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Itchiwan
Four wise-ass, foul mouth, but lovable thirteen year old boys ... with backgrounds of South Boston Irish, upper class WASP, local townie Wampanoag Indian twins … unending summers on Cape Cod ... a mysterious long buried portal through time … a mesmerizing rumored witch … a resurrected deadly Wampanoag legend thought to be only a fairy tale to keep children close to home … Hey, what’s the worst that could happen?
Ehh ... mayhem, horror, tragedy, romance, laughter, suspense and non-stop thrills. Buckle up for one of the most enjoyable rides of your life and a cast of characters you’ll never forget.
Ehh ... mayhem, horror, tragedy, romance, laughter, suspense and non-stop thrills. Buckle up for one of the most enjoyable rides of your life and a cast of characters you’ll never forget.
- GenresHorrorTime Travel
396 pages, ebook
First published October 19, 2018
About the author
J.J. Cunis
1 book11 followersVisit www.jjcunis.com - Joe has lived year round on the Cape since 1984. Joe has engaged in numerous occupations and activities from paperboy, to bag boy, to laborer, to metal fabricator, to bank examiner, to CFO, to COO, to ghost youth sports writer, to entrepreneur, to movie extra, while writing along the way. His roots were in Marlboro, MA and he’s been replanted in Boston, Washington DC, New York, San Juan, Houston and finally Cape Cod where he expects to remain firmly planted barring any climatic catastrophes … knock on wood. www.facebook.com/jjcunis and on instagram/jjcunis
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 12, 2023
Kind of wild, creative, definitely lurid, it reminded me of Stephen King at times. The writing is very rough, but still it had a certain quality, an amateur passion to it that I could appreciate.
I paid cash money for this one (all of $2) after seeing a slightly obnoxious plea for readers from the author on Goodreads somewhere. The preview was appealing enough for this, a pleasant surprise. It was basically the character being shot in the nuts with an arrow in the first chapter that sold me on it.
It’s about four young boys, fast friends in a Cape Cod vacationland, who face off against some diminutive Satan-worshipping Native Americans of legend, in a messy time-travel adventure. It starts near the end, then jumps between different time periods: 1992, 1968, and others. This multi-era storytelling with the characters as both children and adults brings King’s It to mind, also the willingness to meet low-brow characters where they are, with entertaining banter. There’s a lot about boners, and it doesn’t exactly use enlightened or PC language, even ignoring the accuracy for it’s 1992 (and older) setting, but it openly acknowledges the existence of racism.
I made it to 37% before deciding to cut and run. It was fun but I didn’t see much benefit in spending multiple more days of reading time on it. The split time travel narrative suggested at that point that I would just be seeing events play out that would lead to an already-known ending. I’m sure there are more surprises but I’m okay with letting them go.
I paid cash money for this one (all of $2) after seeing a slightly obnoxious plea for readers from the author on Goodreads somewhere. The preview was appealing enough for this, a pleasant surprise. It was basically the character being shot in the nuts with an arrow in the first chapter that sold me on it.
It’s about four young boys, fast friends in a Cape Cod vacationland, who face off against some diminutive Satan-worshipping Native Americans of legend, in a messy time-travel adventure. It starts near the end, then jumps between different time periods: 1992, 1968, and others. This multi-era storytelling with the characters as both children and adults brings King’s It to mind, also the willingness to meet low-brow characters where they are, with entertaining banter. There’s a lot about boners, and it doesn’t exactly use enlightened or PC language, even ignoring the accuracy for it’s 1992 (and older) setting, but it openly acknowledges the existence of racism.
I made it to 37% before deciding to cut and run. It was fun but I didn’t see much benefit in spending multiple more days of reading time on it. The split time travel narrative suggested at that point that I would just be seeing events play out that would lead to an already-known ending. I’m sure there are more surprises but I’m okay with letting them go.
October 21, 2022
Horror is definitely not a go to genre for me but this sounded interesting with the time travel aspect so I went for it. Well written and interesting plot but it just did not hold my attention in the last half of the book.
March 6, 2020
A good horror book, featuring the New World version of the Little People.
July 12, 2024
BOOKLIFE PRIZE - 2023
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 10 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 9.25 out of 10
Plot/Idea: Cunis's story of the discovery of a mysterious time portal by a group of teenagers is at once bewildering and highly enjoyable. Although the plot suffers from being a little meandering, it packs a hefty punch that will leave readers dazzled and giddy.
Prose: This bizarre time traveling adventure is executed with supreme attention to detail and evocative imagery. Its short chapters are packed with depth, detail, and the occasional pop culture reference.
