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The Trickster
A rampaging evil spirit emerges in the ski resort town of Silver, taking human and animal form during its grisly killing spree, and when Native American Sam Hunt is accused, he turns to his shaman ancestry for help. Reprint.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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September 16, 2020
Και πού να θυμάμαι, δηλαδή και λοιπά...
Στον στρατό ήμουν όταν το διάβασα, εν ώρα υπηρεσίας.
Καλά, δεν είχα εκστασιαστεί κιόλας (αυτό θα το θυμόμουν).
Πολλά τέτοια πέρασαν από τα χέρια μου, και τα θυμάμαι μόνο όταν τα βλέπω από αναρτήσεις άλλων χρηστών.
Στον στρατό ήμουν όταν το διάβασα, εν ώρα υπηρεσίας.
Καλά, δεν είχα εκστασιαστεί κιόλας (αυτό θα το θυμόμουν).
Πολλά τέτοια πέρασαν από τα χέρια μου, και τα θυμάμαι μόνο όταν τα βλέπω από αναρτήσεις άλλων χρηστών.
September 18, 2022
"Ο Πλανευτής", εκδόσεις Bell.
Θυμάμαι είχα ενθουσιαστεί αρκετά, όταν τον Μάιο του 2015 πέτυχα το βιβλίο σε κάποιο παλαιοβιβλιοπωλείο στο Μοναστηράκι, μετά από αρκετή αναζήτηση. Βέβαια, το αντίτυπο είναι κάπως μισοδιαλυμένο, γι' αυτό τόσο καιρό δεν έτυχε ποτέ να κάτσω να το διαβάσω, αφού δεν με... ενέπνεε η κακή κατάστασή του. Αλλά τι στο καλό, κάποια στιγμή θα έπρεπε να το διαβάσω, αφού το αγόρασα και αφού έχει καλή φήμη. Με λίγη προσοχή κατά την ανάγνωση, τα κατάφερα μια χαρά! Λοιπόν, πρόκειται για ένα άκρως χορταστικό, ψυχαγωγικό και ιντριγκαδόρικο μυθιστόρημα υπερφυσικού τρόμου με πολλά στοιχεία που θυμίζουν τις ιστορίες του Στίβεν Κινγκ, του Ντιν Κουντζ και άλλων παρόμοιων συγγραφέων, αν και φυσικά η συγγραφέας έχει τα δικά της πράγματα να πει, με τον δικό της, πολύ ιδιαίτερο τρόπο. Το βιβλίο συνδυάζει εξαιρετικά τον υπερφυσικό τρόμο με το ψυχολογικό θρίλερ, προσφέροντας παράλληλα κάμποσα καλούδια από την πλούσια παράδοση και μυθολογία των Ινδιάνων του Καναδά, καθώς επίσης πολλές φοβερές εικόνες και σκηνές. Και αν μη τι άλλο τα χειμερινά και χιονισμένα σκηνικά σε μια πόλη στα Καναδικά Βραχώδη Όρη είναι ό,τι πρέπει για μια συναρπαστική ιστορία τρόμου. Όσον αφορά τη γραφή, είναι πάρα πολύ καλή, γλαφυρή στις περιγραφές και τους διαλόγους, εξαιρετικά ευκολοδιάβαστη και άκρως εθιστική: Σαν γραφή δεν έχει να ζηλέψει και πολλά από τον Στίβεν Κινγκ! Μπορεί και να υπερβάλλω, αλλά έτσι μου φάνηκε. Μου άρεσε πολύ η γραφή και μου άρεσε που η συγγραφέας δεν κώλωσε σε ορισμένες (πολύ αιματηρές) περιγραφές. Γενικά, είναι ένα πολύ καλό μυθιστόρημα τρόμου που θα κρατήσει στην τσίτα τους αναγνώστες από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος, έστω κι αν ίσως θα μπορούσε να ήταν κάπως μικρότερο σε μέγεθος. Εγώ, πάντως, δεν είχα πρόβλημα να το διαβάσω με το ίδιο ενδιαφέρον και το ίδιο πάθος μέχρι το τέλος!
