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Ancient Enemy
The past never truly dies.
Sani Natonaba's ancestors have lived in these canyons for more than seven hundred years, but they aren't the only ones. When he awakens to the bleating of his family's sheep being slaughtered, he learns that something is stalking this isolated corner of the reservation, a predator unlike any he has encountered before, one that attacks with alarming stealth and ferocity.
Only his grandfather knows what lurks outside in the darkness, but a stroke has left him unable to communicate, forcing Sani to embark upon a journey into the distant past to discover the horrible truth. And he's running out of time. There's no sign of an end to the killing and already he's found claw marks and strange footprints around his home.
Sani must decipher the clues hidden a millennium ago by the Anasazi before their mysterious disappearance if he's to have any hope of surviving the impending confrontation with an ancient enemy that has already hunted his bloodline to the brink of extinction.
Sani Natonaba's ancestors have lived in these canyons for more than seven hundred years, but they aren't the only ones. When he awakens to the bleating of his family's sheep being slaughtered, he learns that something is stalking this isolated corner of the reservation, a predator unlike any he has encountered before, one that attacks with alarming stealth and ferocity.
Only his grandfather knows what lurks outside in the darkness, but a stroke has left him unable to communicate, forcing Sani to embark upon a journey into the distant past to discover the horrible truth. And he's running out of time. There's no sign of an end to the killing and already he's found claw marks and strange footprints around his home.
Sani must decipher the clues hidden a millennium ago by the Anasazi before their mysterious disappearance if he's to have any hope of surviving the impending confrontation with an ancient enemy that has already hunted his bloodline to the brink of extinction.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
92 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Michael McBride
122 books480 followersMichael McBride was born in Colorado and still resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. He hates the snow, but loves the Avalanche. He works with medical radiation, yet somehow managed to produce five children, none of whom, miraculously, have tails, third eyes, or other random mutations. He writes fiction that runs the gamut from thriller to horror to science fiction...and loves every minute of it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 5, 2022
Something or someone is out killing the livestock of the farm Sani lives on. What is it and what can be done to stop the killers? Intriguing story about a native American learning about his own past by hunting down some mysterious beings living in the caves. You'll learn a lot about the Anasazi and won't be able to put down this extremely intense and eerie novel. The three main characters are well shaped and the whole books reads like a first class suspense movie. Extremely uncanny at parts, very atmospheric and with interesting historical insight. Highly recommended horror meets history!
February 12, 2014
When his family's livestock is slaughtered, Sani Natonaba has to find out what is behind it, leaving the reservation to find it. But what do the mysterious killings have to do with the disappearance of his Anasazi ancestors centuries earlier?
I got this from DarkFuse via Netgalley.
So I'm pretty much in love with DarkFuse at this point. I think that when it comes to horror, shorter works often pack more of a punch and Ancient Enemy is no exception. And to think I almost didn't pick it up because of the cover. I was thinking it looked like I was going to play one of the Diablo games rather than embark on a journey into terror.
Ancient Enemy is the story of a poor Ute/Navajo teenager named Sani Natonaba. His mother is an alcoholic and his grandfather is immobile after a stroke, leaving him to tend their sheep and chickens. When something starts threatening their livelihood, Sani is forced to track it down, leading him to uncover an ancient feud between his people and something that lives underground...
Unlike other entries in this series, I'd never heard of the author, Michael McBride, before but he certainly has some chops. I was just as creeped out as Sani was when he made his journey into the catacombs below the ground.
Funny how the cover of this one gave me the impression he'd be going up against a demon. Ancient Enemy wound up being closer to what I pictured Nightcrawlers to be about. A lost tribe living beneath the surface of the earth, deforming themselves with animal horn grafts and mountain lion teeth. I saw the Charles Dexter Ward-style revelation coming at the end but that didn't diminish its power.
Sani crawls through tunnels in the dark, going up against subterranean savages, before finally settling things. What is it with me reading claustrophobia-inducing stories that take place underground lately?
The historical notes at the end were a nice touch, talking about tribal body modifications and lost tribes. Much like I Am The New God, part of the horror of Ancient Enemy was that it wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility.
DarkFuse keeps rolling forward with no end in sight. 4 out of 5 stars.
I got this from DarkFuse via Netgalley.