Originality: The novel's blistering opening is full of humor, mystery and wonder. The different time periods visited during the course of the novel are effectively brought to life with minute attention to detail.
Character/Execution: Cunis's text features myriad characters that are all excellently rendered in pinprick detail. From the evil homicidal maniacs of Wampanoag to the disparate group of goofy teenagers, Itchiwan's pages are filled with well-crafted and effervescent personalities.
Assessment: A frenetic, intense, and thoroughly enjoyable journey through time.
Date Submitted: August 07, 2023
Critic’s Report, The BookLife Prize.
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 10 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 9.25 out of 10
Plot/Idea: Cunis's story of the discovery of a mysterious time portal by a group of teenagers is at once bewildering and highly enjoyable. Although the plot suffers from being a little meandering, it packs a hefty punch that will leave readers dazzled and giddy.
Prose: This bizarre time traveling adventure is executed with supreme attention to detail and evocative imagery. Its short chapters are packed with depth, detail, and the occasional pop culture reference.
Originality: The novel's blistering opening is full of humor, mystery and wonder. The different time periods visited during the course of the novel are effectively brought to life with minute attention to detail.
Character/Execution: Cunis's text features myriad characters that are all excellently rendered in pinprick detail. From the evil homicidal maniacs of Wampanoag to the disparate group of goofy teenagers, Itchiwan's pages are filled with well-crafted and effervescent personalities.
Assessment: A frenetic, intense, and thoroughly enjoyable journey through time.
Date Submitted: August 07, 2023
Critic’s Report, The BookLife Prize.
May 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It’s an adventure involving four people, and you get to follow the characters through different stages of their lives.
It’s a fun read, and there’s even a bit of time travel, too.
Highly recommended if you want an adventure read with a bit of comedy thrown in.
It’s a fun read, and there’s even a bit of time travel, too.
Highly recommended if you want an adventure read with a bit of comedy thrown in.
August 26, 2020
1992, New Seabury. Brett Simmons (WASP) hadn’t talked with Vernon “Vern” Otis (Wampanoag Indian) for about 20 yrs.
Timmy “the Tomahawk” O’Rielly (13, Irish) & Vernon “Vern” Otis (13, Wampanoag Indian, Vern’s brother) had disappeared then.
David Bateman worked for Arsenault Tree Service. The company had been awarded the contract to clear the area in order to develop the Witch Pond Condominiums.
Standing 10’ away from David were 4 small Pukwudgees Indians.
Things didn’t go as he planned.
Witch Pond. Officer Steve Dimitri (Mashpee PD) had been sent to Mrs. Finch (80) house to see what was going on.
Chief Pomarat ordered Hysko to kill the beast with his bow/arrow.
Sarkem & Massot helped skin/gut the creature.
Phil “Bogger” Rayburn (Conservation Agent) wasn’t quite sure what he had seen.
Mike Treflin had been jogging past Mrs. Finch’s house
An APB had been issued for four 3-1/2’ Native Americans.
Brett was screaming at the top of his lungs. Brett/Vern, Timmy, & Amos had fallen in a hole.
Brett Simmons (Yale), Vernon “Vern” Otis (A/A, Wharton), & Timmy “the Tomahawk” O’Rielly (Colin’s brother, CPA, Suffolk U; PS) had graduated & were seeking employment. Vern Otis (Syracuse U) was a 3rd round NBA draft pick.
Mashpee. Marcello Magott (development co. head) watched on TV as things developed.
He told John the Wampanoag Cultural Village project plans were history.
Boston, MA. Marcello met with Amos (stockbroker).
What did Colin O’Rielly tell Eileen O’Hearn (Danny’s wife)?
8/25, What were Brett & Amos celebrating?
Chief Pomarat (Itchiwan), Massot, Hysko, & Sarkem were having a drink with Liam O’Hearn.
Fasman (sentry) & Krat (sentry) were on guard for Chief Maktahdou’s tribe & his 2 sons.
What were Sarah & Vern up to?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Dual timeline book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great time travel movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBook Bakery books; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Timmy “the Tomahawk” O’Rielly (13, Irish) & Vernon “Vern” Otis (13, Wampanoag Indian, Vern’s brother) had disappeared then.
David Bateman worked for Arsenault Tree Service. The company had been awarded the contract to clear the area in order to develop the Witch Pond Condominiums.
Standing 10’ away from David were 4 small Pukwudgees Indians.
Things didn’t go as he planned.
Witch Pond. Officer Steve Dimitri (Mashpee PD) had been sent to Mrs. Finch (80) house to see what was going on.
Chief Pomarat ordered Hysko to kill the beast with his bow/arrow.
Sarkem & Massot helped skin/gut the creature.