Θυμάμαι είχα ενθουσιαστεί αρκετά, όταν τον Μάιο του 2015 πέτυχα το βιβλίο σε κάποιο παλαιοβιβλιοπωλείο στο Μοναστηράκι, μετά από αρκετή αναζήτηση. Βέβαια, το αντίτυπο είναι κάπως μισοδιαλυμένο, γι' αυτό τόσο καιρό δεν έτυχε ποτέ να κάτσω να το διαβάσω, αφού δεν με... ενέπνεε η κακή κατάστασή του. Αλλά τι στο καλό, κάποια στιγμή θα έπρεπε να το διαβάσω, αφού το αγόρασα και αφού έχει καλή φήμη. Με λίγη προσοχή κατά την ανάγνωση, τα κατάφερα μια χαρά! Λοιπόν, πρόκειται για ένα άκρως χορταστικό, ψυχαγωγικό και ιντριγκαδόρικο μυθιστόρημα υπερφυσικού τρόμου με πολλά στοιχεία που θυμίζουν τις ιστορίες του Στίβεν Κινγκ, του Ντιν Κουντζ και άλλων παρόμοιων συγγραφέων, αν και φυσικά η συγγραφέας έχει τα δικά της πράγματα να πει, με τον δικό της, πολύ ιδιαίτερο τρόπο. Το βιβλίο συνδυάζει εξαιρετικά τον υπερφυσικό τρόμο με το ψυχολογικό θρίλερ, προσφέροντας παράλληλα κάμποσα καλούδια από την πλούσια παράδοση και μυθολογία των Ινδιάνων του Καναδά, καθώς επίσης πολλές φοβερές εικόνες και σκηνές. Και αν μη τι άλλο τα χειμερινά και χιονισμένα σκηνικά σε μια πόλη στα Καναδικά Βραχώδη Όρη είναι ό,τι πρέπει για μια συναρπαστική ιστορία τρόμου. Όσον αφορά τη γραφή, είναι πάρα πολύ καλή, γλαφυρή στις περιγραφές και τους διαλόγους, εξαιρετικά ευκολοδιάβαστη και άκρως εθιστική: Σαν γραφή δεν έχει να ζηλέψει και πολλά από τον Στίβεν Κινγκ! Μπορεί και να υπερβάλλω, αλλά έτσι μου φάνηκε. Μου άρεσε πολύ η γραφή και μου άρεσε που η συγγραφέας δεν κώλωσε σε ορισμένες (πολύ αιματηρές) περιγραφές. Γενικά, είναι ένα πολύ καλό μυθιστόρημα τρόμου που θα κρατήσει στην τσίτα τους αναγνώστες από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος, έστω κι αν ίσως θα μπορούσε να ήταν κάπως μικρότερο σε μέγεθος. Εγώ, πάντως, δεν είχα πρόβλημα να το διαβάσω με το ίδιο ενδιαφέρον και το ίδιο πάθος μέχρι το τέλος!
November 7, 2020
The Trickster is a 1997 horror doorstopper by Scottish 80s-TV-celebrity-turned author Muriel Gray. Set in a Canadian ski resort, and obviously inspired by the work of Stephen King, it explores Native Canadian myths and the difficulties faced by Indians in a white world. I don’t read much horror, and this reminds me why, but it went around my Book Club, and I was interested too see what it would be like. I can’t say I enjoyed it but I was compelled to finish it.
Sam Hunt is a Kinchuinick Indian who rejected his culture as a young man, married a white woman and lives happily in Silver with his family, working as a ski groomer. When a routine avalanche control detonation releases an ancient malignant entity with shapeshifting powers from the depths of the mountain, the deaths of two patrol workers are just the beginning. Horribly mutilated bodies are discovered in the snow, with only animal tracks around them, and the police are mystified. As the death count rises, suspicion falls upon Sam, who has blacked out each time - even his own wife begins to fear that he’s a killer. Can he reclaim the shamanic power of his heritage to defeat an evil seeking to become flesh before it destroys everything?
This was a complicated, ambitious and apparently well-researched story - I believe it was the author’s first novel. For my taste, it was far too long - 590 pages of small text, so it has taken me a week to get through. There are too many irrelevant characters - many deeply unpleasant - who are introduced either just to die horribly, or just appear to illustrate a scene then are never mentioned again. The writing was good but the constant perspective shifts, sometimes mid-paragraph, were disorienting and confusing. It all got rather repetitive, with one gruesome death after another hammering home the Trickster’s evil. If animal deaths bother you, stay away from this, as there are lots, including, unforgivably (spoiler alert) the protagonists’ dog.
