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Walks With The Wind
Winner of the 9th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published E-book Grand PrizeA gripping story of loss, manipulation and the fight to survive.Steve Physioc is a great storyteller who writes believable characters, with a conflict against a historical backdrop that has been widely written about, yet he creates unique scenes and a plot that is original. — Readers' Favorite
Sam Cloud-Carson has a good life. He’s a budding baseball phenom who can pack the stands with scouts. He’s surrounded by a loving family. And he’s well known in his Southern Ute tribe and beyond as the best wildlife tracker anyone has ever seen – anyone, including Drake Dixon.
Drake doesn’t concern himself with anything or anyone that can’t give him what he money and power. His position and prestige as owner of Diamond Bar Security bring him both, but he knows young Sam can bring him even more. If he can convince him to come on board and track for Diamond Bar in the wealth-laden mountains of Afghanistan, that is.
When the worst day of Sam’s life becomes the best day of Drake’s, their paths become impossibly intertwined in a journey across the globe – a journey with life-altering implications for them both.
Sam Cloud-Carson has a good life. He’s a budding baseball phenom who can pack the stands with scouts. He’s surrounded by a loving family. And he’s well known in his Southern Ute tribe and beyond as the best wildlife tracker anyone has ever seen – anyone, including Drake Dixon.
Drake doesn’t concern himself with anything or anyone that can’t give him what he money and power. His position and prestige as owner of Diamond Bar Security bring him both, but he knows young Sam can bring him even more. If he can convince him to come on board and track for Diamond Bar in the wealth-laden mountains of Afghanistan, that is.
When the worst day of Sam’s life becomes the best day of Drake’s, their paths become impossibly intertwined in a journey across the globe – a journey with life-altering implications for them both.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2021
61 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Steve Physioc
5 books51 followersAs an Emmy-winning radio and TV broadcaster for football, baseball and basketball, Steve Physioc has been telling stories for 40 years. After a trip to Italy with his wife, Stace, he was inspired to tell a different kind of story — his novels, The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls. He and Stace live in Kansas City and love to visit and spend time with their children, Ryan and Kevin, and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 6, 2025
The first of Physioc’s books that I have read, I discovered the author after my wife had read his first book, Walls of Lucca and we had met Steve at a literary festival this past October.
Walks with the Wind is a multidimensional, deep tale of a spiritual journey of a young man who in his own words has “already been [to hell].” Blending Ute culture, a bit of baseball (informed by Physioc’s own time as a sportscaster, most recently with the Kansas City Royals), spiritual quest, and the business of war, into an engaging novel, the reader is probed to explore questions of faith, destiny, greed, and whether a pitcher should be judged by the speed of their fastball or their intuition.
A wonderful, deep novel that will undoubtedly earn a second read at some point.
Five stars.
Walks with the Wind is a multidimensional, deep tale of a spiritual journey of a young man who in his own words has “already been [to hell].” Blending Ute culture, a bit of baseball (informed by Physioc’s own time as a sportscaster, most recently with the Kansas City Royals), spiritual quest, and the business of war, into an engaging novel, the reader is probed to explore questions of faith, destiny, greed, and whether a pitcher should be judged by the speed of their fastball or their intuition.
A wonderful, deep novel that will undoubtedly earn a second read at some point.
Five stars.
March 29, 2021
“Walks with the Wind,” by Steve Physioc, is an absorbing book with many layers. It centers on protagonist Sam Cloud-Carson, a member of the Southern Ute tribe, who has the uncanny gift and skill of tracking, but also pitching and hitting in baseball. He has a loving family, but then they are taken away, leaving him as somewhat of a loner that begins his journey, especially after losing baseball as well. This is how his paths cross with Drake Dixon, a money-hungry man into power and manipulation, who uses Sam to bring himself even more power and wealth. He wants Sam to track for Diamond Bar Security in the mountains of Afghanistan, where riches can be found. The agreement brings them together in a way neither could anticipate.