Phil “Bogger” Rayburn (Conservation Agent) wasn’t quite sure what he had seen.
Mike Treflin had been jogging past Mrs. Finch’s house
An APB had been issued for four 3-1/2’ Native Americans.
Brett was screaming at the top of his lungs. Brett/Vern, Timmy, & Amos had fallen in a hole.
Brett Simmons (Yale), Vernon “Vern” Otis (A/A, Wharton), & Timmy “the Tomahawk” O’Rielly (Colin’s brother, CPA, Suffolk U; PS) had graduated & were seeking employment. Vern Otis (Syracuse U) was a 3rd round NBA draft pick.
Mashpee. Marcello Magott (development co. head) watched on TV as things developed.
He told John the Wampanoag Cultural Village project plans were history.
Boston, MA. Marcello met with Amos (stockbroker).
What did Colin O’Rielly tell Eileen O’Hearn (Danny’s wife)?
8/25, What were Brett & Amos celebrating?
Chief Pomarat (Itchiwan), Massot, Hysko, & Sarkem were having a drink with Liam O’Hearn.
Fasman (sentry) & Krat (sentry) were on guard for Chief Maktahdou’s tribe & his 2 sons.
What were Sarah & Vern up to?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Dual timeline book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great time travel movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBook Bakery books; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 12, 2023
An intriguing read, where four boys find a magical time-travel orb underground. The boys are from different walks of life and their adventure changes their lives. They unwittingly cause a terror to enter their world in the former of a native Indian menace. The story spans decades and centuries as they try to alter what they did and also take advantage of their discovery. Recommended reading.
September 22, 2023
We chose this book for our book club. It was a great book. It really kept you engrossed. The story was awesome, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The author came to our book club and told us all about the book and his process. It was a great experience.
January 31, 2020
Bringing myths and legends to life
Cape Cod author J.J. (Joe) Cunis has spanned the spectrum of careers from bank examiner, CFO, COO, ghost youth sports writer, movie extra (among other things) to novelist.
The language of the story is at times appropriately naughty, enhancing the wild characters who speak it, and always invigorating and full of about every attentive response imaginable – horror, hilarity, gripping suspense, and breathlessness. Covering a span of time from 1968 to 1992 to 2018 (with a few hops further back), this story just ploughs through relentlessly, keeping the reader involved and entertained on every page.
Signaling the type of suspense ahead, Joe opens with the follow: ‘Brett Simmons noticed it driving his BMW to the tennis courts, ‘C**p!’ He’d better call Vern. Where the hell was Vern anyway? Vern might be dead for all he knew. They hadn’t talked for twenty years to the day…four years after Timmy and Vern’s brother, Amos, disappeared…’ Get the drift? With a teaser such as that the long and fascinating novel begins.
Just a hint – ‘Diminutive evil beings of Wampanoag legend are mistakenly unleashed on present day Cape Cod through a mysterious orb in the ground, discovered in the woods by four 13-year old boys. The boys and their future adult selves are tasked with dealing with four highly skilled homicidal Pukwudgees, hell-bent on mayhem ... now with access to any point in time. They must close the Pandora’s Box they opened before the unimaginable happens in God knows what year, while protecting the orb ... the time portal, from inquiring minds.’
This is a book to savour, not one to spoil with too much information that may (slightly) diminish the pleasure of reading. Stories such as this are too infrequently encountered. Treasure it.
Cape Cod author J.J. (Joe) Cunis has spanned the spectrum of careers from bank examiner, CFO, COO, ghost youth sports writer, movie extra (among other things) to novelist.
The language of the story is at times appropriately naughty, enhancing the wild characters who speak it, and always invigorating and full of about every attentive response imaginable – horror, hilarity, gripping suspense, and breathlessness. Covering a span of time from 1968 to 1992 to 2018 (with a few hops further back), this story just ploughs through relentlessly, keeping the reader involved and entertained on every page.
Signaling the type of suspense ahead, Joe opens with the follow: ‘Brett Simmons noticed it driving his BMW to the tennis courts, ‘C**p!’ He’d better call Vern. Where the hell was Vern anyway? Vern might be dead for all he knew. They hadn’t talked for twenty years to the day…four years after Timmy and Vern’s brother, Amos, disappeared…’ Get the drift? With a teaser such as that the long and fascinating novel begins.
Just a hint – ‘Diminutive evil beings of Wampanoag legend are mistakenly unleashed on present day Cape Cod through a mysterious orb in the ground, discovered in the woods by four 13-year old boys. The boys and their future adult selves are tasked with dealing with four highly skilled homicidal Pukwudgees, hell-bent on mayhem ... now with access to any point in time. They must close the Pandora’s Box they opened before the unimaginable happens in God knows what year, while protecting the orb ... the time portal, from inquiring minds.’