I did find the Native Canadian mythology interesting, and the racism endured by key characters was believable and depressingly, probably hasn’t changed in the 23 years since this was published. The ending felt incomplete with multiple characters arcs left unresolved. Overall this would be a good book for the right reader, but I didn’t like it, and slightly resent the time it’s taken to finish for a disappointing payoff. 2.5 rounded down for killing Bart.
Sam Hunt is a Kinchuinick Indian who rejected his culture as a young man, married a white woman and lives happily in Silver with his family, working as a ski groomer. When a routine avalanche control detonation releases an ancient malignant entity with shapeshifting powers from the depths of the mountain, the deaths of two patrol workers are just the beginning. Horribly mutilated bodies are discovered in the snow, with only animal tracks around them, and the police are mystified. As the death count rises, suspicion falls upon Sam, who has blacked out each time - even his own wife begins to fear that he’s a killer. Can he reclaim the shamanic power of his heritage to defeat an evil seeking to become flesh before it destroys everything?
This was a complicated, ambitious and apparently well-researched story - I believe it was the author’s first novel. For my taste, it was far too long - 590 pages of small text, so it has taken me a week to get through. There are too many irrelevant characters - many deeply unpleasant - who are introduced either just to die horribly, or just appear to illustrate a scene then are never mentioned again. The writing was good but the constant perspective shifts, sometimes mid-paragraph, were disorienting and confusing. It all got rather repetitive, with one gruesome death after another hammering home the Trickster’s evil. If animal deaths bother you, stay away from this, as there are lots, including, unforgivably (spoiler alert) the protagonists’ dog.
I did find the Native Canadian mythology interesting, and the racism endured by key characters was believable and depressingly, probably hasn’t changed in the 23 years since this was published. The ending felt incomplete with multiple characters arcs left unresolved. Overall this would be a good book for the right reader, but I didn’t like it, and slightly resent the time it’s taken to finish for a disappointing payoff. 2.5 rounded down for killing Bart.
July 5, 2017
Πολλες επιρροες απο King αλλα μετριο.Με επιεικεια 3 αστερακια
January 2, 2012
Enthralling horror epic based on Native Canadian mythology, of which I know nothing about (so as far as I know it could be hugely inaccurate), but still enjoyed very much.
Though I thought Gray sometimes went off on a bit of a tangent, she delivers on memorable gory nastiness and there were several interesting (if occasionally confusing), characters.
I'll be checking out more of her work.
Though I thought Gray sometimes went off on a bit of a tangent, she delivers on memorable gory nastiness and there were several interesting (if occasionally confusing), characters.
I'll be checking out more of her work.
March 19, 2017
For me this is one of those books that I struggled with because I just found it difficult to read. In fact, it took me 5 months to finish this novel. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not slow or lacking in ability or skill at reading, it’s just that the way the book is written makes it extremely painful to read. And the sad thing is, this book went through an editor and a publishing agent.
To be clear the story is good, solid even all though there are few things that could have used some tweaking or wrapping up. What was really neat is the use of Canadian Indians which I had never given much thought too. Exploring the challenges of modern day Native Canadians (or Native Americans) and their heritage is an interesting view point that many authors don’t explore. For that alone it was refreshing and unique.
The biggest problems with this novel boil down to point of view and the over use of descriptions. A lot of novels written back in the early 90s and prior suffer from a point of view issue where the author writes the story in 3rd person but constantly changes the perspective from one character to another. That’s not bad in itself expect when it’s done in the same chapter or section and there’s no break to clearly show who’s point of view your now experiencing. In this case, this book changed characters POV so often it was confusing on who thought what. In some areas the perspective change happens in the same paragraph. That’s difficult on the reader and should have never made it past and editor.
The other issue I had was with the over description of things that robbed you of the chance to paint your own picture of a scene but also it created confusion. Usually if there is a paragraph or even a chapter or two like that its, forgivable. In some cases it can be an effective writing style that delivers a great story. In this particular novel, it was the whole book. And as a result, there were many areas that I felt suffered by this writing style.