So I'm pretty much in love with DarkFuse at this point. I think that when it comes to horror, shorter works often pack more of a punch and Ancient Enemy is no exception. And to think I almost didn't pick it up because of the cover. I was thinking it looked like I was going to play one of the Diablo games rather than embark on a journey into terror.
Ancient Enemy is the story of a poor Ute/Navajo teenager named Sani Natonaba. His mother is an alcoholic and his grandfather is immobile after a stroke, leaving him to tend their sheep and chickens. When something starts threatening their livelihood, Sani is forced to track it down, leading him to uncover an ancient feud between his people and something that lives underground...
Unlike other entries in this series, I'd never heard of the author, Michael McBride, before but he certainly has some chops. I was just as creeped out as Sani was when he made his journey into the catacombs below the ground.
Funny how the cover of this one gave me the impression he'd be going up against a demon. Ancient Enemy wound up being closer to what I pictured Nightcrawlers to be about. A lost tribe living beneath the surface of the earth, deforming themselves with animal horn grafts and mountain lion teeth. I saw the Charles Dexter Ward-style revelation coming at the end but that didn't diminish its power.
Sani crawls through tunnels in the dark, going up against subterranean savages, before finally settling things. What is it with me reading claustrophobia-inducing stories that take place underground lately?
The historical notes at the end were a nice touch, talking about tribal body modifications and lost tribes. Much like I Am The New God, part of the horror of Ancient Enemy was that it wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility.
DarkFuse keeps rolling forward with no end in sight. 4 out of 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2014
I purchased this book because A) a couple of my reading friends were raving about it, B) it was on sale for only .99, and C) because I've read a few things from this author in the past and enjoyed them. I enjoyed this book as well, just not quite as much as my friends did.
Let's start with the good stuff. I learned a lot about the Anasazi. I've always been fascinated with their history and Mr. McBride does quite a job with his research. There is NO question in my mind that everything written in this book about the Anasazi was researched in depth and is accurate. I also liked Mr. McBride's writing style. It flows well and as a result the book flies by.
The mystery at the center of this book- I liked what it turned out to be. I appreciate the imagination shown in creating such a ....thing, and I respect the ability to write about it in such a realistic manner.
Now, for what I did not like. There are 3 human characters in this book and one of them is incapable of speech. As a result there are long periods of solid text. No conversations, virtually no give and take between characters, (except for a few times when Sani, our protagonist, sits with his grandfather and one argument Sani had with his drunken mother.) I am not a fan of long periods with no dialogue. I can't help it, maybe it's shallow of me, but there it is.
So, as sometimes happens when I write a review, I decided to up my original rating of 3.5 to 4 stars. The writing really was exceptional and the fact that it did (mostly) hold my attention through a lot of solid text, warrants at least a 4 rating. If this subject (the Anasazi and what happened to them) interests you, if you're interested in finding out what the mystery is, then read this book!
Let's start with the good stuff. I learned a lot about the Anasazi. I've always been fascinated with their history and Mr. McBride does quite a job with his research. There is NO question in my mind that everything written in this book about the Anasazi was researched in depth and is accurate. I also liked Mr. McBride's writing style. It flows well and as a result the book flies by.
The mystery at the center of this book- I liked what it turned out to be. I appreciate the imagination shown in creating such a ....thing, and I respect the ability to write about it in such a realistic manner.
Now, for what I did not like. There are 3 human characters in this book and one of them is incapable of speech. As a result there are long periods of solid text. No conversations, virtually no give and take between characters, (except for a few times when Sani, our protagonist, sits with his grandfather and one argument Sani had with his drunken mother.) I am not a fan of long periods with no dialogue. I can't help it, maybe it's shallow of me, but there it is.
So, as sometimes happens when I write a review, I decided to up my original rating of 3.5 to 4 stars. The writing really was exceptional and the fact that it did (mostly) hold my attention through a lot of solid text, warrants at least a 4 rating. If this subject (the Anasazi and what happened to them) interests you, if you're interested in finding out what the mystery is, then read this book!
Want to read
July 10, 2017This hardcover is copy 17 of 100 publisher and is signed by Michael McBride.
April 22, 2014
Ancient Enemy is, in my humble opinion, possibly the most powerful, all-consuming novel that Michael McBride has written to date! This is NOT something I say lightly--I've read just about everything I can get my hands on that this author publishes. He is on my short list of "must-read" authors, because of the unbelievable talent he demonstrates in all of his work.