This is a book to savour, not one to spoil with too much information that may (slightly) diminish the pleasure of reading. Stories such as this are too infrequently encountered. Treasure it.
June 4, 2019
Well written and entertaining, highly recommend it!
March 25, 2023
Excellent read. My wife also loved it. Fast-paced. Great characters. Fun!
March 30, 2026
Itchiwan by J.J. Cunis is a wild, immersive ride that blends historical fiction, time travel, and coming-of-age storytelling in a way that’s equal parts thrilling and heartwarming. From the very first page, you’re drawn into the secret world of Cape Cod, where four unlikely boys diverse in background but united by curiosity stumble upon a legend that will shape their lives for decades.
Cunis masterfully balances humor, suspense, and history, weaving in everything from Wampanoag folklore to Southie mobsters, pro football, and even a touch of pop culture nostalgia. What really stood out was the way the story explores human nature: friendship, rivalry, social divides, and the gray areas between right and wrong. The characters are richly drawn and feel incredibly real; you empathize with them, even when they make questionable choices.
The pacing is fast, the plot is inventive, and the twists keep you guessing, yet the emotional core of the story loyalty, growth, and coming to terms with the past gives it lasting impact. Itchiwan is a story you can get lost in, laugh with, gasp at, and ultimately carry with you long after you close the book.
A perfect pick for readers who love adventurous, layered storytelling with a unique historical and cultural backdrop.
Cunis masterfully balances humor, suspense, and history, weaving in everything from Wampanoag folklore to Southie mobsters, pro football, and even a touch of pop culture nostalgia. What really stood out was the way the story explores human nature: friendship, rivalry, social divides, and the gray areas between right and wrong. The characters are richly drawn and feel incredibly real; you empathize with them, even when they make questionable choices.
The pacing is fast, the plot is inventive, and the twists keep you guessing, yet the emotional core of the story loyalty, growth, and coming to terms with the past gives it lasting impact. Itchiwan is a story you can get lost in, laugh with, gasp at, and ultimately carry with you long after you close the book.
A perfect pick for readers who love adventurous, layered storytelling with a unique historical and cultural backdrop.
November 3, 2023
I will admit this was a clever premise. Four boys, looking for adventure one summer day on Cape Cod, stumble upon a tunnel which holds a time travel device. Somehow, the boys release four murderous, possibly mythical, members of a Native American tribe. The novel switches between the boys’ attempt to make things right, and the activities, mostly gory, of the displaced four. They are led by a particularly evil character. So, that’s the story.
This was a self-published novel, sorely in need of an editor. Lots of grammatical errors. Additionally, there was lots of repetition. Too much detail about how the time travel thing worked (kind of). Too many slaughter scenes. One of the characters spends so much time explaining to a friend who came back with him from another time, all the changes since the 1700’s. Got it. Lots of things are different. And one last spoilery comment.
This was a self-published novel, sorely in need of an editor. Lots of grammatical errors. Additionally, there was lots of repetition. Too much detail about how the time travel thing worked (kind of). Too many slaughter scenes. One of the characters spends so much time explaining to a friend who came back with him from another time, all the changes since the 1700’s. Got it. Lots of things are different. And one last spoilery comment.
August 18, 2022
J.J. Cunis' ITCHIWAN came to my attention during a dry spell in finding great reading materials. The opening line's mysterious implications quickly caught my interest, and the paragraphs that followed brought to mind Stephen King's lead-in to It. Although not a fan of the omniscient viewpoint, I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book.
However, the story evolved into a problem of too much detail tied into a repetitious plot pattern and battle scenes. By the time I finished the read, I felt let down and bored. Couple a focus that doesn't push the narrative with a viewpoint that hinders fully binding with the characters, and a great start ends in decent but incomplete satisfaction.
Still, I recommend this book as a decent read. Despite a few random grammar problems, ITCHIWAN offers well edited, easy reading. Unfulfilled promises aside, the story offers action, adventure, violence, and a minor love interest.
However, the story evolved into a problem of too much detail tied into a repetitious plot pattern and battle scenes. By the time I finished the read, I felt let down and bored. Couple a focus that doesn't push the narrative with a viewpoint that hinders fully binding with the characters, and a great start ends in decent but incomplete satisfaction.
Still, I recommend this book as a decent read. Despite a few random grammar problems, ITCHIWAN offers well edited, easy reading. Unfulfilled promises aside, the story offers action, adventure, violence, and a minor love interest.
March 14, 2021
I don't know why it's written good I just couldn't get into it just a personal taste
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews