The united clans share nothing in common except their fear of the oncoming Snake People. The Minnecou and the Paccus not only have differing customs and traditions, they do not share a common language. Yet, these two unlikely allies, led by people like Sequannah, must find the strength to forge a partnership if they are to survive.

SHADOW OF THE SERPENT: A COYOTE MOON STORY may be the best Native American novel of the year. James Joseph scribes an incredible metaphysical tale that is boundless in time even as it provides an endearing message that forces of good can overcome any barrier if people will only let it be. Hopefully, more stories starring Sequannah will be forthcoming from the obviously talented Mr. Joseph."

Harriet Klausner--Painted Rock Writers and Readers Colony

James Joseph's Shadow Of The Serpent is an action-packed adventure novel that blends fact and fantasy into an engaging spiritual journey that examines such questions as whether the gains of modern civilization are substantive or illusory, and have we lost our true sense of meaning in the evolving transition from ancient wisdom to contemporary assumptions underlying our technologically driven, mass produced culture. Highly recommended.

Internet Bookwatch--Midwest Book Review

Sequannah will find his courage, loyalty and faith tested as a young warrior in battle, as a submissive slave in captivity and as an uncertain leader facing overwhelming odds and hopeless conditions. Surrounded by treachery, danger and deception, Sequannah must rely on the wisdom of his ancestors, taught now by his father and the clan's Washan, an elder possessed of benevolent wisdom and wizardry.

This is a rousing, action-packed story, but its real strength lies in its parables, the moral lessons of life and nature that bring harmony and purpose to our lives. Sequannah learns that loyalty and sacrifice for the family, the good of all, are more important than individual desires of safety. Groups of people might be different in many ways, but they are the same in the ways that count. Good will always triumph over evil if people will set aside their differences and work together toward a common goal.

Joseph's well-crafted narrative is detailed, varied and colorful, offering a fascinating insight into the religions, customs, traditions and rituals of early Native American life. Complex and tightly woven plotting provides suspense and excitement. Sequannah is an enduring and convincing character, and apparently, Joseph thinks so too, as he is already planning a sequel and perhaps a complete series of Coyote Moon stories.

by William D. Bushnell--Brunswick Times-Record

In the introduction to his fast-moving, suspense-filled, premier work, Joseph asks some provocative questions. "Why, if civilization is so desirable, was it always resisted rather than embraced?" he asks, alluding to the 500 or so Indian nations scattered throughout North America. "Why, after conquering millions in the ancient cities of Mexico and Central America, did the Spanish run into a stumbling block with the sparse populations of what is now known as the desert Southwest?"

He then points out that the United States had to resort to pitting nations against nations in order to subdue them. "Did they resist for logical reasons? Spiritual? Just plain stubbornness?"

"Shadow of the Serpent" is in many ways a fantasy that young readers from 15 to 20 should find entertaining and suspenseful, and older readers will find multilayered. Joseph is a talented writer.

by Jack Barnes--Maine Sunday Telegram

The book is set in prehistoric North America and Joseph weaves quite an extravagant story of ancient civilizations, nomads, and the ever-present struggle for control of land and domination over others.

This work could be called action/adventure as it contains plenty of both, but it also mixes fact & fantasy which leads us on a spiritual journey as we view what we have made of this world. The parables contained within the text are insightful, and deeply provocative. James has encased these moral gems into a very well crafted narrative which is exciting, enticing, and eloquent. He brings us a closer look at ancient rites and rituals and helps us to see the need for such in our present world.

This book gets my highest recommendation!!

Leslie Blanchard--A Writer's Choice Literary Journal

Just finished Shadow of the Serpent yesterday. Feels like waving goodbye to a bunch of people I really grew to like a lot. A fine piece of work, my friend. I'm left now to wonder your actual age. Whatever it is, you write with wisdom beyond your years. The epilogue you wrote as Teokahannah is suitable for framing. I'm full of questions now. Like, "Are you promising a sequel, by leaving the fate of Tarote in mystery?" (Hope so)...Anyway, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Steve Harrison--Indiana

Brother James! I have really enjoyed your book, and I feel that much more went into it than just writing skill. You have spent much time in research and in the outdoors to have acquired such a zest for Mother Earth and Her inhabitants! Is there another one in the making?? I felt that I could easily have been any one of the characters you wrote of. You have given me the wonderful gift of inspiration! Keep up your fine work, my friend!

Ron LaFitte--Tennesee

...I could go on and on. I really think this book would make a great required reading book for high school students, regardless of their ethnicity. Youth of today need more guidance than the majority are receiving at home, in school, music and TV. Because this book contains some dark fantasy, I think it would hold their interest while providing good reading and moral guidance.

Mara Lys Benoit--Rhode Island