I’m not saying it’s not good, it’s just overdone to the point that it affects the flow of the story and distracts the reader. If you’ve ever read a book that does this, then you’ll know what I mean. If not, give this book a gander. You might enjoy it more than I did. Usually I would stop reading and toss the book in the donate pile but as I said there were some interesting aspects to the story line that I wanted to see what happened.
To be clear the story is good, solid even all though there are few things that could have used some tweaking or wrapping up. What was really neat is the use of Canadian Indians which I had never given much thought too. Exploring the challenges of modern day Native Canadians (or Native Americans) and their heritage is an interesting view point that many authors don’t explore. For that alone it was refreshing and unique.
The biggest problems with this novel boil down to point of view and the over use of descriptions. A lot of novels written back in the early 90s and prior suffer from a point of view issue where the author writes the story in 3rd person but constantly changes the perspective from one character to another. That’s not bad in itself expect when it’s done in the same chapter or section and there’s no break to clearly show who’s point of view your now experiencing. In this case, this book changed characters POV so often it was confusing on who thought what. In some areas the perspective change happens in the same paragraph. That’s difficult on the reader and should have never made it past and editor.
The other issue I had was with the over description of things that robbed you of the chance to paint your own picture of a scene but also it created confusion. Usually if there is a paragraph or even a chapter or two like that its, forgivable. In some cases it can be an effective writing style that delivers a great story. In this particular novel, it was the whole book. And as a result, there were many areas that I felt suffered by this writing style.
I’m not saying it’s not good, it’s just overdone to the point that it affects the flow of the story and distracts the reader. If you’ve ever read a book that does this, then you’ll know what I mean. If not, give this book a gander. You might enjoy it more than I did. Usually I would stop reading and toss the book in the donate pile but as I said there were some interesting aspects to the story line that I wanted to see what happened.
December 7, 2011
Everything in this novel was cold.
The Setting was cold, the prose was cold, the plot was cold, even the love making scenes were cold.
The way that Native Americans were portrayed was cold, as incestuous, Homosexual, drunken Savages.
Muriel Gray's writing style was hard to follow at times, her grammar incorrect, even down to paragraph structure. Often I had a hard time determining which character was speaking and thinking. I'm sure the ending of this novel was spectacular, but I had difficulty determining what was happening.
The Trickster's Character was amazingly similar to that of Anne Rice's character Lasher. Possibly a little plagiarism here. Even to the details of how Trickster attains, or tries to attain, human form.
Aside from all the coldness, and difficulties reading it, this book was impossible to put down.
The gore factor of the scenes will be memorable. I am still afraid of dark places now. I will watch small animals such as chipmunks and kittens with caution. Also I will be wary of the upcoming winter months. (hehehehe)
A good read for a rainy or snowy day.
The Setting was cold, the prose was cold, the plot was cold, even the love making scenes were cold.
The way that Native Americans were portrayed was cold, as incestuous, Homosexual, drunken Savages.
Muriel Gray's writing style was hard to follow at times, her grammar incorrect, even down to paragraph structure. Often I had a hard time determining which character was speaking and thinking. I'm sure the ending of this novel was spectacular, but I had difficulty determining what was happening.
The Trickster's Character was amazingly similar to that of Anne Rice's character Lasher. Possibly a little plagiarism here. Even to the details of how Trickster attains, or tries to attain, human form.
Aside from all the coldness, and difficulties reading it, this book was impossible to put down.
The gore factor of the scenes will be memorable. I am still afraid of dark places now. I will watch small animals such as chipmunks and kittens with caution. Also I will be wary of the upcoming winter months. (hehehehe)
A good read for a rainy or snowy day.
December 29, 2018
I desperately wanted to love this book. Hell, even to enjoy this book, but my god I was bored all the way through.
The story premise was interesting, set in the early 20th century and modern day, the author tell the story of an ancient spirit wreaking havoc. Set in a snowy Canadian setting, it should have set itself up as an interesting read. But it wasn’t. I can’t even beat around the bush regarding this one. I gave it 2 stars, one for plot and one for well written characters. I feel like I’ve probably been over generous with my rating of this book. Sadly this will be an author that I put on the back burner.
The story premise was interesting, set in the early 20th century and modern day, the author tell the story of an ancient spirit wreaking havoc. Set in a snowy Canadian setting, it should have set itself up as an interesting read. But it wasn’t. I can’t even beat around the bush regarding this one. I gave it 2 stars, one for plot and one for well written characters. I feel like I’ve probably been over generous with my rating of this book. Sadly this will be an author that I put on the back burner.
