Book Reviews
Breed
Breed
by Owl Goingback
Signet
In Owl Goingback’s new novel, Breed, something evil has arisen in St. Augustine, Florida. When police detective Jack Colvin stumbles upon the remains of a Wiccan priestess in the Tolomato Cemetery, he becomes involved in the investigation of something preying upon the town’s residents.
Meanwhile, half-Cherokee tour guide Ssabra Onih has been having troubles of her own. She’s been contacted by the spirit of Tolomato, the long-dead leader of the slaughtered Native American Guales tribe, and informed that she has been chosen to fight this evil, a being known only as the Shiru. The Shiru is an ancient spirit once worshipped as a dark god, one quite similar to and quite as nasty as anything that ever crawled out of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos.
Needless to say, Jack and Ssabra must team up and find a way to stop the evil before it strikes the streets of St. Augustine again . . .
Goingback’s novel is definitely a page-turner. But if you’re looking for a positive depiction of Wicca, it might be best to look elsewhere. Maria Sanchez, the Wiccan High priestess whose death starts this whole dark ride, is little more than a charlatan; her two covenmates are bubble-headed dupes. Add to this the later appearance of a New Age “psychic ghost talker” with all the metaphysical abilities of a Dustbuster, and you’ve got something to offend almost everyone. Certainly these characters can be seen as effective examples of Stupid Things Not to Do, and Types Best Avoided, but don’t expect a positive or sensitive portrayal here. You have been warned.
If you’ve decided you want to check out this novel anyway, what you’ll get is a decent horror/mystery novel with gore, one creepy monster, and a bit of romance. It’ll entertain you for an afternoon or two.
DANIELLE POLLOCK
RATING: 2 Broomsticks
» Originally appeared in newWitch #01
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