RAVEN STOLE THE MOON

Rating:
Summary: Combination Mystery Thriller and Culture Lesson
Review: A woman of Native Alaskan blood is drawn back to the place of her only son's murder, where her marriage, as well as her belief system are challenged. Garth Stein weaves Tlingit legend with mystery thriller to create a story that is gripping and, at times disturbing. He is not afraid to make his characters unsympathetic, which adds to the realism of his story. Being one half Tlingit drew my interest to this mystery, but Garth Stein's ability as a novelist kept it until it's climactic finish.

Rating:
Summary: Combination Mystery Thriller and Culture Lesson
Review: A woman of Native Alaskan blood is drawn back to the place of her only son's murder, where her marriage, as well as her belief system are challenged. Garth Stein weaves Tlingit legend with mystery thriller to create a story that is gripping and, at times disturbing. He is not afraid to make his characters unsympathetic, which adds to the realism of his story. Being one half Tlingit drew my interest to this mystery, but Garth Stein's ability as a novelist kept it until it's climactic finish.

Rating:
Summary: Could not put this novel down...
Review: Garth Stein has captured the culture, mystique and emotional beauty of Alaska in his novel, HOW RAVEN STOLE THE MOON. It is the story of a woman, a mom, a lover, a wife and what she must go through to aid her son's soul in passing over to the Land of the Dead Souls. Does the story contain cliches? Yes, but the theme goes beyond the everyday writing. Characters are well-developed and their stories are rich. Jenna is a woman not afraid to show her vulnerability in situations, she remains strong by doing so. She is right to take the time to analyze her current relationship with her husband, my only disappointment is that Alaska remains in the past by the time the final page is turned.The beauty of Tlingit legends comes alive. Some of these legends are well explained through various characters in the story. The reader is given the opportunity to explore, appreciate and value the spiritual world that is presented. The author does a wonderful job in explaining the idea that kushtakas, like people, contain within their spirits both good and evil.My only disappointment is that Mr. Stein lives in New York and not Alaska. Maybe someday he will return to this setting, both phsyically and as an author. Should Mr. Stein and his family return to this great state, I'm sure they would be welcomed with open arms and eager readers. Just the random thoughts of a fellow Alaskan.

Rating:
Summary: Stein does for Alaska what King did for Colorado
Review: Not since I read The Shining have I had the shivers running up and down my spine like I did with this book! An excellent thrill ride from beginning to end. Mr. Stein is a master craftsman when developing his characters, and I was amazed at his ability to shift from both the male and female perspective.

Rating:
Summary: Stein does for Alaska what King did for Colorado
Review: Not since I read The Shining have I had the shivers running up and down my spine like I did with this book! An excellent thrill ride from beginning to end. Mr. Stein is a master craftsman when developing his characters, and I was amazed at his ability to shift from both the male and female perspective.