August 11, 2023
Native Canadian Sam Hunt works hard for his wife and kids but their ski-resort town is plagued by gruesome bloody murders. Something has resurfaced from the heritage Sam has sought to escape and before long, Sam is a suspect…. Muriel Gray has written a beautiful novel, a gripping story with some shocking and gory moments. Above all, she gives us a protagonist we can care about. Superb!
November 21, 2024
Μια ιστορία με ωραία πλοκή και μυστήριο κι ένα κουβάρι που ξετυλίγεται με ωραίο τρόπο θα έλεγα. Κινηματογραφικές σκηνές και λίγο περισσότερο απ'όσο θα ήθελα λυρισμό στη γραφή αλλά ικανό να μεταφέρει την αγωνία στον αναγνώστη.
January 17, 2022
I'm not even sure what year I read this book--over twenty years ago? But I still think about it.
July 30, 2023
I would have given it a higher rating but the constant bashing of the Native Canadians was difficult to read. Interesting story but I wish it could have been surrounded by less hateful and derogatory language.
October 17, 2021
Έχω την εντύπωση ότι ο King είχε μιλήσει επαινετικά γι'αυτο στο περί συγγραφής και αν ισχύει, μάλλον εκεί οφείλει ένα μεγάλο μέρος της φήμης του. Προσωπικά το βρήκα υπερβολικά φλύαρο για μια τόσο απλή ιστορία, θα μπορούσε να είναι συμπαθητικό αν ήταν το 1/3 σε έκταση. Τελικά με κούρασε τόσο, που μπήκα αρκετές φορές στον πειρασμό να το αφήσω στη μέση.
August 23, 2015
Found this one hard going. Lots of over the top nastiness and very obvious developments: for example, you know from early on that is not long for this world. Quite a nice twist that, in the flashbacks, the minister is not a bigot, is actually trying to help the native Canadians against the other white men, but there is also a lot of stereotyped stuff about native Canadians being alcoholics and wife/children abusers etc.
Very prevalent head hopping within scenes - an especially bad sequence is when two characters are skating downhill together and 'he' is a different one from sentence to sentence so it is almost impossible to understand - and a lot of characters who are set up to do something - the longsuffering resort deputy is a main one who keeps popping up - but in the end come to nothing (literally in his case as he's present at a scene of major mayhem but you don't even find out if he's killed). Another one is that the story starts with three railway man in a train together - a lot is made of one of them having had a bad experience before in the railway tunnel so you think he is going to be the hero and then he is completely dropped after the first chapter.
The conclusion is also very unconvincing - how on earth does the hero stay out of jail when there is no evidence of his innocence that would be accepted by any of the police other than the one who helps him and his family, but who is already marginalised by the other law enforcement officers. As I believe the US version was edited down from this UK edition I've read, I wonder what material was taken out and whether that would make it a better book, but as it is, I can't say I enjoyed it.
Very prevalent head hopping within scenes - an especially bad sequence is when two characters are skating downhill together and 'he' is a different one from sentence to sentence so it is almost impossible to understand - and a lot of characters who are set up to do something - the longsuffering resort deputy is a main one who keeps popping up - but in the end come to nothing (literally in his case as he's present at a scene of major mayhem but you don't even find out if he's killed). Another one is that the story starts with three railway man in a train together - a lot is made of one of them having had a bad experience before in the railway tunnel so you think he is going to be the hero and then he is completely dropped after the first chapter.
The conclusion is also very unconvincing - how on earth does the hero stay out of jail when there is no evidence of his innocence that would be accepted by any of the police other than the one who helps him and his family, but who is already marginalised by the other law enforcement officers. As I believe the US version was edited down from this UK edition I've read, I wonder what material was taken out and whether that would make it a better book, but as it is, I can't say I enjoyed it.
April 20, 2022
I've read a few reviews that were critical in the author's writing style, random sentences or story additions that don't quite make sense, critical that reference to native Indian culture might not be quite correct, etc.