Physioc masterfully combines this character-driven drama into an unforgettable saga of family, loss, culture, war, and redemption. I especially like the way Native American culture is incorporated, and the way the lives of the main characters collide and work off of each other. The pacing is even, the plot intriguing, and the dialogue dynamic. You will become invested in the story and can’t guess what may lie around the next corner.
The author has to be applauded for his talent for ambient settings, attention to details and culture, and the ability to be convincing and magnetic in the story he tells. Personally, I was drawn to the Native American/tracking aspects of the story, and it played so well into the plot. The character development is outstanding. You really get to see them–especially Sam–grow and change with the life events that occur. The parts of the story that concerned a private security company intrigued me as well.
Baseball fans are sure to like the different take on it as it as far as Sam is concerned. It seems that there is always something new to learn or add to what you already know in this novel. And let’s not forget that there is a level of tension in the plot, too, as well as some tenderness along with the toughness. There are so many layers that you may want to reread it just to get a different perspective on it.
If you like odysseys about family, culture, conflict, and spiritual growth, you’ll love “Walks with the Wind,” by Steve Physioc.
Physioc masterfully combines this character-driven drama into an unforgettable saga of family, loss, culture, war, and redemption. I especially like the way Native American culture is incorporated, and the way the lives of the main characters collide and work off of each other. The pacing is even, the plot intriguing, and the dialogue dynamic. You will become invested in the story and can’t guess what may lie around the next corner.
The author has to be applauded for his talent for ambient settings, attention to details and culture, and the ability to be convincing and magnetic in the story he tells. Personally, I was drawn to the Native American/tracking aspects of the story, and it played so well into the plot. The character development is outstanding. You really get to see them–especially Sam–grow and change with the life events that occur. The parts of the story that concerned a private security company intrigued me as well.
Baseball fans are sure to like the different take on it as it as far as Sam is concerned. It seems that there is always something new to learn or add to what you already know in this novel. And let’s not forget that there is a level of tension in the plot, too, as well as some tenderness along with the toughness. There are so many layers that you may want to reread it just to get a different perspective on it.
If you like odysseys about family, culture, conflict, and spiritual growth, you’ll love “Walks with the Wind,” by Steve Physioc.
June 8, 2025
A Thoughtful Thriller with a Strong Heart
This book surprised me in the best way. I picked it up expecting an action-packed adventure, and while there’s plenty of that, what stayed with me most was the soul of the story. Sam is such a unique protagonist — grounded in tradition, yet thrust into situations no young person should have to face. His journey feels real and raw, and the contrast between his moral compass and Drake Dixon’s greed gives the story incredible tension. The writing is vivid, especially the scenes in nature, and the pacing kept me invested from start to finish. I would have liked a bit more insight into Dixon’s backstory, but overall, Walks with the Wind is a memorable and meaningful read.
This book surprised me in the best way. I picked it up expecting an action-packed adventure, and while there’s plenty of that, what stayed with me most was the soul of the story. Sam is such a unique protagonist — grounded in tradition, yet thrust into situations no young person should have to face. His journey feels real and raw, and the contrast between his moral compass and Drake Dixon’s greed gives the story incredible tension. The writing is vivid, especially the scenes in nature, and the pacing kept me invested from start to finish. I would have liked a bit more insight into Dixon’s backstory, but overall, Walks with the Wind is a memorable and meaningful read.
July 20, 2024
"Walks With The Wind" by Steve Physioc is a captivating story of survival and resilience. Sam Cloud-Carson, a promising baseball player and wildlife tracker from the Southern Ute tribe, finds his life drastically changed when he meets the ruthless Drake Dixon, owner of Diamond Bar Security.
Physioc crafts believable characters and an original plot set against a rich historical backdrop. The contrast between Sam's integrity and Drake's greed drives the compelling narrative. This book is a masterful blend of action, emotion, and cultural richness, making it a must-read for fans of personal growth and survival stories.