Ancient Enemy, quite simply, blew me away completely! (Yes, I lost almost an entire night's sleep because I was unwilling to put it down!)
This novel is told through the viewpoint of Sani Natonaba, a lonely teenager caring for his alcoholic mother, and his grandfather (a stroke victim, now unable to speak). Unfortunately, the only one that seems to understand the cause of the vicious attacks and odd claw marks left behind from these encounters, is his grandfather--and the panic and fear Sani sees in the man's eyes are enough to convince him that what they are facing is far worse than any mere predator...
McBride takes on the legends left of the feared Anasazi tribe--their legacy of violence, cannibalism, and warfare--and infuses it with modern-day speculation and archaeological discoveries. The abandonment of their settlements and cliff dwellings are seen in a new, sinister light through the story McBride masterfully weaves.
What stands out the most in his stories, in my opinion, is his style of deftly infusing factual information with fiction; leaving readers with the lingering sense that this could just be entirely possible....
This is a story that I will definitely be re-reading, again, and again.
Highest recommendation!
Ancient Enemy, quite simply, blew me away completely! (Yes, I lost almost an entire night's sleep because I was unwilling to put it down!)
This novel is told through the viewpoint of Sani Natonaba, a lonely teenager caring for his alcoholic mother, and his grandfather (a stroke victim, now unable to speak). Unfortunately, the only one that seems to understand the cause of the vicious attacks and odd claw marks left behind from these encounters, is his grandfather--and the panic and fear Sani sees in the man's eyes are enough to convince him that what they are facing is far worse than any mere predator...
McBride takes on the legends left of the feared Anasazi tribe--their legacy of violence, cannibalism, and warfare--and infuses it with modern-day speculation and archaeological discoveries. The abandonment of their settlements and cliff dwellings are seen in a new, sinister light through the story McBride masterfully weaves.
What stands out the most in his stories, in my opinion, is his style of deftly infusing factual information with fiction; leaving readers with the lingering sense that this could just be entirely possible....
This is a story that I will definitely be re-reading, again, and again.
Highest recommendation!
September 19, 2021
This was a perfect spooky horror book to really set the mood for autumn season. I listened to the audiobook and it was exceptionally good. Was so hooked on the story and was sometimes tense and other time excited to know what was going on. Very !much an adventure horror book I highly recommend. Really want to read/listen to more books by Michael McBride
June 7, 2014
I’ve now read half a dozen books by Michael McBride, all of them I rate highly but his newest offering, Ancient Enemies is one of his best and my favourite to date.
Set in Southern Colorado in a land once ruled by the Anasazi Indians, it was the Navajo that called them Anaasází or Ancient Enemy and this story is born in a land rich with history, and the mysteries surrounding a population that simply disappeared.
The story centres on Sani Natonaba, a young man of Ute and Navajo blood, his name has significant meaning, given by his Father, a traditional Navajo name “Leader of the war against the old ones” and for a young man Sani feels great responsibility on his shoulders. His grandfather is paralysed from a stroke, his Mother is an alcoholic and they live on a reservation, very much alone.
When some creature starts to butcher their livestock, Sani finds himself in a battle against something inconceivable, his grandfather knows something, he can help but frustratingly can’t communicate in any way except with the windows of his soul, his eyes.
Told in first person we travel a dangerous path with Sani, one of terrifying discovery and an evil that has plagued his people for centuries. He must look to the past, uncover the gravest secrets and continue the fight of his ancestors.
I won’t give any more away, except to say that this is a fantastic read, the pace and tension are spot on. The attention to detail is impressive and the research, second to none, as ever. Whatever Michael McBride turns his hand to, be it horror, mystery or thriller, he continually produces gripping stories with stunning characters and long may it continue.
Highly Recommended.
Set in Southern Colorado in a land once ruled by the Anasazi Indians, it was the Navajo that called them Anaasází or Ancient Enemy and this story is born in a land rich with history, and the mysteries surrounding a population that simply disappeared.
The story centres on Sani Natonaba, a young man of Ute and Navajo blood, his name has significant meaning, given by his Father, a traditional Navajo name “Leader of the war against the old ones” and for a young man Sani feels great responsibility on his shoulders. His grandfather is paralysed from a stroke, his Mother is an alcoholic and they live on a reservation, very much alone.