However - if you take this story and read it to be entertained, to be taken on a journey, you will enjoy this story telling. The author has done a wonderful job in creating a truely engaging story with well developed characters, a great back drop, smooth transition between character experiences weaving these experiences together expertly. The foundation of the story line, ancient native Indian culture was a joy to be immersed in - through the understanding of both good and evil, and have finished this story with an appreciation of this old, important culture, and our connection to all things.
Take the journey - you won't be disappointed.
However - if you take this story and read it to be entertained, to be taken on a journey, you will enjoy this story telling. The author has done a wonderful job in creating a truely engaging story with well developed characters, a great back drop, smooth transition between character experiences weaving these experiences together expertly. The foundation of the story line, ancient native Indian culture was a joy to be immersed in - through the understanding of both good and evil, and have finished this story with an appreciation of this old, important culture, and our connection to all things.
Take the journey - you won't be disappointed.
December 27, 2013
There were some things I liked about this book and some things I didn't. The most detrimental part was the constant point of view switches in the middle of conversations, no chapter break, no line break, just total head hopping - whoever let that get through editing should be fired. The story itself wasn't bad, and the characters weren't bad either. It was a little longer than it needed to be in my opinion, but if you just want an easy read to kill a train ride with, you could do worse.
This is also the first book I have ever read that was set in Canada that was not written by a Canadian or at least a long time resident of Canada, which for me was interesting in itself.
This is also the first book I have ever read that was set in Canada that was not written by a Canadian or at least a long time resident of Canada, which for me was interesting in itself.
May 19, 2011
I was very impressed with the research that Muriel Gray obviously put into this novel. The setting of the novel is a fictious ski resort town but the surrounding landmarks and cities are real (and I happen to live in one of them!) The story itself was well written and kept my intrest throughout.
October 11, 2017
So first off I want to say that I can't speak for the accuracy of Native Canadian mythology that's presented in this book. I know nothing about the topic so everything could be very accurate or it could be a load of hogwash. Depending on how much you know and how accurate the book is will probably change how much you enjoy it.
This being said I personally loved the book. It was very engaging and well written I thought, and I really enjoyed most of the characters and the mythology presented. The creature and nightmarish situations it created were exactly what I would hope for in a story about ancient demons and while it didn't necessarily leave a lasting impression on me after any given reading session it was still intimidating and did the job well while I was in the book. It was an enjoyable read and I would defiantly recommend it to any friends that were a fan of the genre.
If I had any criticism it would be in the son. Every time Billy appeared in the story or any amount of time was dedicated to his character it pretty quickly took me out of everything entirely. I didn't find his reactions, his thoughts, or his emotions to be believable for a child of his age. He felt more like a grown adult in a kid's body and I don't feel like he added anything to the book story wise to justify the part he played in it. Even during parts where it's mentioned that he's acting like an adult or a man felt forced or like an excuse to cover up his unrealistic character. Of course this might be a personal preference since I tend to dislike young children in horror as a general rule, mostly for the reasons stated above. I don't have children myself though so my base of judgement may be way off, take all of this with a grain of salt.
This being said I personally loved the book. It was very engaging and well written I thought, and I really enjoyed most of the characters and the mythology presented. The creature and nightmarish situations it created were exactly what I would hope for in a story about ancient demons and while it didn't necessarily leave a lasting impression on me after any given reading session it was still intimidating and did the job well while I was in the book. It was an enjoyable read and I would defiantly recommend it to any friends that were a fan of the genre.
If I had any criticism it would be in the son. Every time Billy appeared in the story or any amount of time was dedicated to his character it pretty quickly took me out of everything entirely. I didn't find his reactions, his thoughts, or his emotions to be believable for a child of his age. He felt more like a grown adult in a kid's body and I don't feel like he added anything to the book story wise to justify the part he played in it. Even during parts where it's mentioned that he's acting like an adult or a man felt forced or like an excuse to cover up his unrealistic character. Of course this might be a personal preference since I tend to dislike young children in horror as a general rule, mostly for the reasons stated above. I don't have children myself though so my base of judgement may be way off, take all of this with a grain of salt.
January 20, 2021
The Trickster is a phenomenal read. From the beginning of the book until the end, I was emotionally involved in the life of Sam Hunt and rooted for him to emerge like a phoenix from the ashes. What he faces and endures is so intensely heinous that the physical scars become nothing to the mental and physical that, in many cases, are self-inflicted.
