully developed though and I sometimes had a hard time caring about them.
The story overall was good but I felt the ending felt a bit rushed trying to explain everything.
The characters were not really fully developed though and I sometimes had a hard time caring about them.
The story overall was good but I felt the ending felt a bit rushed trying to explain everything.
September 12, 2019
More of a YA book, with a simplistic plot and a pedantic message, but still I enjoyed much about it. There is not a lot on audio about the Coast Salish people, and this fantasy novel is a thoughtful introduction.
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