When some creature starts to butcher their livestock, Sani finds himself in a battle against something inconceivable, his grandfather knows something, he can help but frustratingly can’t communicate in any way except with the windows of his soul, his eyes.
Told in first person we travel a dangerous path with Sani, one of terrifying discovery and an evil that has plagued his people for centuries. He must look to the past, uncover the gravest secrets and continue the fight of his ancestors.
I won’t give any more away, except to say that this is a fantastic read, the pace and tension are spot on. The attention to detail is impressive and the research, second to none, as ever. Whatever Michael McBride turns his hand to, be it horror, mystery or thriller, he continually produces gripping stories with stunning characters and long may it continue.
Highly Recommended.
December 6, 2023
Something is killing Sani Natonaba’s livestock. Well, not really Sani’s. He’s just a teenager living on the reservation in the desolate southwest with his mother and grandfather. Living might be too hopeful of a word. More like struggling to scratch out a living. You see, his father left long ago. His mother had given up hope and crawled inside a bottle of Old Forrester, and left Sani to tend to the livestock and take care of his invalid grandfather, who lost his ability to speak and move most of his body after a stroke. Their only source of a meager existence is their flock of sheep, a few goats and a couple of horses. If Sani doesn’t track the predator responsible for butchering their sheep, the family will starve. Plain and simple, right? Not so much. Sani quickly learns that these lands have a history. The Anastazi roamed the mesas of the four corners region, living high in the side of the cliffs. But they disappeared almost a century ago. Why? Did they simply assimilate into the neighboring tribes? Or was there an ancient enemy, far older than the Anastazi, one that had an insatiable bloodlust for every living thing in these lands? History has a way of repeating itself.
Not only is McBride one of my favorite authors, he really knows his shit. He blends the history of ancient civilizations into modern horror tales that hits the sweet spot for me. You can tell he does his homework. Another thing I love about Ancient Enemy is how McBride effectively captures the bleakness of the situation. To be in Sani’s shoes, a 17-year-old kid with no one to lean on when faced with a life and death situation. Everyone is depending on his actions, and for him to get it right - the first time. No room for “do-overs.” This bleakness continuously ratcheted up the dread and tension in the story. No one to turn to. No way out. Buck up, kiddo. The weight of the world is on your shoulders.
Chef’s kiss.
If you’re not reading McBride, you really need to rectify that.
4.5 Luminescent Crystals out of 5
Not only is McBride one of my favorite authors, he really knows his shit. He blends the history of ancient civilizations into modern horror tales that hits the sweet spot for me. You can tell he does his homework. Another thing I love about Ancient Enemy is how McBride effectively captures the bleakness of the situation. To be in Sani’s shoes, a 17-year-old kid with no one to lean on when faced with a life and death situation. Everyone is depending on his actions, and for him to get it right - the first time. No room for “do-overs.” This bleakness continuously ratcheted up the dread and tension in the story. No one to turn to. No way out. Buck up, kiddo. The weight of the world is on your shoulders.
Chef’s kiss.
If you’re not reading McBride, you really need to rectify that.
4.5 Luminescent Crystals out of 5
May 25, 2014
Darkfuse continues to churn out quality horror fiction and this recent release from Michael McBride, my first of his work to read, was an exceptionally good read. Set in the rugged and unforgiving reservation land in the wilds of Colorado, young Sani Natonaba tries to solve the mystery of sudden brutal deaths of his family's livestock, at first thinking it to be a predator...but soon discovers this predator to be one unlike anything he could ever imagine. His bitter, drunken mother is no help but his ailing, bed-ridden grandfather, victim of a stroke years before, tries to convey the truth to Sani before its too late...before this ancient enemy strikes again, coming for their blood...
McBride obviously did his homework, blending gritty realism with Native American folklore, but avoiding that seemingly overused trope of horror, the haunted Indian burial ground. Instead, he created an all too human horror, fresh and original, and utterly chilling. I received a digital copy of this book for an honest review.
McBride obviously did his homework, blending gritty realism with Native American folklore, but avoiding that seemingly overused trope of horror, the haunted Indian burial ground. Instead, he created an all too human horror, fresh and original, and utterly chilling. I received a digital copy of this book for an honest review.
July 30, 2014
Sani Natonaba is struggling to look after his mother and bedridden grandfather when something starts viciously preying on their livestock. As if that isn't bad enough for him, Sani discovers that whatever is out there is also trying to claw it's way into his house. Aided by his mute grandfather, Sani must piece together clues that give a very disturbing picture of what the creatures are, his ancestors and how they relate to him.