The story, history, culture, and racial tension epically pull the elements of the book together. In every culture, there is some type of entity, whether the Boogeyman, La Llorona, Candyman, etc. The malevolent being in this book is a formidable foe that is deeply rooted in Native American culture. And it is the Kinchuinicks who suffer the most due to impurity and broken tradition. In Sam Hunt's case, the being is fueled even more by Sam's self-loathing; once you delve into the background provided, it is easy to understand why Sam clings to a new identity; however, when he is accused of the most gruesome crimes, it only kindles the fire and makes Sam's loved ones question his love and integrity. Readers watch a (semi)respected Native Canadian of the Kinchuinick tribe fall like a boulder down a mountain.
Though this is a horror novel, there are so many 'gems' in this book that resonated with me and are relevant to current society. Furthermore, the writing--language captivated me. Moving back and forth from the past to the present and the number of characters Gray developed is just a testament to her captivating writing style. By the time you finish this novel, you 'will' know The Trickster.
The story, history, culture, and racial tension epically pull the elements of the book together. In every culture, there is some type of entity, whether the Boogeyman, La Llorona, Candyman, etc. The malevolent being in this book is a formidable foe that is deeply rooted in Native American culture. And it is the Kinchuinicks who suffer the most due to impurity and broken tradition. In Sam Hunt's case, the being is fueled even more by Sam's self-loathing; once you delve into the background provided, it is easy to understand why Sam clings to a new identity; however, when he is accused of the most gruesome crimes, it only kindles the fire and makes Sam's loved ones question his love and integrity. Readers watch a (semi)respected Native Canadian of the Kinchuinick tribe fall like a boulder down a mountain.
Though this is a horror novel, there are so many 'gems' in this book that resonated with me and are relevant to current society. Furthermore, the writing--language captivated me. Moving back and forth from the past to the present and the number of characters Gray developed is just a testament to her captivating writing style. By the time you finish this novel, you 'will' know The Trickster.
March 6, 2022
When you are not interested in Indian lore or shamans, this may not be the best book to read. It has taken ages to plough through it. It is boring, tedious and because it is based on superstition, unlikely as well.
Sam Hunt, born Sam Hunting Wolf, has a family with a white woman and denies his Indian inheritance. He does keep an amulet, though. This amulet identifies him as the shaman who is supposed to protect his tribe from the Trickster. Once buried in Wolf Mountain, the Trickster escapes when the tunnels are created for the railroad tracks that lead through the mountains, in the early nineteen hundreds.
The Trickster is intent on Sam and murders people brutally. Sam does not have any memory at the time the events occurred and the police is coming straight for him. His family falls apart, but in the end he needs to face the Trickster and allow it to enter his soul and being. When that happens, he forces all the love he carries for the people around him to the Trickster and defeats him.
Sam Hunt, born Sam Hunting Wolf, has a family with a white woman and denies his Indian inheritance. He does keep an amulet, though. This amulet identifies him as the shaman who is supposed to protect his tribe from the Trickster. Once buried in Wolf Mountain, the Trickster escapes when the tunnels are created for the railroad tracks that lead through the mountains, in the early nineteen hundreds.
The Trickster is intent on Sam and murders people brutally. Sam does not have any memory at the time the events occurred and the police is coming straight for him. His family falls apart, but in the end he needs to face the Trickster and allow it to enter his soul and being. When that happens, he forces all the love he carries for the people around him to the Trickster and defeats him.
August 28, 2020
God, this was tedious. It starts well with characters that are interesting and separating flashbacks in the story into chapters was useful in following the story arc. But then it gets lost. It's as if the author had this freight train of thought on paper and the brakes failed; it ran away. Became tedious and lacked any form or development. Too many words to convey the story as if she was paid by the page. Became boring, stopped making sense and I wished it was all over but I started and maybe it'll pick up near the end? No. Got worse.
It is M. Greys first novel and starts well. But wasn't there anyone, an editor perhaps, who could tell her where she was losing it? And it's way way too long. I am so grateful I've finished it and it won't be going on my bookshelf. Two stars is generous.
Sorry Muriel.
It is M. Greys first novel and starts well. But wasn't there anyone, an editor perhaps, who could tell her where she was losing it? And it's way way too long. I am so grateful I've finished it and it won't be going on my bookshelf. Two stars is generous.
Sorry Muriel.
