Review: Not Your Father's Horseman

The Earth of this novel is a universe of three interlocking worlds - Earth, Shadow and Dawn - each with its own powers who must try to keep all in balance. Without balance, all life on Earth will destroyed to make way for a new start. Naturally, the possibility of the complete destruction of everyone and everything on earth does not eliminate the temptation to carry out one's plans using methods which may alter the balance among the realms sufficiently to cause a catastrophe.

Nikki, raised in the human world, starts out on a trip to research and write a book on ghosts. She has no problems other than a nasty would- be boyfriend, a tendency to have strange dreams and the sudden discovery that she is adopted. She encounters rather more bizarre phenomena than she is prepared for, as her secret heritage begins to affect her present and her future. Meanwhile, there are signs that something very wrong and dangerous has begun and may threaten the balance in the worlds.

The setting of this novel is original and interesting. The three 'worlds' and the requirement for balance among them allow for unusual and complicated interactions and plot devices.

The juxtaposition of some Christian ideas with a distinctly non- Christian universe struck me as slightly odd. The idea of four horsemen of the Apocalypse being supernatural beings capable of destroying the world quite independently of the rest of associated Biblical reasons didn't throw me in the least. This may have been because I could think of them as supernatural beings that just happened to have the same names as the Biblical horsemen. The casual references to St. Michael and the 'God Squad' seemed misplaced and minor distractions from a fictional world in which they should have no place.

Nikki's abandonment of her adoptive parents it a little too casual and the necessity for it is not really made clear. She is portrayed as having been raised by very loving parents - and yet, aside from a moments' anger a the belated revelation of her adoption, she barely gives them a thought after she heads off ghost-hunting. Admittedly, she has a great deal on her mind during this period.

These are minor caveats. Overall, 'Not Your Father's Horseman' is a very enjoyable read with an interesting protagonist and quite original setting.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM

Book Review: Not Your Father's Horseman