I started reading this book with high expectations and McBride still blew me away! He weaves together likable characters while doling out the horror that you can't put down. McBride manages to weave fact and fiction so well together that I often wondered which was which and had me wondering if this was all possible. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
I started reading this book with high expectations and McBride still blew me away! He weaves together likable characters while doling out the horror that you can't put down. McBride manages to weave fact and fiction so well together that I often wondered which was which and had me wondering if this was all possible. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
August 6, 2016
McBride is a master at taking a speculative look at history and legends and asks the questions “what if?” The answer he provides will take us on a journey deep into the earth and even deeper into the ancient history of the Native American tribes that lived long ago…and may still be living…and killing.
Something has awakened on the reservation and is terrorizing Sani and his family and killing their livestock. Now it is up to him to solve the riddle and destroy the ancient enemy before they take everything from him. An epic tale of duty, courage, secrets, and history. Very well written, this one moves at a brisk pace and is very hard to put down. Highly recommended.
Something has awakened on the reservation and is terrorizing Sani and his family and killing their livestock. Now it is up to him to solve the riddle and destroy the ancient enemy before they take everything from him. An epic tale of duty, courage, secrets, and history. Very well written, this one moves at a brisk pace and is very hard to put down. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2014
Ancient Enemy uses a historical mystery that have always fascinated me: The disappearance of the Anasazi Indians in the American Southwest. This mystery has been used before, most notably in The Haunted Mesa by Louis L'Amour. Yet very rarely did the ideas pan out in novels. Michael McBride uses the mystery of the Anasazi to set up his novel Ancient Enemy and ends up with a scary and tense horror tale full of Native-American mythology, Navajo traditions and one scary monster.
Sani Natonaba is a young Navajo-Ute man who takes care of his ailing grand-father and his alcoholic mother at his isolated ranch. He can barely eke out a living on their Navajo farmland. His sheep are being slaughtered by a creature or creatures that can go undetected by Sani's normal hunting skills. His grand-father may know what they are but due to his illness, Sani cannot communicate with him, at least not easily. What entails is a harrowing search and journey that puts Sani in touch with not only ancient mythology but with his own family's secret and tragic past.
This is a well written novel that is not only a literary horror story and a impressive use of history and legend but is also a skilled character study of a boy that is isolated from others and raised with deep conflicts in his tribal beliefs. It is no coincidence that the author made him half Navajo and half Ute. Those two tribes have a violent history of conflict with each other and any boy with that lineage would have to deal with issues of alienation and displacement. Sani is not only placed in a life or death struggle for him and his family but also in a test of his own identity. It cannot be stressed enough how well McBride sets up Sani's feeling of aloneness. He cannot even communicate with his own family as his grand-father cannot speak and his mother is so deep in her alcoholism that she might as well not be able to speak. Ancient Enemy is narrated in first-person and the book has no dialog to speak of. So we are confronted with only Sani's viewpoint and observations. This makes the reader feel strongly for him and adds to the sense of aloneness.
But of course it is good to have an effective monster when writing a horror tale. McBride's creature is sufficiently terrifying and the discovery of the creature's history helps that sense of terror. Especially effective is Sani's journey into Lovecraftian styled caves and corridors as he investigates what is killing his herds and threatening his family. Yet I keep coming back to the character of Sani. This is the main strength of this novel and what makes this novel rise among many other books like it. Recommended.
Sani Natonaba is a young Navajo-Ute man who takes care of his ailing grand-father and his alcoholic mother at his isolated ranch. He can barely eke out a living on their Navajo farmland. His sheep are being slaughtered by a creature or creatures that can go undetected by Sani's normal hunting skills. His grand-father may know what they are but due to his illness, Sani cannot communicate with him, at least not easily. What entails is a harrowing search and journey that puts Sani in touch with not only ancient mythology but with his own family's secret and tragic past.
This is a well written novel that is not only a literary horror story and a impressive use of history and legend but is also a skilled character study of a boy that is isolated from others and raised with deep conflicts in his tribal beliefs. It is no coincidence that the author made him half Navajo and half Ute. Those two tribes have a violent history of conflict with each other and any boy with that lineage would have to deal with issues of alienation and displacement. Sani is not only placed in a life or death struggle for him and his family but also in a test of his own identity. It cannot be stressed enough how well McBride sets up Sani's feeling of aloneness. He cannot even communicate with his own family as his grand-father cannot speak and his mother is so deep in her alcoholism that she might as well not be able to speak. Ancient Enemy is narrated in first-person and the book has no dialog to speak of. So we are confronted with only Sani's viewpoint and observations. This makes the reader feel strongly for him and adds to the sense of aloneness.
But of course it is good to have an effective monster when writing a horror tale. McBride's creature is sufficiently terrifying and the discovery of the creature's history helps that sense of terror. Especially effective is Sani's journey into Lovecraftian styled caves and corridors as he investigates what is killing his herds and threatening his family. Yet I keep coming back to the character of Sani. This is the main strength of this novel and what makes this novel rise among many other books like it. Recommended.
May 5, 2014
Very solid, sleek, and perfectly done. An effortless read. It's strength lies in McBride's ability to center the tale around Sani's family relationships, past and present and realistic.
May 30, 2014
This is the story of Sani. His ancestors have lived in the same place for over 700 years. Bewildered by what is slaughtering his sheep in the middle of the night, he will have to rely on his sick grandfathers help to solve the mystery. Sadly his grandfather is now mute after a stroke and close to death, so it will not be easy. he must go on a journey into his tribes past to confront the truth, a truth he may wish had stayed hidden...
This was a fast paced page turner of a horror. I identified with Sari as he initially tried to find out what was killing his sheep, to go on the journey of a lifetime to find out his past. The bond between him and his grandfather shone off the page and I felt it throughout the story until the final twist at the end. The authors notes at the back of the book made for interesting reading and I even learned a thing or two! I recommend this totally for lovers of Native American history, and horrors alike.
This was a fast paced page turner of a horror. I identified with Sari as he initially tried to find out what was killing his sheep, to go on the journey of a lifetime to find out his past. The bond between him and his grandfather shone off the page and I felt it throughout the story until the final twist at the end. The authors notes at the back of the book made for interesting reading and I even learned a thing or two! I recommend this totally for lovers of Native American history, and horrors alike.
April 25, 2014
I have been buying and reading Michael McBride books since 2004. His books are a must read for me. The main character in the story is Sani Natonaba. He is a teenage boy who has to take care of the farm animals and his grandfather who had a stroke. If that's not enough, he also has to deal with a alcoholic mother and something is killing his animals. Without saying too much, the story deals with him trying to find the predator and figure out the clues and writings left up in the cliffs in a abandon Anasazi settlement. Great writing, great story. If you have not read any of Michael's books here is a good place to start. I gave Ancient Enemy 4 1/2 stars.
April 22, 2014
Have you read Michael McBride lately? Whether you have or have not, Ancient Enemy shows a man that has mastered his craft of writing. His research skills are second to none. He nails his characterization.
I started reading this when I received the E-mail from Amazon telling me that my pre-order was available - which happened to be as I was getting ready to go to bed. Just a few pages, I said...
Ancient Enemy describes a teenage young man who is forced to grow up too soon. What he discovers along the way will keep you reading and wondering where fact and fiction blend together. And chances are you won't stop reading until the last page is finished.
Highest recommendations. Enjoy!
I started reading this when I received the E-mail from Amazon telling me that my pre-order was available - which happened to be as I was getting ready to go to bed. Just a few pages, I said...
Ancient Enemy describes a teenage young man who is forced to grow up too soon. What he discovers along the way will keep you reading and wondering where fact and fiction blend together. And chances are you won't stop reading until the last page is finished.
Highest recommendations. Enjoy!
October 28, 2023
Sani wears his ancestry proudly everyday. While he respects his people’s history, something sounding more myth than reality starts attacking his livestock. Mind you Sani is still a young adult but with a bed bound non-verbal grandfather and an alcoholic mother, day to day life requires him to be the adult. Of course he’s scared but honestly he continues to do what he can to find out what the heck is going on and his bravery knows no bounds. He’s also tasked with communicating with his grandfather who is the only person alive with firsthand knowledge of what’s going on. With a mix of Native American history and sci-fi creatures this book was perfect for spooky season but also fun to read. Decent audio as well!