Physioc crafts believable characters and an original plot set against a rich historical backdrop. The contrast between Sam's integrity and Drake's greed drives the compelling narrative. This book is a masterful blend of action, emotion, and cultural richness, making it a must-read for fans of personal growth and survival stories.
June 25, 2025
Powerful, Heartfelt, and Unforgettable
Walks with the Wind took me on an emotional journey I didn’t expect. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Sam Cloud-Carson’s world — his talent, his connection to nature, and the quiet strength of his Native heritage. But what really gripped me was how deeply human this story is. The stakes are high — not just physically, but spiritually — as Sam’s life gets turned upside down by Drake Dixon, a villain you love to hate. The mix of personal growth, cultural depth, and action made it impossible to put down. This isn’t just a coming-of-age story; it’s a powerful tale of identity, purpose, and resilience. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Walks with the Wind took me on an emotional journey I didn’t expect. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Sam Cloud-Carson’s world — his talent, his connection to nature, and the quiet strength of his Native heritage. But what really gripped me was how deeply human this story is. The stakes are high — not just physically, but spiritually — as Sam’s life gets turned upside down by Drake Dixon, a villain you love to hate. The mix of personal growth, cultural depth, and action made it impossible to put down. This isn’t just a coming-of-age story; it’s a powerful tale of identity, purpose, and resilience. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
March 2, 2021
I loved this authors first two books and excited to see he had a new book out. But how different could a book be- from war torn vineyards in Italy to a teen age baseball player in southwestern CO? A very different setting but the same underlying story of faith and belief. Sams sister Jenny is the message carrier in this book. Sams journey takes him from the baseball diamond to Afghanistan, but it is Jenny’s words that carry him. I also really enjoyed the Native American wisdom and spiritualism. Excellent- can’t wait for the next book!
April 3, 2021
Waiting for sequel
I was attracted to the title of this book. I enjoy reading of Native American culture. But when I started reading I thought,"This books gonna break my heart.". But, I couldn't stop reading. Then I saw references to the Royals ! That's my team! Long story short, I am now a fan of Steve Physioc.
I look forward to his future works. A darn good writer!
Forever Royal!!
I was attracted to the title of this book. I enjoy reading of Native American culture. But when I started reading I thought,"This books gonna break my heart.". But, I couldn't stop reading. Then I saw references to the Royals ! That's my team! Long story short, I am now a fan of Steve Physioc.
I look forward to his future works. A darn good writer!
Forever Royal!!
February 21, 2021
Such an amazing book. Cannot wait for the next one. So well written it brought out so many emotions. Had to put it down when I was reading it on my lunch break at work because I got so into the story.
March 1, 2021
Very good story about a young Native American who is able to find beauty even after tragedies. I am amazed at the author’s ability to switch from WWII-time Italy in his two previous novels to this setting! He promises a sequel, to which I will eagerly look forward.
February 26, 2021
Fantastic. In site into two very different cultures. And a well told story.
April 20, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, the characters, and the lessons. Eager to read follow up book!
November 22, 2021
Good
a book where a young man and his family went through so much.he lost his whole family mostly thus the greed of one mzn.
a book where a young man and his family went through so much.he lost his whole family mostly thus the greed of one mzn.
October 14, 2021
Not a happy ever after story.
December 3, 2024
recording error in chapter 33 at 21:35
February 18, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable book on so many different levels. The journey of the protagonist, Sam, is the shared journey of a loner. The young man, with super
(-natural) abilities as a tracker, a pitcher, and a hitter is surrounded by a loving family—until they are taken from him. And to make matters worse, baseball is taken from him too. He is forced to find his way on his journey. The author does a fantastic job of weaving Native American culture, baseball, family, romance, goodness, forgiveness, power, evil, greed, war, and much more into this exceptional story. I’m already looking forward to the sequel! I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews