Ancient Native American lore, spirituality and philosophy are brought to vivid life in James Joseph's first novel, "Shadow of the Serpent." Using a compelling blend of fact, fiction and fantasy, Joseph spins an adventure yarn full of action, mystery and intriguing parables.

Inspired by his interest in Native American history and culture, Joseph spent 10 years researching and writing this tale. While the large publishing houses are looking for formula material with mass appeal, this cross-genre story found small presses most receptive. And Joseph, with Audenreed Press of Brunswick, has produced a satisfying story of loyalty, sacrifice and hardship, in a triumph of good over evil.

Joseph cleverly never tell us exactly where or when this story takes place, but he does provide enough clues to orient the reader and still keep you guessing. Just when you think you have figured out the where, when and who, he slips in another clue that will confound you.

Sequannah is a young warrior of the Minnecou clan. He and his people summer in the northern plains and mountains, but head south to spend the winter in warmer climes. During a summer journey in the north, Sequannah and the Minnecou are forced to join forces with the Paccus, a rival clan. A brutal, warlike tribe known as the Snake People is creating an empire of evil and bloodshed as they grow in power, consuming lands and enslaving other peoples in a voracious quest for more power and wealth. It is easy to see some modern historic parallels here.

The Minnecou and Paccus are in the path of this spreading menace and their whole existence as proud societies is threatened. Although they have different languages, customs and attitudes, the Minnecou and the Paccus forge an uneasy alliance to resist the Snake People. Sequannah, his father, sister, and others of his clan are confronted with challenges and decisions they had never before dreamed of facing.

In this struggle for survival, these unlikely allies face dangers greater than the fierce, armor-clad Snake warriors. The leader of the Snake People, Quiktkoata, also possesses mystical powers used to terrorize his subjects and his victims. In addition to his thousands of human warriors, he controls an army of black and yellow serpents, snakes with the power to enchant and paralyze anyone who looks into the serpents' eyes. Three large hawks also fly in the skies above, serving as Quiktkoata's eyes, searching for enemies and prey.

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.