May 1, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
When I started reading Ancient Enemy, I wasn’t sure I would like it. It sounded like a typical story of a family attacked by some kind of monsters, which would turn out to be something lame, like a werewolf or something. However, I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out the monsters in this book are original, refreshing, creatures from the depths, creatures from history and myth, that the author has brought to life on the pages of this book.
Inspired by a real life mystery, namely that of the sudden disappearance of the Anasazi over a thousand years ago, Michael McBride weaves an intriguing story that mixes history, legends, mystery and literary horror into one impressive tale.
Main character Sani Natonaba lives with his ill grandfather, who can no longer talk after a stroke, his alcoholic mother, his best friend – his horse – and their cattle, in a small trailer in an isolated corner of the Navajo reservation. But night after night, his sheep get attacked and slaughtered by a ferocious animal unlike any he’s seen before. His grandfather knows more about the mysterious creature, but sicne he’s unable to communicate, it’s up to Sani to discover the clues on his own. The clues lead him to a journey to the distant past, where he discovers a truth so horrible it had better stayed hidden.
One of the best DarkFuse novellas put forward this year, if you ask me. Considering the consistent quality of these books, that’s saying something. I’ll definitely keep this author on my watchlist.
When I started reading Ancient Enemy, I wasn’t sure I would like it. It sounded like a typical story of a family attacked by some kind of monsters, which would turn out to be something lame, like a werewolf or something. However, I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out the monsters in this book are original, refreshing, creatures from the depths, creatures from history and myth, that the author has brought to life on the pages of this book.
Inspired by a real life mystery, namely that of the sudden disappearance of the Anasazi over a thousand years ago, Michael McBride weaves an intriguing story that mixes history, legends, mystery and literary horror into one impressive tale.
Main character Sani Natonaba lives with his ill grandfather, who can no longer talk after a stroke, his alcoholic mother, his best friend – his horse – and their cattle, in a small trailer in an isolated corner of the Navajo reservation. But night after night, his sheep get attacked and slaughtered by a ferocious animal unlike any he’s seen before. His grandfather knows more about the mysterious creature, but sicne he’s unable to communicate, it’s up to Sani to discover the clues on his own. The clues lead him to a journey to the distant past, where he discovers a truth so horrible it had better stayed hidden.
One of the best DarkFuse novellas put forward this year, if you ask me. Considering the consistent quality of these books, that’s saying something. I’ll definitely keep this author on my watchlist.
February 15, 2023
Another fun October read in February. I've been addicted to McBride's thriller/horror style since Snowblind.
I hate the cover.
The narration was great. I would 1000% rather hear a narrator say "Baaaaah" than hear a sheep sound effect inserted into my audio.
I hate the cover.
The narration was great. I would 1000% rather hear a narrator say "Baaaaah" than hear a sheep sound effect inserted into my audio.
March 4, 2015
Usually I am sucker for books that are rich in Native American history and mythology, but I found Ancient Enemy lacking in depth. Superficially it had it all, rich backstory, A protagonist that you could root for, an eminent danger, etc. Nevertheless, it seemed rushed and a bit formulaic at times. I wanted to love this book, but I was left wanting.
May 11, 2014
Brilliant research, a thrill a minute, a coming of age classic with a twist. If you haven't tried Michael McBride, do yourself a favor and read this novella. Then seek out everything he has written up to now and consume.
October 26, 2014
A well crafted tale which centres on the challenges faced by a young man isolated from his family and the community. I found the relationship between Sani and his bed-bound grandfather to be particularly well developed and gives this novella its heart and emotion.
June 21, 2021
Another good one
I like how he took history and mingle it with fiction. A very good story teller in my opinion. Nice job.
I like how he took history and mingle it with fiction. A very good story teller in my opinion. Nice job.
March 20, 2022
The saying, never judge a book by its cover, applies here because Ancient Enemy deserves better. I loved the concept regarding ancient tribes still living in remote places throughout the world, so why not the United States. This book has a lot of heart - and some great spooky indigenous mythology. The story is told through the perspective of a young man, Sani, that lives near a vast canyon on a reservation. Sani spends his days caring for his land, animals, a mess of a mother, and a grandfather that suffered a stroke. When Sani's livestock are attacked by an unknown beast, he tracks the predator into the canyon using what little information his grandfather could convey through gestures and heirlooms. As the story unfolds, Sani's family's secrets unveil a bittersweet revelation that ties generations of sworn enemies together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2022
Very Unique Storyline
I had seen this book on Amazon several years ago & put off buying it. When I went back to find it, I couldn't. It was disappointing because I thought it sounded good. I was surprised when I found it again a week or so ago. After reading it immediately, I feel the plot is very unique. Also, it is very entertaining & informative. Having known the history of the US for a long time, after reading this, I got mad for all of the native Americans who also suffered abuse & lies at the hands of others. It would just be wonderful if there was no hate. The two things I wondered about in the book is his religious references. I want to look that up. Also, how a 17-year-old kid knew so much & had a vocabulary extremely larger than mine. Great book.
