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Lizard is a two-souled
shaman, also called Berdache. He
walks between worlds, physical and spiritual, men and women. He is wise
in many
ways, a keeper of secrets. The least of which is his secret passion for
his
best friend, the warrior called Red Wolf.
Lately there have been
signs, of which Lizard is quite
certain, that point to Red Wolf being a Berdache as well. Many new
paths are
opened to both of them if this is, indeed, the case—but Red Wolf
doesn't
believe that he is such a thing. How could a shaman come from a man who
has
trained all his life to be the perfect warrior?
Lizard becomes more
certain of his friend's true nature as
events come to pass, the need to convince Red Wolf takes on new urgency
when it
seems that if he cannot accept his destiny as one of the Berdache, the
strain
of living between two worlds will drive him mad.
Ms. Austin strikes a
brilliant balance between her
characters, and takes a very fascinating step into the world of Amerind
shamanism and culture. This reviewer very much enjoyed not only the
story, but
also the dynamics of the evolving relationship between Red Wolf and
Lizard.
The strength of
friendship between these two men lays a
foundation of trust and realism that grows into a deep and meaningful
love that
transcends the boundaries of everything they both are and will become.
Berdache is well
paced, and filled with incredibly hot, sensual moments between Lizard
and Red
Wolf, and the other elements of action and adventure are engaging and
lead the
reader into the tale with care and attention to detail that breathe
life into
this wonderful story.
Grab some iced tea and
turn up the A/C, because this is one
I strongly recommend putting in there with the best. Berdache
is a damned fine read all around!
Reviewed
by Niniri Theriault for The Road to Romance
May 27,
2005
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