November 2, 2020
Not a book I would recommend.
It wasn't scary at all. The Trickster seems to like leaving eyeballs dangling from skulls because that happens at least three times in the book. Trickster doesn't only make you see tricks, he does tricks with your eyes, apparently.
The dialogue was all over the place making it hard to follow. Redundant, unnecessary descriptions does not leave much to the reader's imagination. And repetitive phrases, for example he/she "stared for an age" was extremely annoying... a little variety would be nice.
The ending was a let down and is left mostly unexplained. Also, the Canadian Dollar coin wasn't made until 1987, and although this book is supposed to take place in the 1990s (which wasn't obvious) that places one of the flashbacks prior to 1987. A bit of research could have helped avoid this inaccuracy. The coin is colloquially known as a Loonie because it has a loon pictured on it, and not a duck, as stated in the book.
To compare this book to Red Dragon or The Exorcist is absolutely asinine.
It wasn't scary at all. The Trickster seems to like leaving eyeballs dangling from skulls because that happens at least three times in the book. Trickster doesn't only make you see tricks, he does tricks with your eyes, apparently.
The dialogue was all over the place making it hard to follow. Redundant, unnecessary descriptions does not leave much to the reader's imagination. And repetitive phrases, for example he/she "stared for an age" was extremely annoying... a little variety would be nice.
The ending was a let down and is left mostly unexplained. Also, the Canadian Dollar coin wasn't made until 1987, and although this book is supposed to take place in the 1990s (which wasn't obvious) that places one of the flashbacks prior to 1987. A bit of research could have helped avoid this inaccuracy. The coin is colloquially known as a Loonie because it has a loon pictured on it, and not a duck, as stated in the book.
To compare this book to Red Dragon or The Exorcist is absolutely asinine.
September 7, 2018
I just couldn't get into this. The writing was disjointed and juvenile. The worst part was how Sam, the native Indian, saw prejudice in everyone around him. I am not saying there was no prejudice in this book, because there was, but Sam really had a chip on his shoulder. For example, he and his son wave at a passing train. The conductor doesn't wave back. Sam immediately thinks that it is because he is Indian. He couldn't believe that maybe the train conductor was preoccupied with driving the train and didn't see him (which is what was happening). He only saw the worst in people and it got annoying since he was supposed to be the hero of the story. The story didn't hold my interest at all, so I decided to bail on the book.
October 1, 2022
Well, this book has a lot of mixed reviews. I can see why. Personally, I liked the story, the beginning with the description or the corkscrew train tracks and all the history, the legend, I just found fascinating. I also liked the main characters, especially little Billy.
It was long though, and I will admit to flying past chunks of the book when I was just reading pages and not absorbing it. So I skipped and I picked up the story again towards the last quarter of the book. I didn't really feel like I missed anything important, maybe I did, but I was happy with how it turned out.
It was long though, and I will admit to flying past chunks of the book when I was just reading pages and not absorbing it. So I skipped and I picked up the story again towards the last quarter of the book. I didn't really feel like I missed anything important, maybe I did, but I was happy with how it turned out.
December 6, 2018
This was an interesting story, lots of gory, gross deaths though. Biggest problem was the ending...the author took the lazy way to end with the last chapter set an unknown amount of time in the future. Guess she didn't want to get bogged down with the aftermath details. :-p
March 24, 2022
Well I was up for the challenge for King-size horror.?More sick than scary. Seemed to go for gore then horror. Kind of lost interest in characters. Didn’t care how Trickster got tricked with too many “(The) Exorcist” references.
January 7, 2024
I kept trying and trying with this book but i am finding the really slow pace boring and it feels like a chore to read instad of me getting lost in the storyline.
Dissapointing as came highly recommend
Dissapointing as came highly recommend
October 17, 2024
3.5 stars overall. Good characters and some genuinely creepy parts. The monster was also very original in my opinion. I enjoyed the read but I felt the pacing was off to the point that by the time I got to the last 100 pages I just wanted it to end.
May 29, 2019
It's ok? A little long and heavy-handed but kept me engaged. The ending was a little neat and rushed though.
August 26, 2020
Now this is a book that deserves to be categorised as horror. I could hardly put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed characters that Muriel Gray creates and the descriptions of the atrocities, such as scenes where animals are possessed, I found to be chilling.
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