I had seen this book on Amazon several years ago & put off buying it. When I went back to find it, I couldn't. It was disappointing because I thought it sounded good. I was surprised when I found it again a week or so ago. After reading it immediately, I feel the plot is very unique. Also, it is very entertaining & informative. Having known the history of the US for a long time, after reading this, I got mad for all of the native Americans who also suffered abuse & lies at the hands of others. It would just be wonderful if there was no hate. The two things I wondered about in the book is his religious references. I want to look that up. Also, how a 17-year-old kid knew so much & had a vocabulary extremely larger than mine. Great book.
October 24, 2022
Cranial Scratching Fun Mind Wandering!
Again, Mr. McBride, thank you so very much for having good proof-readers and editing!
My own punctuation is atrocious, my spelling flavoured and coloured by my birth language of American Southern English learning to speak, read, and write in town schools such as Stuttgart, Roe, Ulm, Slovak, and Altheimer, Arkansas heavily influenced by Scott's, Irish, German ,and Slovakian 2nd and 3rd generation US citizens. Many years immersed in UK English, West German, and Mexican Spanish have ruined my US English dipthongs!
Anyway, I thought it might be humorous since my degree path was in the written English language!
Ancient Enemy is as credible as anything fact or fiction in regards to the mystery of origins in the Four Corners region.
Again, Mr. McBride, thank you so very much for having good proof-readers and editing!
My own punctuation is atrocious, my spelling flavoured and coloured by my birth language of American Southern English learning to speak, read, and write in town schools such as Stuttgart, Roe, Ulm, Slovak, and Altheimer, Arkansas heavily influenced by Scott's, Irish, German ,and Slovakian 2nd and 3rd generation US citizens. Many years immersed in UK English, West German, and Mexican Spanish have ruined my US English dipthongs!
Anyway, I thought it might be humorous since my degree path was in the written English language!
Ancient Enemy is as credible as anything fact or fiction in regards to the mystery of origins in the Four Corners region.
February 22, 2023
Oh my goodness, what a ride! I have never read a book like this. Instead of being a spectator to the action I felt like I was a participant which is something I can't recall ever experiencing before.
There was an absolute minimum of dialog. It was a unique approach and one that was extremely effective. I have read several books by this author and this is his best so far. The tension started out high and ramped up from there. It wasn't a long book coming in just under 180 pages, and given the sustained tension level, it's probably a good thing. I kept turning pages and read slowly to absorb each detail and savor the experience. One of the best books I've ever read.
There was an absolute minimum of dialog. It was a unique approach and one that was extremely effective. I have read several books by this author and this is his best so far. The tension started out high and ramped up from there. It wasn't a long book coming in just under 180 pages, and given the sustained tension level, it's probably a good thing. I kept turning pages and read slowly to absorb each detail and savor the experience. One of the best books I've ever read.
April 28, 2019
This was a great short read with unique villains. I enjoyed the slow steady buildup and reveals in the book. I think this was a skinwalker book and was looking forward to the reveal but was pleasantly surprised it was something else.
September 6, 2021
Solid And Scary Amerindian Fantasy.
I liked this story and its impending sense of dread as the plot moved along. Unusual story and good use of Anasazi legend and lore. Strong and relatable main character; all adds up to a good read.
I liked this story and its impending sense of dread as the plot moved along. Unusual story and good use of Anasazi legend and lore. Strong and relatable main character; all adds up to a good read.
April 3, 2022
Oh what a time!
It starts out a bit slow, but then delivers a thrill ride ending in a truth to the heart. It would take a singular man to figure out the outcome ,but all goes well.......maybe!
It starts out a bit slow, but then delivers a thrill ride ending in a truth to the heart. It would take a singular man to figure out the outcome ,but all goes well.......maybe!
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